Brake pads, essential to your car, are consumable items and will eventually need to be replaced if you drive the car. Even on the popular BMW, it is essential to replace the brake pads at the appropriate time. In this Blog, we will explain the timing of replacing BMW’s brake pads, as well as ways to extend the life of your brake pads. In the first place, people ask What is the schedule for BMW brake service or brake pad replacement?
Many people who drive a BMW have probably seen or heard that the brake pads need to be replaced. However, many people may not know what brake pads are in the first place, why they need to be replaced, or how to determine the appropriate time to replace them. Here we will explain the role of brake pads and the criteria for determining replacement.
What is the role of Brake Pads?
First of all, what are brake pads? Brake pads are part of the brakes that brake a car. To brake a car, brake pads apply braking to a component called the “brake rotor” attached to the shaft that rotates the tires, thereby achieving deceleration. At this time, the brake pads sandwich the brake rotor and create “friction” that breaks the movement of the tire, slowing it down and stopping it.
Replacement information is indicated by checking the remaining amount and the warning display
Brake pads are parts that use friction to brake the movement of a car. As long as a part causes friction, it is inevitable that the part itself will wear out. Therefore, brake pads need to be replaced regularly. You can determine when to replace the brake pads by checking the remaining amount and checking the warning display.
“Remaining amount” refers to the thickness of the brake pad, and “warning display” is a warning display by the “brake pad sensor.” There are two types of warning display methods: “mechanical” and “electrical.” there is.
A “mechanical” system provides a physical warning using a metal attached piece to the brake pad, while an “electric” system provides an electrical warning based on the remaining amount of brake pads.
How to check BMW brake pads?
There are many ways to check your brake pads, and each one has different signs of wear.
1. Check the thickness of the brake pads
How to check the “thickness” of brake pads at BMW? Most BMW brake pads are about 10-12mm thick when new. This thickness gradually becomes thinner as the brakes are worn away. When the thickness of the brake pads reaches around 3mm, it is time to replace them.
The thickness of brake pads is not legally determined as to how many millimeters they must be replaced, so to put it in an extreme case, it means that as long as the brakes work, it’s fine.
2. Check the sound of the brake pads
Explanation of the “sound” of brake pads. When the brake pads wear out, a metal part called a “wear indicator” that is attached to the brake pads may come into contact with the brake rotor, producing a “squeak” sound. If you hear this noise when you step on the brakes, it means that your brake pads are already worn out, so it’s probably time to replace them. However, not all cars are equipped with wear indicators, and some employ “electronic” warnings. In other words, in some cases, the system does not issue a warning by making an abnormal noise, but rather by lighting up a brake warning light. Therefore, it is dangerous to simply think that there is no need to replace it because it doesn’t make any strange noises.
3. Check the amount of brake fluid (oil)
What is “brake fluid”? Brake fluid is brake oil. This oil works to transmit force to the brake pads when you step on them. Every time the brake pads move, the brake fluid also decreases, so when this oil level gets low, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace the brake pads. Brake fluid is stored in a tank, and the tank has a memory of the remaining amount. Minimum memory is generally referred to as MIN or LOWER, and maximum memory is generally referred to as MAX or UPPER. If the remaining amount is approaching MIN or LOWER, it means that the brake fluid is already low.
4. Decided based on the distance traveled and frequency of driving
You can predict when to replace your brake pads to some extent based on the mileage of your car and how often you drive it. Brake pads are said to wear out at a rate of about 1 mm per 10,000 km of driving distance. Therefore, if you have driven a considerable distance since the last time you replaced your brake pads, you may want to consider replacing your brake pads. However, the pace at which brake pads wear out is not always constant. It is necessary to use the mileage as preliminary information and compare it with other conditions of the brake pads to determine when it is time to replace them.
5. Check the Brake disc
In addition to brake pads and brake fluid, you also need to be careful about brake discs. Brake discs can become rusty if they get wet with rain. Rust itself occurs universally on metal parts, but when you step on the brakes, the rust is removed by friction with the brake pads, and the brake disc itself also wears out. If the wear of the brake disc progresses and the thickness falls below a certain level, there is a possibility that the brake disc will crack, so care must be taken.
Should I also change the brake fluid (oil)?
When it comes to brake fluid, other points require attention in addition to the remaining amount. That is the condition of brake fluid deterioration. Below we will explain how to check the condition of the brake fluid.
1. Check the condition of the brake fluid
What happens when brake fluid deteriorates? In the first place, oil degrades when it absorbs moisture from the air. Oil that absorbs water has a lower boiling point, which means it boils more easily. When the oil boils, air bubbles form in the brake oil, and these air bubbles make it difficult for the brakes to work. This is a phenomenon called the “paper lock phenomenon.”
2. Check the “color” and “amount” for replacement timing.
Proper replacement of brake fluid is essential to prevent the paper lock phenomenon from occurring. To determine when it is time to replace it, check the amount and color of the reservoir tank. The color of brake fluid is yellow when it has not deteriorated, and becomes brown or blackish when it has deteriorated. Brake fluid that is brown or blackish is prone to boiling, so it is best to arrange for replacement as soon as possible.
3. When Replacing at a repair shop?
In some cases, you may have to take the part to a BMW Maintenance shop and have it replaced. In this case, apart from the cost of parts, you will only have to pay for the labor at the repair shop. If you bring the parts in for replacement, some factories charge a cheaper cost than replacing them at a dealer.
However, before requesting a replacement, you should check whether the service provided is different from that of a dealer and whether they will be able to chamfer new brake pads, apply grease, etc., or whether they will be able to bring the brake pad in for repair.
Can I Replace it myself?
Although it is common for brake pads to be replaced by a dealer or repair shop, you can also replace your car yourself. However, you cannot replace the brake pads on another person’s car. The law requires that brake pads be replaced by qualified personnel at a certified location.
Steps to follow when replacing BMW brake pads
Below we will explain the steps for replacing brake pads yourself. Replacing brake pads by DIY(Do it yourself) has the advantage of reducing costs, but there is a risk of accidents if you do not follow the proper procedures, so be sure to check the procedures carefully.
Remove BMW brake pads
First, remove the brake pads. Jack up the car, remove the caliper guide pin and remove the caliper. This will allow you to see the brake pads.
Return the caliper’s “brake piston”
Brake pads are compressed by pistons. This piston is compressed using a special brake piston tool. At this time, brake fluid may overflow, so it is safe to drain the fluid before starting work.
Installing new brake pads on your BMW
After that, install new brake pads. For brake pads of some car models, it is necessary to transfer the shims that come with the brake pads, but in the case of BMW, they are integrated, so they can be installed as is. At this time, apply a compatible grease to each part of the caliper piston and brake pad. Next, install the other parts by reversing the previous steps.
Setting using genuine tester
Once the replacement work is complete, use a genuine BMW tester to delete the fault code and reset the service interval. The work is now complete. Working on brakes is dangerous work, as incorrect procedures can increase the possibility of an accident. If you feel uneasy about doing the work yourself, we recommend that you ask a mechanic to do it for you. If you would like to replace your BMW brake pads, please contact us at Hytec Auto Workshop for BMW brake repair services in Dubai, where our mechanics are experts in BMW transmission repair which is the most complex work for a brand like BMW.
How to extend the life of BMW brake pads?
Replacing your BMW’s brake pads is not cheap when you include the cost of parts and labor. From a cost-effective perspective, it is best to extend the life of brake pads as much as possible so that they can be used safely and for a long time. Some steps are followed to extend the life of your BMW brake pads.
1. Make active use of downshifts
Using the brakes naturally shortens the life of the brake pads. In particular, applying the brakes just before a traffic light can cause the brake pads to wear down very quickly. Simply taking advantage of downshifts and using engine braking to slow down can go a long way in extending the life of your brake pads.
2.Don’t step on the brakes unnecessarily
Avoiding unnecessary braking is also a good way to extend the life of your brake pads.
Not applying the brakes unnecessarily also means not excessively speeding, which leads to safe driving. It can also be said to be a good method from the perspective of improving fuel efficiency.
3. Utilize coasting
Coasting refers to the act of disengaging the clutch when the accelerator is released and idling without using engine braking. This coasting is also called coasting, and it consumes almost no fuel and reduces wear on brake pads. Making good use of coasting in appropriate situations is a good way to extend the life of your brake pads.
Further Explore: BMW battery replacement in Dubai.
BMW Models we deal with for Brake Repair and Replacement
| Category | Models |
| BMW Sedans | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series (Sedan, Touring), 4 Series (Gran Coupe, Coupe, Convertible), 5 Series (Sedan, Touring), 7 Series, i3, i4, i7 |
| BMW SUVs | BMW X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, iX |
| BMW Coupes & Convertibles | BMW 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Coupe, 8 Series Coupe, Z4 (Roadster) |
| BMW M Performance | BMW M2, M3 (Sedan, Touring), M4 (Coupe, Convertible), M5, M8 (Coupe, Gran Coupe, Convertible), X3 M, X4 M, X5 M, X6 M |
| Electric BMW | BMW i3, i4, iX, i7 |
Summary
We have explained how to replace BMW brake pads. You can drive safely by knowing the timing, guidelines, and cost of replacement (by calling us), and replacing it at the appropriate time. Also, driving in a way that allows your brake pads to last longer will ultimately lead to safer driving. Our technicians are not only experts in BMW brake repair or replacement they are highly skilled in providing any kind of brake services for further assistance you can
