2000 BMW 323 New brakes

2000 BMW 323
149,750 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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COWGIRLV
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I had new brakes installed by my local mechanic. (I live in a rural area - BMW dealers are 1 1/2 hrs away.) I had some do-it-yourself instructions from a parts co newsletter - so I made a copy for them - so they could look it over and see if there were any specific things that they need to be aware of. I got the sense that they guy felt he didn't need to look at them - but I know they don't work on BMW's often (or not at all - except for my car). The brake sensor light has not went out. The instructions say to route and install the brake pad sensor. Does the light need to be reset - or did he screw up? I have to go out of town tomorrow - so I won't be back home until next weekend and need to drive approx 120 mi to the airport one way. Will this driving screw up the wiring (assuming he didn't do something right with the wire)?

Thanks.
Nov 30, 2008 at 9:07 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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To reset the warning light(this is assuming that the sensors were both replaced and/or are still serviceable) leave the ignition in the run position without starting the car until the light extinguishes. Pretty simple, easy to do, and please let me know if you need anything else.
Nov 30, 2008 at 11:35 AM
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COWGIRLV
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I tried your suggestion of turning the key to the on position but not starting. I am not sure how long to wait. I waited for about 1- 2 minutes and the light did not go off. It is quite cold here now (winter has arrived-very cold and snowy), so I was worried about my battery - didn't want to push it! I don't have any confirmation though that the sensor was reattached. I will have to find out if it has been done now that I am back home. As I recall, the wires are only on one side of the brakes - is this true? Is there a wire for the front and another on the back?
Dec 8, 2008 at 7:20 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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Yes, the front left and right rear brakes are where the sensors are. If they are bad and not replaced then the light will not extinguish. The ignition only needs to be left on for a minute or so, if there isn't a problem with the sensors then there is no other reason the reset should not work.
Dec 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM