Necessary preliminary work

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR

Lift out retaining spring (1).

Fig 1: Lifting Out Retaining Spring

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Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Plugs

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Unfasten guide screws (1) and lift out brake caliper towards rear of vehicle.

Installation note:

Tightening torque 34 11 4AZ .

Clean guide screws only; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide bolts which are not in perfect condition.

Fig 3: Lifting Out Brake Caliper

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

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.

Observe MINIMUM THICKNESS OF BRAKE PADS .

Clean brake pads.

Do not grease backs of brake pads sleeve.

Fig 4: Removing Outer Brake Pad

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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 5: 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 .

Fig 6: Positioning Special Tool (34 1 280) At Three Measuring Points

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IMPORTANT: New brake pads may only be fitted if the brake disc thickness is greater than the minimum brake disc thickness (MIN TH).

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

Turn piston back fully with special tool 34 1 050 .

Fig 7: Turning Piston Using Special Tool (34 1 050)

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

IMPORTANT: Dust boot must not come into contact with brake pad paste as this may cause the dust boot to swell.

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

Fig 8: Identifying Dust Boot And Brake Piston Contact Surface

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

Fig 9: Identifying Brake Pad Tee Heads/Brake Caliper Housing Contact Surface

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

Fig 10: Identifying Brake Caliper Contact Surface

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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 mounting bracket. Instead, clean with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 11: Identifying Brake Pad Guide Surface

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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.