E36 M3, computer saying check brake circuit !!!

[ALS M3]

every other day the trip computer keeps saying check brake cicuit but both brake lights are working fine !! any ideas what this could be ??

[Frik]

It's a faulty sensor. You can replace it if you want (bit awkward to get to as it's behind the brake pedal).

[PiB]

'brake light circuit' I'm guessing. Mine does it too. A bit annoying but I've never fixed it.

[Vixpy1]

Its the switch behind the brake pedal, about 10 mins to change and about 7 quid!

[_Neal_]

Frik said:

It's a faulty sensor. You can replace it if you want (bit awkward to get to as it's behind the brake pedal).

Yep - it's a 20 quid part, 10 minutes to replace (unless you're very heavily-built, as you need to be able to fit in the footwell) Full guide on e36coupe.com

ETA - Mine was from BMW - may be able to get a pattern part for cheaper.

Edited by _Neal_ on Sunday 7th November 20:43

[chippy17]

I have had the same issue with mine, they seem quite fragile as this is the third one I have on now, the switch broke twice but BMW just sent a new one each time

[RedBull]

Another vote for the brake light switch behind the pedal. Exactly the same thing happened to me about a week after I bought my car. I researched the problem on the net and everything pointed to the switch. Bought one from ebay for about £15 delivered. Fitted a few weeks ago, no problems since. The advice when fitting is to break up the old switch with pliers, taking care not to bend or damage the metal mounting bracket. They are practically impossible to remove intact, and it's pointless anyway since you are fitting a new one. That's how I did it, and the new one just clips straight in. You need the 4 pin switch for cars with the CCM. Here's a link to the one I bought: E36 Brake light switch

[CRACKIE]

RedBull said:

You need the 4 pin switch for cars with the CCM.

Good point RedBull ~ cars without Check Control Module use a 2 pin version of the switch AFAIK.

[ALS M3]

cheers guys i have just ordered the swith so hopefully that will sort it

thanks, AL