When to replace the Brake Discs on your BMW 5 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

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

video
Tools
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E39. Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
HEX bit no.H6.
HEX bit no.H7.
Drive socket # 16
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Brake caliper wind back tool
Impact screwdriver
Crow bar
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: brake discs – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Replace the brake disks on the car BMW E39 in complete set for each axis. Regardless of the state of components. This will ensure even braking.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for both brake disks on the same axle.
  • When changing the brake discs, always replace the brake pads.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW E39 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Brake Discs 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 Discs - 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 Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Release the cabin filter cover clips.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Brake Discs 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 Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the cabin filter housing seal.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Brake Discs 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 Discs 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 Discs 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 Discs 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 Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E39
  12. Step 13
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the wheel.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Brake Discs 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 Discs
    Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Brake Discs 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 Discs 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 Discs - 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 Discs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the brake caliper.
    Replacement: brake discs – BMW E39. 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. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Brake Discs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the brake pads.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Brake Discs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the brake caliper bracket fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Brake Discs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the caliper bracket fastening. Use a combination spanner #16.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Brake Discs replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the caliper bracket.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Brake Discs on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean the brake disc fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Brake Discs on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use an impact screwdriver.
  25. Step 26
    BMW 5 SERIES 540 i Brake Discs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the brake disc.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Brake Discs on BMW E39 1996 523 i by yourself
    Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
  27. Step 28
    5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds 1997 Brake Discs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the brake disc.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Brake Discs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 16 Nm torque.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525 tds Brake Discs
    Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Brake Discs on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the brake caliper bracket.
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Brake Discs replacement - online guide
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