34 21 200 Removing and installing or replacing brake pads on both rear disc brakes (Teves floating caliper)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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).
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.

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 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

Lift out retaining spring (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Retaining Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove cover plug (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Cover Plug

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

Unscrew guide bolts (1).

Remove brake caliper (2) by pulling forward.

Installation:

Tightening torque 34 21 4AZ . See 34 21 REAR BRAKE .

Clean guide screws only; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide screws which are not in perfect condition.

Fig 3: Identifying Brake Caliper And Guide Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove outer brake pad.

Inner brake pad is located with its spring in the piston.

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 4: Removing Outer Brake Pad

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 5: Turning Piston Fully Back With Special Tool

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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 .

Fig 6: Checking 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).

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

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

Clean contact surface (2) of brake piston with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste .

Fig 7: Identifying Dust Sleeve And Contact Surface

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

Fig 8: Identifying Contact Surfaces Of Brake Pad Tee Heads/Brake Caliper Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 9: Identifying Contact Surface Of Brake Caliper

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) for the brake pads on the brake caliper holder. Instead, clean with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of Never Seez Compound brake pad paste.

Fig 10: Identifying Guide Surfaces For Brake Pads

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.