When to replace the Brake Discs on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330 xi, BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330 d View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

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

video
Tools
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 touring. 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
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 touring. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Replace the brake disks on the car BMW E46 touring 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.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW E46 touring – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Touring (E46) 320d 2.0 2000 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  3. Step 3
    BMW 3 Touring (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 318 i 2002 by yourself
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 330d 3.0 2003 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 touring. Tip from AUTODOC:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2004: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330xd 2.9 2005 - download illustrated guide
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 3 SERIES 1999? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2000 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 3 SERIES 330xi 3.0 Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2002 320d 2.0 by yourself
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 touring. Professionals 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.
  12. Step 12
    3 Touring (E46) 330d 3.0 2003 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the brake pads.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2005 330d 3.0 Brake Discs
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a tap wrench. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330d 2.9 1999 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Remove the caliper bracket.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Clean the brake disk surface. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 3 Touring (E46) 320d 2.0 2000 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use an impact screwdriver.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 touring. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    If necessary, use a rubber mallet.
  18. Step 18
    BMW 3 Touring (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the brake disc.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 318 i 2002 by yourself
    Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 330d 3.0 2003 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the brake disc.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 2004: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW 3 Touring (E46) 330xd 2.9 2005 - download illustrated guide
    Clean the mounting seats of the caliper and its bracket. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
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DIY BMW 3 Touring (E46) Brake Discs replacement - online guide
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