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How to change rear brake discs on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide
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Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle
All the parts you need to replace – Brake Discs for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
Brake disc
Alternative products

Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Torx bit T30
Drive socket # 16
HEX bit No.H7.
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Tap wrench
Impact screwdriver
Rubber mallet
Crow bar
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
- Replace the brake disks on the car BMW 3 E46 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.
- All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 3 (E46). Use the following procedure:
- 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 rear of the car and secure on supports.Step 5Unscrew the wheel bolts.AUTODOC recommends:Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 3 (E46)
- Step 6Remove the wheel.
- Step 7Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
- Step 8Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
- Step 9Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 10Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
- Step 11Remove the brake caliper.Replacement: brake discs – BMW 3 (E46). 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.
- Step 12Remove the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
- Step 13Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.Please note!Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
- Step 14Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
- Step 15Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
- Step 16Remove the caliper bracket.
- Step 17Clean the brake disk surface. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
- Step 18Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use an impact screwdriver.Replacement: brake discs – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:If necessary, use a rubber mallet.
- Step 19Remove the brake disc.
- Step 20Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
- Step 21Move the parking brake shoes against the drum. Use a crowbar.
- Step 22Install the brake disc.
- Step 23Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
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