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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. 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 pins and expanding 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 (3 g) or 83 19 2 158 852 (100 g).
Spread brake pad paste onto the marked surfaces using a brush!
Observe GUIDELINE FOR APPLYING BRAKE PAD PASTE ON BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE ANCHOR PLATE !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

REMOVE FRONT WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .

Pull brake pad wear sensor (1) forward out of the brake pad (left side only when replacing brake pads).

Drive out retaining pins (2).

Remove expanding spring (3).

Remove brake pads (4).

Installation note:

The following installation sequence must be followed.

Install new brake pads.
Align brake pads with the retaining pins in the brake caliper.
Fully depress brake pedal several times so that brake pads contact brake discs.
Fit retaining pins and expanding spring.

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Pad Wear Sensor, Retaining Pins And Expanding Spring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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 2: 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).

Press brake piston fully back with special tool 34 1 050.

IMPORTANT: When pressing piston back, note brake fluid level in expansion tank.
Overflowing brake fluid will damage the paintwork.

Fig 3: Pressing Brake Piston With Special Tool (34 1 050)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check dust boot for damage and renew if necessary.

Clean contact surface (1) of brake piston with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (2) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surface (2) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Clean both inner and outer guide surfaces (2) and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 4: Identifying Brake Pads Guide Surfaces

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lightly coat both sides of the contact surface in area (1 and 2) with brake pad paste.

Fig 5: Identifying Brake Pad Paste Applying Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lightly coat the brake pad contact surface on both sides in area (1) with brake pad paste.

Fig 6: Identifying Brake Pad Contact Surface Paste Applying Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .
If necessary, when replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.