BMW Hybrid Brake Warning: Critical Safety Check Needed

Hey there! I had similar symptoms with my 2018 BMW 5 Series Hybrid last year at around 115k km. The brake warning light and fluid alert definitely shouldn't be ignored. When I noticed my brake pedal getting slightly spongy, I took it in and discovered it wasn't just low fluid, my brake pads were seriously worn down and had started damaging the rotors. Had mine checked at the shop and needed new brake pads, rotors, and a brake fluid flush. It was a significant repair that couldn't wait, as worn brakes can lead to complete brake failure. I'd strongly suggest getting it checked soon, based on your mileage, it's about the right time for brake service anyway. Before going to the shop, you can visually check your brake fluid reservoir under the hood, it should be between the min and max lines. But given the pedal feel you described, it's likely more than just fluid. Better safe than sorry with brakes. Hope this helps.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Really helpful to hear about a similar situation. I had mine fixed last month and it turned out you were spot on, worn brake pads were the main culprit. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? The brake pedal feeling on mine has been perfect since the repair, but always good to know what to watch out for!

Hi again! Glad to hear you got it sorted! Yeah, my repair bill came to around 480 € for new pads and rotors, plus the brake fluid top-up. Seems like we had pretty much identical issues with our BMWs. Since getting it fixed, everything's been running perfectly smooth, the brake pedal feels nice and firm again, and that annoying warning light hasn't shown up since. The brake fluid level has stayed stable too, which was a big relief. It's been over a year now with zero brake-related problems. Just keep an eye on your brake fluid level during regular maintenance checks, it's a good early warning system. But honestly, with fresh pads and proper fluid levels now, you should be good for quite a while. These hybrid BMWs generally have solid brake systems once they're properly maintained. Just remember for next time, when the brake warning light comes on, better get it checked sooner rather than later. Been there, learned that lesson! Let me know if anything else comes up with yours!

Thanks for the follow-up! Actually, my repair experience was quite interesting. After your advice, I took it to a new mechanic, much better than my previous one. My total bill came to about 520 €, bit more than yours but included a thorough brake system inspection. Funny story, while I was waiting at the shop, another BMW owner came in with the exact same issue! We ended up having a great chat about hybrid maintenance. The mechanic was super transparent, showed me the worn parts, and explained everything clearly, such a refreshing change from my last experience. You're absolutely right about the warning lights, I won't ignore them again. The brakes feel amazing now, like new really. The pedal's got that perfect resistance, and the car stops on a dime. Definitely learned my lesson about prompt maintenance! Really appreciate your help with this. It's good to know these issues are pretty standard for our models. I'll keep an eye on those fluid levels going forward!