Removal & Installation (Front)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 BMW Z4 and 2003 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel(s). Lift out retaining spring (1). See Fig 1 . Disconnect plug connection for brake pad lining wear sensor. Remove plastic plugs (1). See Fig 2 . Remove guide screws (1) and lift out brake caliper toward rear of vehicle. See Figure . Do not allow brake caliper to hang from brake hose. Retract piston fully back with Special Tool (34 10 50). See Fig 3 . When turning back the piston, watch the brake fluid level in the expansion tank, as overflowing brake fluid can destroy the paint.
Remove outer brake pad. See Fig 4 . Inner brake pad is located with its spring in the piston. In the event of one-sided brake pad wear, do not change brake pads around. New brake pads may only be installed if the brake disc thickness is greater than or equal to the minimum brake disk thickness. See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA . Observe minimum thickness of brake pads. Clean brake pads. Do not grease backs of brake pads sleeve. Check dust sleeve (1) for damage and replace if necessary. See Fig 5 .
To install, reverse removal procedure. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Clean contact face (2) of brake piston and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound. See Fig 5 . Dust sleeve must not come into contact with anti-squeak compound as this may cause dust sleeve to swell. Clean contact faces (1, 2) of brake pad hammer heads/brake caliper housing and coat with anti-squeak compound. See Fig 6 . Clean contact face (3) of brake caliper and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound. See Fig 7 . Clean contact face of brake caliper mounting bracket and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound. See Fig 8 . Reassemble caliper assembly. See CALIPER ASSEMBLY . After installation, press brake pedal several times to the floor so that brake pads contact brake discs. When installing new brake pads on front and rear axles, check brake fluid level. Top up to MAX mark as necessary.

Fig 1: Removing Retaining Spring
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Fig 2: Removing Plastic Plugs
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Fig 3: Retracting Piston
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Fig 4: Removing Brake Pads
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Fig 5: Locating Dust Sleeve
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Fig 6: Locating Contact Face Of Brake Lining/Caliper Housing
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Fig 7: Cleaning Contact Face Of Brake Caliper Housing
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Fig 8: Cleaning Contact Face Of Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.