When to replace the Brake Pads on your BMW 5 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake pad set : 30000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear brake pads on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Brake Pads for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Brake cleaner
Anti-squeal paste
Copper grease
HEX bit no.H7.
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Crow bar
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • 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.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Recommended sequence of steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Brake Pads - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Detach the air duct from the cabin filter housing.
  3. Step 4
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Pads replacement: free workshop manuals
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Brake Pads - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the cabin air filter housing.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Pads replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Brake Pads on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Brake Pads on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Brake Pads replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Brake Pads on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  12. Step 13
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Brake Pads DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the wheel.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.
    Please note!
    Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Brake Pads
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Brake Pads on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Brake Pads - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
  18. Step 19
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Brake Pads replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
    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. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the brake pads.
    Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Measure the brake disc thickness. Upon reaching the wear limit the part must be replaced.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Brake Pads - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.
    Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC:
    After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Brake Pads on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Pads replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Brake Pads on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Treat the brake pads in the area where their surface comes into contact with the brake caliper bracket. Use anti-squeal paste.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Brake Pads on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install new brake pads.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Brake Pads replacement - online guide
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