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 WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR

Lift out retaining spring (1).

Fig 1: Lifting Out Retaining Spring

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Remove cover plug (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Cover Plug

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Unscrew guide bolts (1).

Withdraw brake caliper backwards.

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

Installation note:

Tightening torque 34 21 4AZ .

Clean guide screws only; do not grease.

Fig 3: Removing Brake Caliper

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Check threads.

Replace all guide bolts which are not in perfect condition.

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 4: Turning Piston Back Fully Using Special Tool (34 1 050)

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IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.
In the event of one-sided brake pad wear, do not change brake pads round.

Remove outer brake pad.

Inner brake pad is located with its spring in the piston.

Clean brake pads.

Fig 5: Removing Outer Brake Pad

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Do not grease backs of brake pads sleeve.

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).

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 with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 7: Identifying Dust Boot And Contact Surface

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Clean contact surfaces (1...2) 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 Tee Heads/Brake Caliper Housing

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Clean contact surface (3) of brake caliper with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 9: Identifying Contact Surface Of Brake Caliper

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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 brake pad paste.

Fig 10: Locating Brake Pads Guide Surfaces

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