34 21 320 Removing and installing or replacing both rear brake discs

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i, 2006 BMW 550i, 2005 BMW 545i, and 2004 BMW 545i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove wheels. Refer to 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
If necessary, remove and clean brake linings. Refer to 34 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BRAKE LININGS ON BOTH FRONT DISC BRAKES .

E65 and E66: Release parking brake (pushbutton to left of steering wheel).

After completing tasks, adjust handbrake. Refer to 34 10 014 ADJUSTING HANDBRAKE .

(Not for E65 and E66)!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle. Refer to 00 .. ... LIFTING VEHICLE WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM .

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. Refer to BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA - E60 .

New brake linings may only be installed if the brake disc thickness is greater than or equal to the minimum brake disc thickness (MIN TH). Refer to BRAKES - TECHNICAL DATA - E60 .

Always replace brake discs in pairs.

If the brake discs are replaced, you must also fit new brake linings.

Fig 1: Measuring Brake Disc Thickness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: If the thickness of the brake discs drops below the minimum brake disc thickness (MIN TH), then the brake discs must be replaced.

Always replace brake discs in pairs.

If the brake discs are replaced, you must also fit new brake linings.

Release screws (1), remove brake caliper and tie up.

NOTE: Brake hose remains connected.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 34 21 3AZ in BRAKES - TIGHTENING TORQUES - E60 .

Fig 2: Locating Brake Caliper Retaining Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew bolts and take off brake disc.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 34 21 1AZ in BRAKES - TIGHTENING TORQUES - E60 .

Clean contact surface of brake disc at wheel hub thoroughly; remove traces of corrosion if necessary. Unevenness on contact surface may result in distortion of brake disc!

IMPORTANT: To release brake disc: Do not under any circumstances strike friction ring with a hammer or similar! If necessary, carefully tap on base of brake disc chamber with a rubber mallet.

Fig 3: Removing Brake disc Retaining Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Internally ventilated brake discs are balanced. Never remove or reposition balance clips.

Fig 4: Identifying Brake disc Balance Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.