Brake Failure - 98 328i - United Bimmer Community

**CAPiTUL** · 01-27-2007, 07:58 PM

Greetings gang. I bit of a conundrum here.

Whilst traveling, I left my auto at home with mum. She was using it one day and said the brakes failed her. As a result, she rolled into the intersection. She said they made a growling noise, as if the brakes were engaged half way and not stop the car. I asked her if it was possible that she had the brake partially pressed whilst remaining on the pedal (since BMW pedals are close and the accelerator swings out towards the bottom). She assured me that was not the case.

My old man gave it a once over while I was still away and said everything appeared to be fine - no abnormal wear on the pads, full fluid level, and since then it appears to be stopping quite fine. To my understanding, no check lights came on and it only happened on that one occurrance.

Thoughts/Ideas?

**Dudesky** · 01-27-2007, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPiTUL

She said they made a growling noise, as if the brakes were engaged half way and not stopping the car.

Heh . . . She must have hit something slick and set off the ABS. I'd say the description "growling noise" is a dead giveaway.

**CAPiTUL** · 01-27-2007, 10:21 PM

Remedy ideas?

witeshark · 01-27-2007, 10:27 PM

If that is the case there is no need for a remedy. The sound is the ABS automatically letting off and re-braking on very slippery road surface. There would be no way to stop better with such little traction

**chizel** · 05-31-2007, 11:36 PM

your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. two of the most common are squeaks and grinding. check the linings and pads: the BMW brake pads and brake shoe linings should be checked periodically for uneven or excess wear, glazing, or saturation from brake fluid or grease...

**stevo** · 06-01-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPiTUL

Remedy ideas?

yep, don't let your mom drive

your car