Brakepad wear light question

[rluckan]

I have a 2000 328Ci. I just had the front pads, rotors and sensor replaced at a independent shop. After the work was done, the light was still on. The mechanic told me that his reset tool was broken, he had ordered a new one, and I could either return later, or have the dealer reset the light.
After driving a few hunderd miles, I noticed that the light was no longer on.
Can anyone tell me if the mechanic's explanation makes sense and/or why the brake wear light would go out on its own?
I did have the ignition switch in the first position, with the radio on for a period of time. Is it possible that the light resets in a similar way that radio codes reset?
Thank you for your feedback.

[AG]

I think the system is setup to reset the light when the ignition is in the "on" position for 30 seconds without starting the car.

[1996 328ti]

You didn't go to a BMW independent, did you?
I don't know if it is different on an E46 but on a E36 the light is reset by replaced the pad sensor.

[rluckan]

Thank you for your responses, guys. The sensor wires were replaced along with the pads and rotors.

Apparently the 30 seconds without starting the engine did the trick.