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

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

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

Alternative products

Brake pad set

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you might need:

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

Buy tools

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC experts recommend:

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.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: brake pads – 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 pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
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 pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
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. Use a crowbar.

AUTODOC recommends:
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 E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 14

Treat the back side of the new brake pads. Use anti-squeal paste.
Step 15

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 16

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

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Professionals recommend:
Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
Step 17

Install new brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
Step 18

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

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E46 convertible – Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
Step 19

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 20

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 21

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC experts recommend:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 22

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

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 24

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 25

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 nm torque.
Step 26

Remove the jacks and chocks.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top up if necessary.
Step 27

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
Slow down smoothly for first 150-200 km after the brake pads replacement. Avoid unneccessary and sharp braking to a stop.

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.

Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 3 Convertible (E46) model

BMW 3 Convertible (E46) tyre size

How to change front brake discs on BMW E46 convertible – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.37 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW E46 convertible – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.03 MB
How to change rear brake discs on BMW E46 convertible – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.3 MB
How to change front brake hose on BMW E46 convertible – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.78 MB
How to change front brake caliper on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.92 MB
How to change rear brake pad wear sensor on BMW 3 Convertible (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.09 MB

How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Saloon (F30, F80) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.91 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW E90 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.58 MB
How to change front brake pads on BMW E90 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.7 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.79 MB
How to change front brake pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.62 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW E92 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.99 MB

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

Prevent Breakdowns: Key Car Checks After Winter | AUTODOC Guide

3K views

Published on: 23/03/2023
DIY vehicle AC compressor restoration

750K views

Published on: 28/11/2024
How to remove scratches from car plastic | AUTODOC tips

187K views

Published on: 15/12/2022
Stop Rust Before It Starts: Top 5 Tips for Car Body Protection | AUTODOC Insights

7K views

Published on: 27/07/2023