How to carry out replacement: Brake Pads 320d BMW E46
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Change BMW E46 316i 1.8 Brake Pads yourself – manuals and video tutorials

How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

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When to replace the Brake Pads on your BMW 3 SERIES
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.

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
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Tools
Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). List of the tools you'll need:
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
Buy tools
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:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the protective cover.
  2. Step 3
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 1999 Brake Pads - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the rubber strip.
  3. Step 4
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Brake Pads replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Brake Pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318i 2002 Brake Pads - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
  6. Step 7
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 8
    How to replace Brake Pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  7. Step 9
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Pads replacement on BMW E46 318i 2.0 2004 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the wheel.
  8. Step 10
    Need to know how to renew Brake Pads on BMW 3 SERIES 2005? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  9. Step 11
    Changing of Brake Pads on BMW E46 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  10. Step 12
    BMW 3 SERIES 316i 1.8 Brake Pads replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 13
    Replacing Brake Pads on BMW E46 2000 320d by yourself
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
  12. Step 14
    3 Saloon (E46) 318i 2001 Brake Pads DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove 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.
  13. Step 15
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2002 - tips and tricks
    Remove 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.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E46 2003 318i Brake Pads
    Remove the connector of the brake pad wear sensor. Use a crowbar.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Brake Pads on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 330d 2.9 2004 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean 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.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 1999 Brake Pads - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Treat 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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