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How to change front brake pads on BMW E46 touring – replacement guide
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Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake pad set : 30000 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.
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 pads / front brake pad set on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Brake Pads for 3 Touring (E46) and other BMW models
Brake pad set
Alternative products

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
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. 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.
- Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – BMW E46 touring.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
- Step 1Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Step 2Secure the wheels with chocks.
- Step 3Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
- Step 4Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
- Step 5Unscrew the wheel bolts.Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. AUTODOC experts recommend:To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
- Step 6Remove the wheel.
- Step 7Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
- Step 8Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
- Step 9Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
- Step 10Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 11Remove the brake caliper.Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. AUTODOC recommends: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 12Remove the brake pads.Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. Tip:Measure the brake disc thickness. Upon reaching the wear limit the part must be replaced.
- Step 13Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. Professionals recommend:After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
- Step 14Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
- Step 15Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.AUTODOC recommends:Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
- Step 16Treat the brake caliper bracket where it contacts the brake pads. Use anti-squeal paste.Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. Tip from AUTODOC experts:Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
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