When to replace the Brake Pad Wear Sensor on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Sensor, brake pad wear : 30000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 328 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 323 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330 xd, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 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

Tools
Replacement: brake pad wear sensor – BMW 3 (E46). Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
Brake cleaner
Electronic spray
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Wheel impact socket #17
Round-nose pliers
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake pad wear sensor – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • The replacement procedure is identical for both brake pad wear sensors on the same axle.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
    Step 2
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 3
    How to change Brake Pad Wear Sensor on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  2. Step 4
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 5
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 1999 Brake Pad Wear Sensor - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW 3 (E46)
  3. Step 6
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Brake Pad Wear Sensor replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the wheel.
  4. Step 7
    Changing Brake Pad Wear Sensor on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the brake pad wear sensor from the brake pad. Use round-nose pliers.
  5. Step 8
    Disconnect the brake pad wear sensor wire.
    Step 9
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318 i 2002 Brake Pad Wear Sensor - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Open the cover of the wiring housing.
  6. Step 10
    How to replace Brake Pad Wear Sensor on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Detach the connector of the brake pad wear sensor.
  7. Step 11
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Pad Wear Sensor replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Install the wear sensor on the brake pads. Use round-nose pliers.
  8. Step 12
    Need to know how to renew Brake Pad Wear Sensor on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Connect the brake pad wear sensor wire.
  9. Step 13
    Changing of Brake Pad Wear Sensor on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Treat the brake pad wear sensor plug. Use dielectric grease.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Brake Pad Wear Sensor replacement - online guide
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