When to replace the Brake Discs on your BMW 5 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Brake Discs for 5 Touring (E39) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
HEX bit no.H6.
HEX bit no.H7.
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Impact screwdriver
Crow bar
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • Replace the brake disks on the car BMW 5 Touring (E39) in complete set for each axis. Regardless of the state of components. This will ensure even braking.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for both brake disks on the same axle.
  • When changing the brake discs, always replace the brake pads.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). Take the following steps:
  1. Step 1
    Open the hood.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Detach the air duct from the cabin filter housing.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  3. Step 5
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
  5. Step 7
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the cabin air filter housing.
  6. Step 8
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  9. Step 11
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 12
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). Tip from AUTODOC:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  10. Step 13
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the wheel.
  11. Step 14
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  12. Step 15
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 16
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 Touring 2000 520 i Brake Discs
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
  15. Step 18
    DIY replacement of Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525d 2.5 2001 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the brake pads.
  17. Step 20
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  18. Step 21
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #18. Use a tap wrench.
  19. Step 22
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Remove the caliper bracket.
  20. Step 23
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the brake disc fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  21. Step 24
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use an impact screwdriver.
  22. Step 25
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the brake disc.
  23. Step 26
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean the hub. Use a wire brush.
  24. Step 27
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
  25. Step 28
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the brake disc.
  26. Step 29
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
  27. Step 30
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
  28. Step 31
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Install the brake caliper bracket.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
BMW 5 Touring (E39) Brake Discs replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY BMW 5 Touring (E39) Brake Discs replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your BMW 5 Touring (E39)
View more
  • How to change Brake rotors on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525d 2.5 - replacement tricks
    5 tools that make car repair incredibly simple | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Brake disc BMW E39 Touring 530d 3.0 - Replacement Tips
    Top 5 tips to prevent car rust | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525i 2.5 Brake disc kit replacement guide
    Checking the starter without removing it | AUTODOC tips
  • Replace Disc brake set on BMW E39 Touring - free video tips
    What to do if your check engine light is on | AUTODOC tips