34 11 000 Removing and installing/replacing brake pads on both front disc brakes (19-inch)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. 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

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). Release guide screws.

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 bolts which are not in perfect condition.

Tightening torque 34 11 4AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Plugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 3: Removing Brake Pads

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 measurement result and lowest value with SETPOINT VALUE .

Fig 4: Checking Minimum 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.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Dust Boot, Contact Surface Of Brake Piston And Brake Pads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 6: 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 brake pad paste.

Fig 7: Identifying Pad Guides

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.