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

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Cd, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Brake Pads for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models

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Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you'll need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Copper grease 
                    
                      Anti-squeal paste
                    
                      HEX bit No.H7.
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Brake caliper wind back tool
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:

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 E46 convertible. Take the following steps:

Step 1

Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 2

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 3

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 4

Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 5

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E46 convertible
Step 6

Remove the wheel.
Step 7

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 8

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 9

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 10

Detach the brake caliper retaining spring. Use a crowbar.
Step 11

Remove the brake caliper.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Professionals 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 12

Remove the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 13

Disconnect the brake pads wear sensor. Use a crowbar.

Please note!
Some cars are not equipped with the brake pad wear sensor.
Step 14

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 15

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 16

Treat the back side of the new brake pads. Use anti-squeal paste.

AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure the disc surface is clean before installing the pads.
Step 17

Install new brake pads.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
Make sure the pads are installed with linings facing the disc.
Step 18

Connect the brake pads wear sensor.
Step 19

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 30 Nm torque.
Step 20

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 21

Install the brake caliper retaining spring.
Step 22

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 23

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 24

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 25

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 26

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

AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E46 convertible – Press the brake pedal several times with the engine shut down until you feel the resistance built up.
Step 27

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 28

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

Replacement: brake pads – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
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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