Q: Car would not stop at red light - 2006 BMW 528xi

asked by on September 27, 2016

When I started stopping at a red light, I had a frightening thing happen. The car wouldn't slow down! I had to press down on the brake pedal with both feet to get my car to come to a stop. There were no warning signs and no warning lights came on. This problem keeps happening on an intermittent basis. I went to an independent mechanic and he told me that the problem is the brake vacuum pump. Before I have him replace it, would you please give me your diagnosis and solution for my car?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine seized in 2005 Acura TL
Hi. An engine replacement in your vehicle will cost between $2,000 and $4,000. This Depends on where the engine is installed and where the replacement engine is ordered from. The engine itself can range from $500 to $2,000. The labor...
Car was losing power
Hello. The power issue that you were experiencing when your van was running could be attributed to several things. It is possible that you are having a problem with your transmission shifting. It is also possible that there is a...
At 70 mph, braking in rain, car pulls hard to the right
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2004 Jaguar XJ8. If you have any kind or even a little brake pulsation in the brakes when you stop, this may cause a wheel to momentary stop in wet weather when...
Early 6.7Ls..Do they really have Turbo problems?
This is a question that will vary widely depending on who you ask and is often times subject to bias. With that being said, however there are some commonly known problems (as with any new model car or truck) that...
I have 1997 isuzu kb200 carburetter type, washed the engine and the car can not start
Hello. If your vehicle will not start after you washed the engine bay then it may be possible that something may have gotten wet. The first thing I would do is check to see that there is no moisture in...
4l60e transmission shifting problem
The 1-2 shift failure on the 4L60E is often due to a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS). Test the sensor (there should be a smooth, linear electrical response over the range of motion) or substitute a known good unit. A...
contact mechanic that provided inspection
Hi Brian. I have forwarded your inquiry to our sales team so they can get in touch with you. However, you might want to reply to the email you received your report, as that is much quicker in many cases....
When you turn on the ignition a couple of lights come on but it won't start
Confirm that the "new" battery is actually fully charged. Even if the immobilizer were set at one point or it activated, simply arming and disarming it, via the key FOB or remote, will disable the alarm. There is no "lock...
I have a kia sportage truck and my gear shift wont move out if park what is the problem
You should check to see if your brake lights are working? If not then check stop fuse and brake light switch. If brake lights work then you will need to have shift interlock solenoid checked for getting power.

Related articles

What Does It Mean to Bleed Your Brakes?
While While it sounds like a medical procedure, bleeding the brakes is a common maintenance procedure that needs to be done on a regular basis in order to keep a vehicle operating safely. Bleeding the brakes falls under the routine...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Hose
If your car's brake pedal feels mushy, the brake hose looks damaged, or if your brakes stop working, you may need to replace the brake hose.
The Difference Between Power Brake Booster & Vacuum Brake Booster
A power brake booster, or hydro-boost power brake system, uses hydraulics while a vacuum brake booster uses a vacuum to stop your vehicle.