Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake pad set : 30000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318is, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 td, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325tds, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 tds 1.7, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318is … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front brake pads on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Brake Pads for 3 Saloon (E36) and other BMW models

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Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Tools you might need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      Nylon cleaning brush
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Anti-squeal paste
                    
                      Copper grease 
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      HEX bit No.H7
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Brake caliper wind back tool
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC:

Perform the replacement of brake pads in complete set for each axis. This provides effective braking.
The replacement procedure is identical for all brake pads on the same axle.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW E36 – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the hood. 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.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E36
Step 6

Remove the wheel.
Step 7

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 8

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 10

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

Remove the brake caliper.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Tip:
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.
Step 12

Remove the brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC:
Measure the brake disc thickness. Upon reaching the wear limit the part must be replaced.
Step 13

Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 14

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a nylon cleaning brush. Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 15

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 16

Treat the brake pads in the area where their surface comes into contact with the brake caliper bracket. Use anti-squeal paste.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Professionals recommend:
Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
Step 17

Install new brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
Step 18

Install the brake caliper and fix it.
Step 19

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 20

Tighten the brake caliper fasteners. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 21

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 22

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 23

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 24

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. BMW E36
Step 25

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 26

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 27

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until you feel significant resistance.Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 28

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Slow down smoothly for first 150-200 km after the brake pads replacement. Avoid unneccessary and sharp braking to a stop.

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