34 11 000 Removing and installing/replacing brake pads on both disc brakes (2 pistons)

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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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels
Remove brake pad wear sensor

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

Installation:

Attach retaining spring first at top and bottom on brake caliper and then allow to engage in recesses of brake caliper housing.

Fig 1: Levering Out Retaining Spring

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Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Plugs

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

Unscrew guide bolts (1). 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 4AZ . See 34 11 FRONT BRAKE .

Fig 3: Identifying Guide Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: When forcing piston back:

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

Press back brake pads and piston with special tool 34 1 050 .

Fig 4: Pressing Back Brake Pads And Piston With Special Tool (34 1 050)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .
Do not apply grease to brake pad backplate.

Remove outer brake pad (1) in direction of arrow.

Force inner brake pad (2) in direction of arrow off piston and remove.

NOTE: The inner brake pad is seated with springs in the piston or in the brake caliper housing.

Fig 5: Removing Outer Brake Pad

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Clean brake pads.

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 Minimum Brake Disc Thickness

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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).

IMPORTANT: Dust sleeve must not come into contact with Plastilube as this may cause the dust sleeve to swell.

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

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

Fig 7: Identifying Dust Sleeve

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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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean pad guides (1). Instead, clean with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of Never Seez Compound brake pad paste.

Fig 9: Identifying Pad Guides

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.