34 11 000 Removing and installing/renewing brake pads on both front disc brakes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

34 1 050
34 1 280

IMPORTANT:

Brake pad wear sensor: after removal it must be replaced (brake pad wear sensor loses its retention capability in the break pad).
Retaining spring: for vehicles older than 48 months it is recommended to replace the retaining spring!

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 mounting bracket. Instead, clean with brake cleaner BMW part no. 83 19 2 154 780 and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste BMW part no. 83 19 2 158 851.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .
For F03: Remove brake caliper cover.

NOTE: After completing repair 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.

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

Installation note:

Place retaining spring (1) first at top and bottom of brake caliper and then allow to engage in recess (2) of brake caliper housing.

Fig 1: Removing Retaining Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Plugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew guide bolts (1).

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

Withdraw brake caliper backwards.

Installation note:

Only clean guide bolts; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide screws which are not in perfect condition.

Fig 3: Identifying Guide Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque: 34 11 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.

Remove brake pads in direction of arrow.

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 apply grease to brake lining backplate.

Fig 4: Removing Brake Pads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.

Equipment specification, high-speed brake system.

Remove brake pads in direction of arrow.

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 apply grease to brake lining backplate.

Fig 5: Removing Brake Pads (High-Speed Brake System)

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.

Check minimum brake disc thickness:

Position special tool 34 1 280 at three measuring points in area (1) and measure.
Compare measuring result and lowest value with SETPOINT VALUE .

Fig 6: Checking Brake Disc Thickness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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.

Fig 7: Identifying Dust Boot, Brake Pads And Brake Piston Contact Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean contact surface (2) of brake piston and brake pads (3) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coat of brake pad paste.

NOTE: Grease contact surfaces on brake caliper at top and bottom.

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 mounting bracket. Instead, clean with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of Never Seez Compound brake pad paste.

Fig 8: Locating Brake Pads Guide Surfaces On Brake Caliper Mounting Bracket

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 Brake Pad Guides

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.