BMW 325xi Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Costs

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

See availability

Customer Ratings

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 325xi Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $473 with $291 for parts and $182 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2005 BMW 325xiL6-2.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1202.66	Shop/Dealer Price$1461.14 - $2218.15
2003 BMW 325xiL6-2.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1190.95	Shop/Dealer Price$1445.41 - $2199.41
2002 BMW 325xiL6-2.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1190.95	Shop/Dealer Price$1445.47 - $2199.51
2001 BMW 325xiL6-2.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1190.95	Shop/Dealer Price$1445.46 - $2199.50
2004 BMW 325xiL6-2.5L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$1190.95	Shop/Dealer Price$1448.82 - $2205.37
2006 BMW 325xiL6-3.0L	Service typeBrake Master Cylinder Replacement	Estimate$815.24	Shop/Dealer Price$966.25 - $1406.70

Show example BMW 325xi Brake Master Cylinder Replacement prices

What is the brake master cylinder and how does it work?

The brake master cylinder has a piston that pressurizes fluid in the brake lines to each wheel cylinder as you apply force to the brake pedal. That pressure moves the pistons that are in the wheel cylinders. As the pistons in those wheel cylinders move, they force the brake pads or shoes tightly against the rotors or drums allowing the car to stop quickly.

The size of the pistons in the master cylinder and in the wheel cylinders are carefully selected when designing a car. This allows drivers to apply moderate pressure on the brake pedal when stopping, but creates tremendous pressure applied at the wheel cylinders. A car can then stop quickly even at high speeds. Depending on how much force is applied to the brake pedal, the pressure in a car’s brake lines will typically be in the range of 800 PSI to 2,000 PSI.

Master Cylinder

When to replace the master cylinder?

External fluid leaks. There should be no fluid visible on the external surfaces of any portion of the master cylinder or the plastic fluid reservoir.
Low, slowly falling, or spongy brake pedal. Faulty internal seals on the piston can cause internal leaks and also seepage of brake fluid into the power assist brake booster. Internal leaks will typically be accompanied by a low pedal, a spongy brake pedal, or a pedal that slowly sinks as you maintain pressure. In all cases, you will experience reduced braking abilities.
Discolored brake fluid. No brake fluids, other than those specified for the year, make, and model, are fully compatible with a car’s internal rubber seals in the master cylinder. Discoloration of brake fluid can also occur due to moisture and particulate contaminants in the fluid.
Warning lights on the dash. If the brake system warning light illuminates, there are several potential causes but failure of the master cylinder is in the list of causes that would have to be investigated.

How do mechanics replace the brake master cylinder?

On vehicles with power brakes, the master cylinder is bolted to the metal housing of the power brake booster. There is usually an electrical plug connecting to a brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir and that plug must be disconnected.
Once all steel brake lines are disconnected from the master cylinder, the master cylinder is unbolted from the brake booster and removed from the vehicle.
The new master cylinder must be bench-bled to expel air from internal passages that contain the piston. Then the new master cylinder is bolted to the brake booster and the brake lines are reattached. The electrical plug for the fluid level sensor is reconnected.
Whenever a new master cylinder is installed, brakes lines to wheel positions must be bled to remove air, old fluid and contaminants. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, the mechanic may use a bidirectional scan tool during brake bleeding to actuate the ABS pump, thus ensuring that all air is removed from the complex valving in the ABS system.
All brake line connections that were removed during the master cylinder replacement are inspected for any leakage and the vehicle is road tested to ensure normal operation of the brakes.

Is it safe to drive with a master cylinder problem?

No, any fault in the master cylinder, which is part of the braking system creates a safety risk. A fully operational brake system is essential to quickly stopping your car. Driving a vehicle isn’t safe, if the master cylinder is leaking or has other faults, as braking distances might be longer than normal. The braking system on a vehicle is among the most important safety systems and must be fully functional to safely drive your vehicle.

When replacing the master cylinder keep in mind:

The master cylinder is only one component of many in a vehicle’s braking system. During replacement of the master cylinder, all vehicle braking system components should be inspected to ensure maximum braking power is available.
The amount of friction material remaining on the brake pads and brake shoes should be verified.
Brake lines and flexible rubber hoses at each wheel position should be inspected for corrosion and deterioration.
The power brake booster should be evaluated to ensure that power assist is working properly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee

Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(83)

Rating Summary

74

4

1

0

4

74

4

1

0

4

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Roberto

10 years of experience

46 reviews

Request Roberto

Roberto

10 years of experience

Request Roberto

by Diana

BMW 325xi L6-2.5L - Door will not open - Phoenix, Arizona

He was on time.came and got the job done. Very professional ..am satisfied

Joel

12 years of experience

177 reviews

Joel

12 years of experience

by Gary

BMW 325xi L6-2.5L - Radiator - Little Elm, Texas

Top Notch Mechanic with an easy manner! He is not only knowledgeable but also has an ability to explain technical details in a down-to-earth way. High Recommended....

Daniel

12 years of experience

90 reviews

Daniel

12 years of experience

by Deontis

BMW 325xi L6-3.0L - Car is not starting - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent mechanic

Dustin

8 years of experience

39 reviews

Dustin

8 years of experience

by William

BMW 325xi L6-2.5L - Fuel Filter - Portland, Oregon

Dustin knows his stuff he goes the extra mile great job!

Excellent Rating

(83)

Rating Summary

74

4

1

0

4

74

4

1

0

4

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

Rules of the Road For Ohio Drivers

When When it comes to driving, if you have a valid driver’s license, you likely know the traffic laws you are required to follow in the state in which it was issued. While that same knowledge will help with the...

How Often Do I Need to Refill the Windshield Washer Fluid?

Your Your windshield gets dirty. It also gets frosty, dusty, and icy. Since it is an immediate concern to clear any obstruction from your view, it is important to be able to wash your windshield right away. Every vehicle is...

How To Buy Used Auto Parts

No matter how reliable a vehicle is, sooner or later most of us find ourselves in the market for auto parts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts). And whether it’s due to the vintage of your vehicle or the state of your bank account, you...

Power window coming off track.

Hello, to see why the window is coming off track, the door panel and water barrier will have to be removed and view the operation of the window to see the cause. You may need the aid of a mechanic,...

will only start full throttle and will only stay running if it's full throttle rpms don't go passed 1500 and keeps fouling plugs

If the engine is equipped with a throttle body injection system, then you should disconnect both injector harnesses and then turn the engine on to see if it looks like the injectors are putting fuel into the engine or the...

On my acura tl 2005 my engine light turned on what will cause my light to be on ?

Hi there. The engine or warning lights will be triggered anytime a sensor detects an error somewhere in the engine, transmission or driveline system; including brakes, axles and even tire pressure. If an auto parts store indicated that the code...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com