Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 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) 318 Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear brake discs on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Brake Discs for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models

Brake disc

        Brake disc for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (170 hp)
      
        Brake disc for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Brake disc for 3 Convertible (E46) Petrol (136 hp)

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you'll need:

                        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

Buy tools

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. 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 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 rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 5

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E46 convertible
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 discs – BMW E46 convertible. 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 12

Remove the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 13

Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.

Please note!
Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
Step 14

Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 15

Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
Step 16

Remove the caliper bracket.
Step 17

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 18

Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use an impact screwdriver.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC experts recommend:
If necessary, use a rubber mallet.
Step 19

Remove the brake disc.
Step 20

Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 21

Move the parking brake shoes against the drum. Use a crowbar.
Step 22

Install the brake disc.
Step 23

Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
Step 24

Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 25

Install the brake caliper bracket.
Step 26

Tighten the brake caliper bracket. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 65 Nm torque.
Step 27

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 28

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 29

Install the brake pads.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
If going to use the old brake pads, clean them.
Step 30

Connect the brake pads wear sensor.
Step 31

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 32

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 33

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 34

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 35

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 36

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 37

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 38

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

Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until you feel significant resistance.
Step 39

Remove the jacks and chocks.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Replacement: brake discs – BMW E46 convertible. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top up if necessary.
Step 40

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

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