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BMW 540d xDrive Brake Master Cylinder Replacement at your home or office.

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Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Master Cylinder Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 540d xDrive Brake Master Cylinder Replacement is $816 with $634 for parts and $182 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2018 BMW 540d xDriveL6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementEstimate$1469.42Shop/Dealer Price$1791.08 - $2745.53
Show example BMW 540d xDrive 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.

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Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(7,430)
Rating Summary
6,938
220
61
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6,938
220
61
51
160

Victor

12 years of experience
211 reviews
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Victor
12 years of experience
Request Victor
by Howard
BMW 528i L6-2.8L - Brake Master Cylinder Replacement - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Victor was timely with his arrival. He was courteous and interested in solving my car problem. We had meaningful conversation about the car and the repair. It was a pleasant experience and I would request Victor as my mechanic again.

James

17 years of experience
23 reviews
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James
17 years of experience
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by John
BMW M5 V8-5.0L - Brake Master Cylinder - Morrisville, Pennsylvania
James went above and beyond when my brake master cylinder replacement (that I attempted to do myself) went awry. He spent plenty of time making sure the brakes were bled correctly. I highly recommend James.

Chris

23 years of experience
2372 reviews
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Chris
23 years of experience
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by mark
BMW 735i L6-3.5L - Brake Master Cylinder - San Juan Capistrano, California
Chris was punctual and professional. Very efficient and knowledgeable. Work was done in the manner that I expected. Good mechanic...

Rodney

37 years of experience
611 reviews
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Rodney
37 years of experience
Request Rodney
by Jennica
BMW 335i L6-3.0L Turbo - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - West Sacramento, California
Rodney always arrives on time and is the only mechanic I trust to work on my 335i coupe!

Excellent Rating

(7,430)
Rating Summary
6,938
220
61
51
160
6,938
220
61
51
160
Number of BMW services completed
81730+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1200+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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