Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake pad set : 30000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535i, 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) 520i, 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]

Alternative products

Brake pad set

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

Buy tools

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:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.
Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Detach the air duct from the cabin filter housing.
Step 4

Release the cabin filter cover clips.
Step 5

Remove the cabin filter housing cover.
Step 6

Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
Step 7

Remove the cabin air filter housing.
Step 8

Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 9

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 10

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 11

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 12

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Tip:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 13

Remove the wheel.
Step 14

Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.

Please note!
Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
Step 15

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 16

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 18

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
Step 19

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.
Step 20

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.
Step 21

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.
Step 22

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 23

Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 24

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.
Step 25

Install new brake pads.

AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
Step 26

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 27

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 28

Connect the brake pads wear sensor.
Step 29

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 30

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 31

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 32

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. Tip:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 33

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 34

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 35

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap.

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E39 – Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
Step 36

Install the cabin air filter housing.
Step 37

Reinstall the cabin filter housing seal.
Step 38

Reinstall the cabin filter housing cover. Make sure you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.
Step 39

Attach the cabin filter cover clips.
Step 40

Install the air duct housing.
Step 41

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 42

Close the hood.
Step 43

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E39. 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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