dripping break fluid, expansion tank - United Bimmer Community

**mzbmw325i** · 02-26-2007, 01:12 PM

Hi guys, over the last week i noticed i was dripping break fluid, i did not have the time to check really from where until this past weekend.

i noticed it was leaking from the break expansion tank but the only problem was i could not make out if it was from the expansion tank itself or the bedding, i checked real oem for pictures and it looks like the tank is inserted into 2 plugs that go into the master cylinder.

is it a known issue that those plugs can wear out or i have some kind of a crack on my tank?

has anyone replaced the plug or the tank itself, i just added some ate blue fluid, might have to empty it i guess this weekend to replace the tank/plug.

and would it be also the cylinder itself? That would be expensive

any ideas, suggestions, thank u in advance

**c1apton** · 02-26-2007, 06:59 PM

By looking at your previous posts this car has been pretty neglected prior to your "gallant" efforts. You need to take it to a dealer & have them do an InspeectionII done to it.
I'll forwarn you, it won't be cheap $$$ but it will address all your issues and you'll have a warranty on the work performed. It'll be money well spent.
Re: your brake issue - you're talking a safety issue - a master cylinder is nothing to messed with if you're a novice. (bleeding and pad replacement are good for DIYs) but with all the issues this car has have the Inspect II done. You'll have a "ground zero" starting point - then keep accurate records. You'll enjoy the car more and spend less time playing Sherlock Holmes attempting to diagnose the next problem.

**mzbmw325i** · 02-26-2007, 07:25 PM

Inspection 2, what am i looking at money wise on that, i mean the car takaes me from point A to B but at the condition/state it is i don't want to spend more than i will be able to drive it, the car has over 200k miles now, like u said it was neglected and i know that, but if it was in my hands from the time it was bought i doubt i would have let it go so bad.

i am trying to save enough cash to get another bmw, well hopefully

i will take it to a friend of my dad this wekeend to check that break leak dripping and go from there.

P.S. just cehcked the below link and isee that
Inspection 2 can run up to 500, oops, and apperantly i can have only a partial inspection done, like checking for leaks and stuff like that is that correct?

http://www.bimmerzone.com/inspection.htm

**c1apton** · 02-26-2007, 07:59 PM

I can almost gar. yours will be a whole lot more than that. Inspect II is a total tune up, oil change etc... but they check literally everything from bumper to bumper and they'll note everything. I know you're trying to salvage this ride but is it worth the following?

Here's your options: (sorry but playing devils advocate)

a) continue throwing small chunks of $$$ = bandaid at at gunshot wounds - in a short amount of time you can have thrown 3 times the INSP II costs at it and still not have it totally right
b) get inspect II - which will prolong it for awhile - while allowing you to save a little$$$
c) get yourself a cheap comuter car - save $$$ and get a bimmer you want exactly

Sorry for the reality check but this car needs alot of work and it's more of a project car now rather than a daily driver without being painfully $$$

**mzbmw325i** · 02-27-2007, 09:57 AM

c1apton

I do appreciate your straight forward opinion, in a way this is a project car since it has so many things to be done to it, one issue i have is that the car is in such a high mileage, and i know bmw's r expensive to maintain, i recently replaced the fuel pump, soon i need to replace 2 tires, i want to replace the rotors in the near future too, adding up all those items i know i will reach and surpass the level 2 inspection that i am trying to avoid.

i am going to call the local dealer and few authorized bmw shops to ask how much they will charge for a leak inspection only, as i feel that being the major issue right now with the car (besides my previous posts)

thanks for all your feedback, i do appreciate it from all of u

**mzbmw325i** · 03-07-2007, 02:38 PM

by the way i got that fixed, i bought the 2 plugs from the dealer, pricy but when u want something right away and cant wait for shipment, well it cost 14$ for the 2,

all i did was i sucked out the fluid from the expansion tank, removed it, and there it was one of the plugs had deteriorated, carefully took it out so no particles are left to into the cylinder, replaced both and refilled the expansion tank, now there is no drips