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.

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

Alternative products

Brake pad set

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. Tools you'll 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 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 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 touring. AUTODOC experts recommend:
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

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
Step 9

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 10

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11

Remove 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 12

Remove 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 13

Treat 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 14

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 15

Clean 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 16

Treat 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.
Step 17

Install new brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. Tip:
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.
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.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. 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 touring. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
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.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. AUTODOC recommends:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 27

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E46 touring – Press the brake pedal several times with the engine shut down until you feel the resistance built up.
Step 28

Close the hood.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 touring. 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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