The brake pads of the BMW braking system are its main component, with a significant impact on its operation. Thanks to the ability of the brake pads to work in conjunction with the discs, the driver can use standard or emergency braking.
Structurally, the pads on this car contain a special material that includes unique compounds and alloys characterized by increased resistance to the friction force that occurs during the contact of the composite parts of this unit.
The braking system used in cars of this brand is characterized by the highest level of sophistication in Europe, which has been confirmed as a result of numerous tests, along with feedback from owners from various countries worldwide.
However, physical wear, along with the influence of friction forces, does not spare even brake pads of such high quality. Gradually, their wear occurs, as a result of which they cease to perform their duties effectively.
As a result, the lives and health of everyone in the car, as well as all others participating in road traffic, are endangered. The only possible option becomes replacement.
Period for Replacing Brake Pads on BMW
It will vary for each model of the car. According to data provided by the manufacturer, this procedure should take place every 40 thousand kilometers or depend on the degree of wear. The driver may receive a message from the onboard computer about the need to replace the brake pads.
In addition, they may feel changes in the efficiency of the car's operation themselves. These changes may include increased brake fluid consumption, reduced braking efficiency, increased pedal travel, and the possibility of brake pad failure.
The aggressive driving of the car, involving rapid acceleration, significantly reduces the time during which the pads will become ineffective.
Sharp temperature changes, especially during periods of high humidity, also have a negative impact on this unit. During operation, the temperature of the pads increases, and when moisture enters, they undergo rapid cooling.
Step-by-Step Replacement of Brake Pads on BMW
On cars from the Bavarian manufacturer, the replacement process is divided into changing the pads in the front and rear parts, which practically have no differences.
Replacing Pads on BMW E53
The need for this procedure is indicated by a message on the instrument panel stating that the thickness of the pads has reached a minimum value.
To remove the pads, the following actions are required:
- Engage the parking brake;
- Drain some fluid from the brake system reservoir using a syringe;
- Lift the necessary part of the car with subsequent placement on stands and removal of the wheels;
- If further use of the pads is necessary, mark how they are positioned relative to the calipers;
- Unscrew the caliper pins at the top and bottom, requiring a 7mm wrench. Then, remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake system hose;
- Push the piston as far as possible into the cylinder.
After the pads are removed and replaced, assembly is done in reverse order.
Replacing Pads on BMW F10
During the replacement of pads on this car model, some effort will be required due to the new feature, resulting in a completely updated process.
Now, in order to perform this procedure, the use of a scanner is mandatory. Previously, this could be avoided, but now an electric motor responsible for engaging the parking brake is located in the rear caliper. With the update, the EMF system has also changed.
First of all, you need to connect to the diagnostic socket. A special table will be displayed on the screen, where you need to select «Continue,» then «Chassis,» and Parcing Brake EMF. All diagnostic modes will be located under the number 4.
There are quite a few labels, but only one is necessary — EMF Workshop Mode.
By clicking on it, you can access a list of service functions. In this list, you should select the last line.
Next, switch to screens 6 and 7 to deactivate the brake. After displaying and pressing the P button, the manual brake will be released. Now everything is ready for the replacement of the model's brake pads.
After removing the caliper and pads, the use of the scanner will no longer be required. After replacing all the pads, they need to be adjusted, which is done automatically by pressing the «up» button.
