Brake fluid change every 2 years?...

[F458]

Is this absolutely necessary? And can you do it yourself? 330CD M Sport

[TheEnd]

Not always, check the service intervals on the fluid, as I have seen plenty that have a 3 year life for example.
http://www.ate.de/generator/www/com/en/ate/ate/the...

You can do it yourself too.

[F458]

I'm not sure whats in there at the moment and 2 years is coming up and its £50 to have it done so not mega but is it really needed?

[E30M3SE]

Basically yes, brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so it will degrade with time, the more moisture is absorbs the worse it performs and the easier it is to 'boil'.

[E30M3SE]

Basically yes, brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so it will degrade with time unless it is in a sealed air tight container, the more moisture is absorbs the worse it performs and the easier it is to 'boil'.

[F458]

OK will get it done - how much should I be paying for front pads & discs for a 330cd m sport? Independent NOT main dealer. (I guess they are more expensive on the 330?) Its not my car.. I'm just paying... long story!!! £200 all in maybe?

[F458]

So £250 with the brake fluid change?

[E30M3SE]

If it is a BMW E46 then main dealer will do front discs and pad for £255 (Value Service), an indie should be able to do it for around the £150ish mark, so £200ish inc the fluid change as a max.

[F458]

Bang on there! just under £200 all in