Necessary preliminary work

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove FRONT WHEELS
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR

IMPORTANT: If the brake pads are old, they may be bonded to the brake pistons by an adhesive layer.
After the brake pads are detached from the brake pistons, they must be replaced with pads that are no longer bonded.
The must not be reused!
Brake pads that are not bonded can be reinstalled.
These brake pads must be greased with NEVER-SEEZ compound (see Electronic Parts Catalogue) before they are reinstalled.

Drive out retaining pins (1) in direction of arrow.

Remove retaining spring (2).

Installation note:

Drive in retaining pins (1) as far as they will go.

Fig 1: Driving Out Retaining Pins

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Release screws (1) and remove brake caliper rearwards(2).

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

Installation note:

Replace screws (1).

Tightening torque 34 11 2AZ .

Fig 2: Removing Brake Caliper

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

IMPORTANT: When forcing piston back:

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

Fig 3: Pressing Back Brake Pads And Piston Using Special Tool (34 1 050)

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Old brake pads may still be bonded to the brake pistons by an adhesive layer.

Pry brake pad (1) off brake pistons with a screwdriver in direction of arrow.

IMPORTANT: Place screwdriver (1) between the two brake pistons.
Do not damage surface coating!
Bonded brake pads must not be rebuilt!
Brake pads that were not bonded can be rebuilt!

Fig 4: Prying Brake Pad Off Brake Pistons Using Screwdriver

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Installation note:

Rear side of brake pads (1) must be thinly coated with NEVER-SEEZ compound (see Electronic Parts Catalogue).

Fig 5: Identifying Brake Pads

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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: Checking Minimum Brake Disc Thickness Using Special Tool (34 1 280)
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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).

Remove any adhesive residue on the brake pistons (1) left by the detached brake pads.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean pad guides (2). Clean with a brake cleaner instead.

IMPORTANT: Do not grease brake pad guides (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Brake Pistons And Pad Guides

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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 BREAKING IN NEW BRAKE DISCS / BRAKE PADS .
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.