BMW F10 brake pad CBS reset and wear sensor
How do I reset the F10's brake pad CBS service message?
The reset can be done from the instrument cluster or with a diagnostic tool. From the cluster: driver's door closed, ignition on without the engine running, parking brake released, and wait for the warning lights to go out. An ENET cable is not needed.
Why does the reset not work after replacing the pads?
The electric parking brake can prevent the reset, so try with the parking brake off and the driver's door closed. Also check that the wear sensor connector is fully seated and the pin is not bent. If the kilometres go negative, the sensor or its wiring is faulty.
Can the service message be trusted?
Not fully. The wear sensor only starts to react when the pad is already partly worn, and the remaining distance is the car's estimate based on earlier pads. The pad distance counter can be reset and set with a diagnostic tool. The sensor is replaced together with the pads, and the sensor wearing through can cause a wear warning right after replacement.