BMW: 91 318is Brakes, brake warning light, auto parts stores

Question
Do you have a simple procedure for changing the brake pads my 318is?  The brake warning light hasn't come on, but there is some squeling.  The pads look OK while there in place (haven't removed the calipers yet - do I need to?).

Also, how do I resent the yellow and red service lights?

Thanks,
Rick

Answer
Rick,
 The procedure is pretty strait forward.  You said the pads may not need changing yet, so pull off the wheels and check the pad thickness.  You should have  at least 1/2" of pad there, if not you can go ahead and change them.  

 To change them, raise the car and support with jackstands (safety first).  Pull off the wheels.  There are two bolts that hold the calipers on (front and back), and they are on the back side of the brake dust shield.  Remove these two bolts and the caliper will slide off.  Sometimes the pads wear the rotor down, and leave the outer edge untouched.  this makes a lip and the pads will have to be spread apart to get the caliper off.  Use a screw driver to pry the pads back, but be careful you dont want to puncture the rubber boot around the piston.  Once you have the caliper off, note the orientation of the pads and then remove them.  You can use some brake parts cleaner to clean some of the brake dust off the caliper and reinstall the pads.  Make sure you dont let the caliper hang by it's hose, you should take a peice of wire and tie the caliper up so no damage will be done.  look over the rotors as well, if you notice any grooves or gouges you should remove the rotors and take them to be turned (so they are smooth).  Since the new pads will be thicker, you will have to spread them apart to get them to slide back onto the rotor.  You can pull the pads out and use a C-clamp to press the piston down, or you can buy a pad spreading tool at most auto parts stores.

 The rear should be the same as the front, but there is a small clip that slides on to hold the pads.
 
 If you dont mind getting a little dirty, it's not a hard job.  I can do all 4 wheels in under an hour.