It sounds bizarre, because it is bizarre...The question from car mechanics often starts with: “I have something strange…”. Yet we're hearing of this phenomenon more and more often: as soon as the windscreen wipers are activated, the car suddenly starts to brake while driving. How is that possible?
BMW has built in a safety function that prepares the brakes as soon as the windscreen wipers are activated. Although this only makes a fraction of a millimeter difference, it ensures that the car can react more quickly in an emergency stop, especially useful in wet or slippery conditions. A smart function—at least, as long as there are no problems with the hydraulic system.
If something does go wrong, the system not only prepares the brakes, but intervenes immediately. This can lead to dangerous situations, as several BMW drivers have already experienced: when the windshield wipers are activated, the car suddenly brakes without warning.
The cause of this problem lies in a hydraulic fault within the ABS system. This concerns the ATE MK100, which BMW has used since 2015. To solve the problem, the ABS/DSC system must be replaced or overhauled.
Remanufacture is not only the sustainable, but also the cost-effective choice. At ACTRONICS, we are aware of this problem and can repair it with our Hydrotronic solution, so that the ABS is fully functional again. If our final test shows that everything is in order, we will return the overhauled part. When replacing the ABS system, make sure that the brake fluid is replaced. This should solve the problem.
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