34 11 000 Removing and installing/replacing brake pads on both front disc brakes (N54/M57T2 Top/N57)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT:

Brake pad wear sensor: after removal it must be replaced (brake pad wear sensor loses its retention capability in the break pad).
Retaining pins and expanding spring: for vehicles older than 48 months it is recommended to replace the retaining spring!

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Instead, clean with brake cleaner BMW part no. 83 19 2 154 780 and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste BMW part no. 83 19 2 158 851 (3 g) or 83 19 2 158 852 (100 g).
Spread brake pad paste onto the marked surfaces using a brush!

Observe GUIDELINE FOR APPLYING BRAKE PAD PASTE ON BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE ANCHOR PLATE !

IMPORTANT: European version only.
Sport brake pads for M3:

Due to the increased strain on the brake discs, we recommend that you also replace the brake discs when fitting a new set of brake pads
It is absolutely essential to replace the brake discs if cracked ≥ 13 mm even before the brake pad is worn

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .

Lever out retaining spring (1) in direction of arrow towards rear.

Installation note:

Attach retaining spring (1) first at top and bottom and then allow retaining lug (2) to engage in recess of brake caliper housing.

Fig 1: Identifying Retaining Spring And Lug

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Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Caliper Plastic Plugs

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Left:

Pull brake pad wear sensor (1) towards rear out of pad.

Release guide screws (2) with special tool 34 1 080 . Withdraw brake caliper backwards.

Installation note:

Only clean guide bolts; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide screws which are not in perfect condition.

Fig 3: Identifying Brake Pad Wear Sensor And Guide Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque 34 11 4AZ .

Press back brake pads and piston with special tool 34 6 320 .

IMPORTANT: When forcing piston back:

Pay attention to brake fluid level in expansion tank; brake fluid that spills over will damage paintwork.

Fig 4: Pressing Back Brake Pads And Piston Using Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press brake pads inwards and remove.

The two brake pads are seated with a spring in the piston or in the brake caliper housing and must not be mixed up.

IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.

In the event of one-sided brake pad wear, do not change brake pads round.

Observe MINIMUM THICKNESS OF BRAKE PADS .

Clean brake pads.

Do not apply grease to brake lining backplate.

Fig 5: Identifying Brake Pads Mark

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NOTE: The outer brake pads gradually need to be changed as well.

The previous version (A) with retaining spring (1) is replaced by brake pads of version (B) without retaining spring!

The use of pad sets of version (A) with retaining spring continues to be permissible!

Fig 6: Identifying Brake Pad Retaining Spring

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Check minimum brake disc thickness:

Position special tool 34 1 280 at three measuring points in area (1) and measure.
Compare measuring result and lowest value with SETPOINT VALUE .

Fig 7: Checking Minimum Brake Disc Thickness
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: New brake pads may only be fitted if the brake disc thickness is greater than the MINIMUM BRAKE DISC THICKNESS (MIN TH).

Check dust boot for damage and renew if necessary.

Clean contact surface (1) of brake piston with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

IMPORTANT: Dust boot must not come into contact with brake pad paste as this may cause the dust boot to swell.

Fig 8: Identifying Brake Piston Contact Surface

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Clean contact surfaces (1) of T-heads/brake caliper housing with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 9: Identifying T-Heads/Brake Caliper Housing Contact Surfaces

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Clean contact surface (1) of brake caliper with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 10: Identifying Brake Caliper Contact Surface

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So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (1) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surfaces (1) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 11: Identifying Brake Pads Guide Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (1 and 2) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surfaces (1 and 2) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 12: Identifying Brake Pads Guide Surfaces

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lightly coat the T-head of the inner brake pad with brake pad paste in area (1 and 2).

Fig 13: Identifying Inner Brake Pad Paste Coating Area

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Lightly coat the T-head of the outer brake pad with brake pad paste in area (1 and 2).

Fig 14: Identifying Outer Brake Pad Paste Coating Area

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NOTE: After completing work:

Fully depress brake pedal several times so that brake pads contact brake discs.
When installing new brake pads at front and rear axles, brake fluid level must be brought up to "MAX" marking.
Read and comply with notes on BREAKING IN NEW BRAKE DISCS/BRAKE PADS .
If necessary, when replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.