When to replace the Brake Discs on your BMW 5 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 tds 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 5 Touring (E39) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
HEX bit no.H6.
HEX bit no.H7.
Drive socket # 16
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Impact screwdriver
Crow bar
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC recommends:
  • Replace the brake disks on the car BMW 5 Touring (E39) 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.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 5 Touring (E39) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Detach the air duct from the cabin filter housing.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  3. Step 5
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
  5. Step 7
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the cabin air filter housing.
  6. Step 8
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  9. Step 11
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 12
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 5 Touring (E39)
  10. Step 13
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the wheel.
  11. Step 14
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
  12. Step 15
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  13. Step 16
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 Touring 2000 520 i Brake Discs
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  15. Step 18
    DIY replacement of Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525d 2.5 2001 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW 5 Touring (E39). 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. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
  17. Step 20
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Discs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the brake pads.
  18. Step 21
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Brake Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  19. Step 22
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a combination spanner #16.
  20. Step 23
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the caliper bracket.
  21. Step 24
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the brake disc fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  22. Step 25
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use an impact screwdriver.
  23. Step 26
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the brake disc.
  24. Step 27
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
  25. Step 28
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the brake disc.
  26. Step 29
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
  27. Step 30
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
  28. Step 31
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Install the brake caliper bracket.
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DIY BMW 5 Touring (E39) Brake Discs replacement - online guide
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