Problems with brakes when raining

[vicgtr]

I have a 2001 330xi that when I'm on the highway, when it's raining, looses brakes for the first one or two seconds of brake application. Then it's fine. Anybody else ever had this problem?

Thx in advance
VIC

[Weeman83]

It's just the water / moisture on your discs burning off in the split second that your brakes are applied.

[vicgtr]

It isn't for a split second, it's for actually 2 - 3 seconds of hard brake I have nothing.

[nuts4bmw]

Originally Posted by vicgtr It isn't for a split second, it's for actually 2 - 3 seconds of hard brake I have nothing.

Only when it's wet outside? Or all the time?

When the brakes do start to grab is it gradually or instantaniously?

Do have to pump the brake pedal to get the brakes to grab?

Does the symptom get worse or better with repetitive braking?

Have you checked the master cylinder brakefluid level....is it where it needs to be?

Did you have the brakes recently serviced and or were they bled properly?

I hope some of my questions will help you identify a possible cause. Maybe someone else here has some ideas.

Keep us posted.

Art

[Blackice]

Originally Posted by nuts4bmw Only when it's wet outside? Or all the time? When the brakes do start to grab is it gradually or instantaniously? Do have to pump the brake pedal to get the brakes to grab? Does the symptom get worse or better with repetitive braking? Have you checked the master cylinder brakefluid level....is it where it needs to be? Did you have the brakes recently serviced and or were they bled properly? I hope some of my questions will help you identify a possible cause. Maybe someone else here has some ideas. Keep us posted. Art

X'2 with Art on this one..... More info is needed to make a good call here.

[vicgtr]

It only happens when it is raining, I don't remember if it also happens if the roads are wet (not raining). They work fine after the two seconds of hard pedal, until I drive a bit more. It seems to only happen on highway, not side roads. The brakes work prefectly all other times I hope this helps out more.

[nuts4bmw]

THAT is really weird......I am stumped.....maybe weeman had it right.

[vicgtr]

I asked the place where I bought it and they can't figure it out either. It doesn't do it with them in the car.

[nuts4bmw]

So let me ask this: when you apply the brakes and you have no braking effect, does the pedal go to the floor or like there is no pedal, or does it feel normal or hard?

[vicgtr]

It feels normal

[nuts4bmw]

I am really stumped on this one.......sorry I can't be of more help.

[Weeman83]

It's the water. It takes time for water to boil, 2 seconds ish sounds about right.

[twinpac]

Stock brake pads? shootin in the dark here but maybe different brake pad materials are affected by wet rotors more than others. i mean i've always heard about wet brakes not reacting as fast but
ive never really noticed it when driving myself.

Don't the newer beemers have that auto drying shit where they apply the brakes slightly to dry them when wet? i though i read that in some ad.

[Shocka]

We all drive in the rain, does anyone elses car do that, probably not. After one or two uses the pads/rotors should be warm enough that water wont sit on them. Did someone introduce air in the braking system?

[vicgtr]

I finally figured it out, my front rotors and pads were in bad shape. I replaced them to pass my inspection. Works great now. Now I have to fix the other problems, grrr.