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How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide
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Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake pad set : 30000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
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) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 xi, 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) 325 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325i … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
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) 325 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325 xi, 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) 325 xi, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 325i … 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 Pads for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
Brake pad set
Alternative products

Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Anti-squeal paste
Copper grease
HEX bit no.H7.
Wheel impact socket #19
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Crow bar
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). 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.
- 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:
- Step 1Open the bonnet.Step 2Remove the protective cover.
- Step 3Remove the rubber strip.
- Step 4Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Step 5Secure the wheels with chocks.
- Step 6Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
- Step 7Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.Step 8Unscrew the wheel bolts.Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Tip:To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
- Step 9Remove the wheel.
- Step 10Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
- Step 11Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
- Step 12Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 13Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
- Step 14Remove the brake caliper.Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts 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 15Remove the brake pads. Use a crowbar.Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC recommends:Measure the brake disc thickness. Upon reaching the wear limit the part must be replaced.
- Step 16Remove the connector of the brake pad wear sensor. Use a crowbar.Please note!Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
- Step 17Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.AUTODOC recommends:Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
- Step 18Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
- Step 19Treat the back side of the new brake pads. Use anti-squeal paste.Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Professionals recommend:Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
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