34 21 200 Removing and installing/replacing brake pads on both rear disc brakes (Brembo)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

34 1 000
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).
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 holder. Instead, clean with brake cleaner BMW part no. 83 19 2 147 681 and apply a thin coating of Never Seez Compound brake pad paste BMW part no. 83 23 9 407 830.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove WHEELS
Remove brake pad wear sensor

Drive out retaining pins (1).

Remove expanding spring (2).

Pull out brake pads (3) with special tool 34 1 000.

IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.
In the event of one-sided brake pad wear, do not change brake pads round.

Clean brake pads.

Do not grease backs of brake pads sleeve.

Fig 1: Identifying Retaining Pins, Expanding Spring And Brake Pads

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: Turning Piston Using Special Tool 34 1 050

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 3: Identifying Special Tool 34 1 280 With Measuring Points
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). See BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA .
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).

IMPORTANT: Do not grease brake pads and guides with anti-squeak paste.

Clean brake caliper.

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

Clean contact surface (2) of brake piston.

Fig 4: Identifying Dust Sleeve And Contact Surface Of Brake Piston

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 braking in new brake discs/brake pads .
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.