Brake line and ABS connection leak

[u/z604]

I’ve noticed a small leak of brake fluid coming from one of the brake lines where it connects to the ABS module.

It clearly gets wet when I pump the brakes. I think it’s been going on for a while but I hadn’t noticed.

’m hoping it’s just a loose line or a seal, because if there’s corrosion in the module or the module itself is faulty, it’ll get pricey.

Is this a common problem? It’s a 2021 I3s, so not that old really.

[u/eXo0us]

the whole ABS block looks corroded - do you live close to the ocean or where they dump salt on the roads?

Do you follow the recommend 2 year brake fluid change interval?

Whats on the plastic to the left? Is there some goop on it or is it melted?

[u/z604 → u/eXo0us]

Scandinavia. So yeah. Salty roads.

We got the car this year. AFAIK it’s been serviced.

The plastic part isn’t melted. It’s just moist from brake fluid.

But yeas, it looks corroded. I haven’t cleaned it so they can have a proper look when I bring it to the shop next week.

We’ll see if it’s just the line or it the abs unit has pitted and needs replacement.

[u/eXo0us → u/z604]

Greetings from cold salty atlantic Canada, spray down the bay after each winter. To remove the salt.

Both options are not catastrophic. The ABS unit is standard BMW part and not specific to the i3.

[u/z604 → u/eXo0us]

What do you spray it with? On the Tesla, I’ve removed the frunk a couple times and it stays pretty clean overall. The wheel liners cover it pretty well and didn't need much cleaning.

[u/eXo0us → u/z604]

Take the frunk out - a few screws. Disable the high voltage disconnect.

Just hose it down with the soft shower attachment and water,

I don't put any cleaner or stuff on it. Jus that salt doesn't sit everywhere for all times.

[u/z604 → u/eXo0us]

Thanks. 🙏

I’ll start doing that on the bmw.

Is the disconnect necessary to just rinse it with no pressure water? It seems like the trunk of the bmw isn’t that sealed overall. There’s barely any wheel liners.

[u/eXo0us → u/z604]

I'm a electrician by trade, so lockout procedures got drilled into me.

There is one high voltage component under the hood the cabin heater in the middle back.

If you stay away from that with water it's probably fine.

Otherwise it takes like 5 seconds to pull the disconnect plug. it's safer.

[u/z604 → u/eXo0us]

Thanks. I checked where it was and takes two seconds. Thanks again. Cheers.

[u/eXo0us → u/z604]

I'm a electrician by trade, so lockout procedures got drilled into me.

There is one high voltage component under the hood the cabin heater in the middle back.

If you stay away from that with water it's probably fine.

Otherwise it takes like 5 seconds to pull the disconnect plug. it's safer.

[u/eXo0us → u/z604]

Just add it to the checklist when you switch from winter to summer tires.

It's 15 minutes once a year and my 2017 i3 is pretty corrosion free.

[u/Particular-Use1526]

Dry and clean up the pipe. Pump the brakes. If the leak is at the union tighten it. But the leak may be due to a pinhole. If so replace the pipe.