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

Alternative products

Brake pad set

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:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.

Step 2

Remove the protective cover.
Step 3

Remove the rubber strip.
Step 4

Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 5

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 6

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 7

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.

Step 8

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Tip:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 9

Remove the wheel.
Step 10

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 11

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 12

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
Step 14

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.
Step 15

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.
Step 16

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.
Step 17

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.
Step 18

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 19

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.
Step 20

Install new brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
Step 21

Connect the brake pad wear sensor plug.
Step 22

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 23

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 24

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 25

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 26

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW 3 (E46)
Step 27

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 28

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 140 nm torque.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until you feel significant resistance.
Step 29

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC recommends:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 30

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 31

Install the protective cover.
Step 32

Install the rubber strip.

Step 33

Close the hood.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW 3 (E46). Professionals recommend:
Slow down smoothly for first 150-200 km after the brake pads replacement. Avoid unneccessary and sharp braking to a stop.

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