A method for operating a hydraulic system with a plurality of consumers an electrically controllable pressure supply device and an electrically actuable inlet valve, per consumer, which inlet valve is arranged between the pressure supply device and the consumer, wherein a pressure/volume relationship is predefined or determined for each consumer, wherein each consumer is assigned to a first group or a second group of consumers, wherein the first group of consumers includes at least one consumer, and wherein, in order to set predefined consumer-specific setpoint pressures, the first group of consumers is connected via the respectively opened inlet valve to the pressure supply device, and the inlet valves of the consumers of the second group are closed, wherein the inlet valve of a single, selected consumer of the second group is opened while being regulated to build up a pressure, and a brake system for motor vehicles.