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

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 REGULATION ON APPLYING BRAKE PAD PASTE TO BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE ANCHOR PLATES !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

REMOVE WHEELS .
Remove BRAKE PAD WEAR SENSOR .

Lift out retaining spring (1).

Fig 1: Lifting Disc Brakes Retaining Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove plastic plugs (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Plastic Plugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten guide bolts (1) and lift out brake caliper towards rear of vehicle.

Installation note:

Tightening torque: 34 11 4AZ .

Clean guide screws only; do not grease.

Check threads.

Replace all guide screws which are not in perfect condition.

Fig 3: Removing Brake Caliper Guide Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation note:

When placing the brake caliper, it is absolutely necessary to make sure that the brake pad T-head (1) of the outer brake pad is correctly placed onto the contact surface (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Brake Pad T-Head Contact Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The position of the outer brake pad in relation to the contact surface (2) must especially be ensured with brake pads that are already partially worn!

Remove outer brake pad.

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

IMPORTANT: Mark any worn brake pads.
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 grease backs of brake pads sleeve.

Fig 5: Removing Outer Brake Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 6: 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).

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 7: Turning Piston Using 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.

IMPORTANT: Dust boot must not come into contact with brake pad paste as this may cause the dust boot to swell.

Fig 8: Identifying Brake Piston Contact Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean contact surface (1) of brake pad T-heads/brake caliper housing with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 9: Identifying T-Heads/Brake Caliper Housing Contact Surfaces

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 10: Identifying Brake Caliper Contact Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (1) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surfaces (1 and 2) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 11: Identifying Brake Pads Guide Surfaces

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

So as not to damage the surface coating, if possible do not mechanically clean the guide surfaces (1 and 2) for the brake pads on the brake caliper mounting bracket. Clean guide surfaces (1 and 2) with brake cleaner and apply a thin coating of brake pad paste.

Fig 12: Identifying Brake Pads Guide Surfaces

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply a thin coating of brake pad paste to T-head of inner brake pad in area (1) and (2).

Fig 13: Identifying Inner Brake Pad T-Head Paste Applying Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply a thin coating of brake pad paste to T-head of outer brake pad in area (1) and (2).

Fig 14: Identifying Outer Brake Pad T-Head Paste Applying Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: After completing work:

When installing new brake pads at front and rear axles, brake fluid level must be brought up to "MAX" mark.
Fully depress brake pedal several times so that brake pads contact brake discs.
Read and comply with notes on breaking in new brake discs/brake pads.
When replacing pads, reset CBS display in accordance with factory specification.