The brake lining message probably means the sensor has worn out. There's two of them on the car, I belive, one for the fronts and one for the rears. I think the sensor works by 'rubbing' against the rotor with the pads and will wear down along with the pads. Once they have worn out enough the sensor activates...or de-activates sending the 'brake linings' message. But if your pads are fine then nothing serious. May just mean the pads were replaced but not the sensor/s.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Can't answer your other question because the link won't open for me.
Ken, from Melbourne AUS.
'89 535iA with a 5 speed swap.