# Brakes bleeding or flushing

Brake fluid should be changed every 1 - 2 years in order to prevent moisture contamination from decreasing boiling point to an unsafe level.
Use of a pressure bleeder is the ideal way of achieving fast and accurate results. Information on this page is based on the use of a pressure bleeder.
Always bleed brakes beginning at the furthest point from the master cylinder. That order is : passenger rear, drivers rear, passenger front , drivers front.
Connect pressure bleeder to reservoir and raise pressure to no more than 2 bar ( 28 psi)
Find a piece of vacuum hose and run it into a clear bottle, the hose should run into the bottom of a jar so the end becomes submerged in fluid as soon as possible inside the jar. This will allow you to see any bubbles in the fluid quite clearly
Drum brakes : Connect hose to the bleed screw on the wheel cylinder and open screw.
Allow fluid to flow until it comes out clean and has no bubbles.
Tighten bleed screw and remove hose.
Disc brakes : Connect hose to bleed screw on caliper and open screw.
Allow fluid to flow until it comes out clean and has no bubbles
Tighten bleed screw and remove hose.

### With ABS

Perform the above, except : Before opening bleed screws, have a second person hold the pedal to the floor. Open bleeder and have the second person pump the pedal slowly and completely , 12 times. Hold the pedal down and tighten bleeder. Repeat this procedure on all wheels. This procedure will remove all old fluid from the ABS system.

### Part numbers

Bleed valve, front : 34 11 1 121 206
Bleed valve, front M3 : 34 11 2 660 180
Bleed valve, rear drum : 34 11 1 121 206
Bleed valve, rear : 34 11 1 153 197
Bleed valve, rear M3 : 34 11 2 660 180

### Torques

Bleed screws : 3.5 - 5 Nm ( 2.5 - 3.5 ft lbs.)

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson