Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front brake discs on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Alternative products

Brake disc

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Copper grease 
                    
                      Drive socket # 16 
                    
                      HEX bit No.H7.
                    
                      Torx bit T30
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Brake caliper wind back tool
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Impact screwdriver
                    
                      Rubber mallet
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:

Replace the brake disks on the car BMW 3 E46 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 E46 convertible. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 2

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 3

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 4

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 5

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 6

Remove the wheel.
Step 7

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 8

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 9

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 10

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
Step 11

Remove the brake caliper.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. 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.
Step 12

Remove the brake pads.
Step 13

Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 14

Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a tap wrench. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Remove the caliper bracket.
Step 16

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 17

Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use an impact screwdriver.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
If necessary, use a rubber mallet.
Step 18

Remove the brake disc.
Step 19

Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 20

Install the brake disc.
Step 21

Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
Step 22

Install the brake caliper bracket.
Step 23

Tighten the brake caliper bracket. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 24

Clean the mounting seats of the caliper and its bracket. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 25

Install the brake pads in the brake caliper bracket.
Step 26

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 27

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 28

Install the brake pads in the brake caliper.
Step 29

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 30

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 31

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 32

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 33

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 34

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC experts recommend:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 35

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 36

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E46 convertible – Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
Step 37

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 38

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

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