Brake Fluid Flush - How Often?

[rwalker]

Originally Posted by FLOSS M

I use Motul 600, bleed all corners before each event. I like having fresh fluid at the caliper.

2nd that

My HPDE tech forms ask for a *flush* no more than 60 days prior to an event.

[wakdady]

Originally Posted by Acturater

I'm thinking of doing my first HPDE in a couple weeks. How much braking on average would you say you split between engine braking and pedal braking?

brakes are made to stop. engines are made to go.
its cheaper to replace brakes than clutches.
if you're rev matching right, this shouldn't be a question.

don't worry about your brakes. go do your HPDE and worry about how you're driving.
someone will chime and throw my advice to the wayside, tell you to flush your brakes every 6 months or something. you'll be alright regardless. after all, you're driving a M car from today's era. it can handle it.

[ApexL8]

Originally Posted by Acturater

I'm thinking of doing my first HPDE in a couple weeks. How much braking on average would you say you split between engine braking and pedal braking?

The net affect of engine braking on the track is negligible. Don't count on it doing you much good if any at all.

Focus more on establishing brake markers and using the brake pedal smoothly but as firmly as needed to get the job done. Spend time learning the proper line and being smooth overall.

Hopefully wherever you are going has competent instructors to help coach you through this.

Good luck and have fun.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Acturater

I'm thinking of doing my first HPDE in a couple weeks. How much braking on average would you say you split between engine braking and pedal braking?

100% brakes
0% engine

[E92VIP]

Brake fluid. Jesus Christ hire a mechanic!

[Signature Wheel BMW]

OP: Seems like you only do less than 5 weekends of track per year. Just "flush" the first time with ATE TYP 200, then "bleed" once a year. No need to waste your money on $70 silicone fluids that will potentially void your brake warranty and requires more frequent bleeding. Lots of BMW and Porsche track guys use ATE Gold/200 (used to use Blue stuff, but DOT banned it).

Bimmerworld is selling ATE 200 for $12/liter. Can't beat this price.

http://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/At...FQIEaQodvOUJ1A

[zac5]

Let me chime in on this.

I live in Beijing and there are only two proper tracks nearby, unfortunately neither of them is brake friendly. I have used stock, Motul RBF600, RBF660, Endless RF650, Millers 300+, Castrol SRF brake fluid this year over 10 HPDEs. I had stock brake calipers and now I am on APracing 5000R, and my car weighs at 1735kg(with driver).

First of all, I would like to stress each individual uses their brakes in different manner, thus my opinion is subjective. FYI, I am by no means a pro and I use my brakes HARD, i.e. slamming and trailing all the time.

Stock brake fluid is okay for street, but lasted less a whole HPDE on one of the local tracks. Flushing and bleeding didn't help much.

Millers was the worst next to stock fluid. I had to bleed my brakes before HPDE but it still won't last a full session(20mins).

Motul RBF600/660 were ok but I didn't experience any significant difference in performance. They both could last a full HPDE but require bleeding before the next day, otherwise the paddle will start fading during the second session on the next HPDE.

Endless RF650 was impressive, it held up two HPDEs without bleeding. However, it costs a tad bit more than the rest except Castrol.

Castrol SRF is the best among all and you get what you paid for. I have used 500+ street miles and two HPDE events so far, and I haven't experienced any fading on pedal. I knew SRF is going to be my last resort since my car is so heavy and I have heard nothing but good story about it, so I went even more aggressive on track with them.

I will attend one more HPDE this year without bleeding my brake and see how SRF hold up. However, I am pretty sold that I will never use other brake fluid than SRF from now on.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

ditto, to the part of changing with stock brake oil once per year or beginning of season. That's what BMW also recommends in their track document preparation list for the M.

And where would one find this list?

[neo871]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

And where would one find this list?

I'm really curious about this too. I've always wondered if BMW M put out such a list.