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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

34 1 050
34 1 280

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).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove wheels . See WHEELS .
Remove brake pad wear sensor

Release bolts (1) and pull off brake caliper with brake anchor plate towards rear.

IMPORTANT: Tie brake caliper back and do not allow to hang from brake hose.

Installation:

Tightening torque, see 34 11 FRONT BRAKE .

Fig 1: Pulling Off Brake Caliper With Brake Anchor Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When pressing down piston, note brake fluid level in expansion tank.
Overflowing brake fluid will damage the paintwork.

Turn piston fully back with special tool 34 1 050 .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (33 1 050)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull brake pads (1) off guide pins (2) and remove.

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 .

Installation:

Clean brake pads, brake caliper and guide pins.

Do not grease backs of brake pads sleeve.

Brake pads must be correctly seated on guide pins.

Fig 3: Pulling Brake Pads Off Guide Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .

Fig 4: Measuring Minimum Brake Disc Thickness
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: 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) (not incl. M vehicles).
In the case of M vehicles and perforated brake discs, new brake pads may only be installed if the brake disc thickness is greater than the minimum brake disc thickness (MIN TH).

See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA .

NOTE: The minimum brake disc thickness is configured in such a way that it lasts the life of a further set of brake pads (does not apply to M vehicles and perforated brake discs).

Clean contact faces (1) of brake pistons and apply a thin coating of anti-squeak compound.

Fig 5: Identifying Contact Faces Of Brake Pistons

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace expanding spring (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Expanding Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: After completing work:

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