34 11 000 Removing and installing/replacing brake pads on both front disc brakes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

34 1 080
34 1 280
34 6 320 . See BRAKES - SPECIAL TOOLS .

IMPORTANT: The brake pad wear sensor must be replaced once it has been removed (brake pad wear sensor loses its retention capability in the brake pad).

IMPORTANT: Sport brake pads for M5 / M6:

Due to the increased strain on the brake discs, we recommend that you also replace the brake discs when fitting this brake pad.
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

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle. See 00...... LIFTING VEHICLE WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM .

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

Installation:

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 Retaining Lug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying 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:

Only clean guide screws; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide screws which are not in perfect condition.

Tightening torque 34 11 3AZ. See 34 11 FRONT BRAKE .

Fig 3: Pulling Brake Pad Wear Sensor

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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 With Special Tool (34 6 320)
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. See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA .

Clean brake pads.

Do not apply grease to brake pad backplate.

Fig 5: Identifying Minimum Thickness Of Brake Pads

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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 Pads With/Without 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 measurement result and lowest value with setpoint value. See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA

New brake pads may only be installed if the brake disc thickness is greater than or equal to the minimum brake disc thickness (MIN TH). See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA

Fig 7: Positioning Special Tool (34 1 280)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check dust sleeve (1) for damage and replace if necessary.

Clean contact face (2) of brake piston and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound.

IMPORTANT: Dust sleeve must not come into contact with anti-squeak compound as this may cause the dust sleeve to swell.

Fig 8: Identifying Dust Sleeve And Contact Face

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Clean mounting faces (1) and (2) of brake pad hammer heads/brake caliper housing and coat with anti-squeak compound.

NOTE: Grease contact surfaces on brake caliper at top and bottom.

Fig 9: Identifying Mounting Faces

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Clean mounting face (3) of brake caliper and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound.

Fig 10: Identifying Mounting Faces

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Clean brake caliper holder at hammerhead guides and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound.

Refer to BRAKES - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 11: Locating Brake Caliper Holder

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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.
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.

IMPORTANT: On the E60 M5 and E63/E64 M6 the fault memory entry "Mastervac vacuum pressure sensor" may be stored after the brake pads have been replaced.
The fault memory entry must be deleted. The vacuum pressure sensor only has to be replaced if the fault is entered repeatedly.