Why does BMW “recommend” a complete brake flush every 2 years, other than to make more money? OK, I’m obviously cynical, but I’ve owned many vehicles for 6+ years and NEVER replaced the brake fluid without any deterioration of braking. I’ve read that moisture can contaminate the brake fluid- hence the brake flush, but what if I don’t bother? Am I going to hurt anything?

The reason I ask is that my ’97 540 iA is going in tomorrow for its first coolant flush tomorrow (3 ˝ years since new, 20,000 miles on odometer) and, of course, the dealer is also recommending the brake flush. What do you learned E39 guys think? To flush or not to flush the brake fluid?

make sense as brake fluid is hydroscopic (attracts water)