Brake system of the car BMW 3 Series E46

Technical data
Front brakes Disc diameter: Models 328 and 330 - 300 mm All other models - 286 mm Disc Thickness: New disc - 22 mm Minimum Thickness (engraved on disk) - 20.4...

Connection tightening torques, Nm
Fastening pressure sensors of the ABS system to the main cylinder - 19 ABS Wheel Sensor Bolts - 8 Brake disc mounting screws - 16 Brake hose fittings: Thread...

Basic information
All cars are equipped with a dual-circuit hydraulic brake system with a vacuum booster. Under normal conditions, both circuits operate simultaneously. If a...

Hydraulic system — air removal
Attention! Brake fluid is poisonous. If it comes in contact with skin, wash it off immediately. If fluid gets into eyes, seek medical attention. Certain types...

Hydraulic lines and hoses — replacement
Attention! Models with ABS (with or without ASC+T system) there is no need to disconnect the lines connecting the hydraulic unit to the master cylinder and...

Front brake pads — replacement
Attention! Always change pads on both front brakes at the same time. Replacing pads on only one of the wheels can lead to uneven braking. Dust generated during...

Rear brake pads — replacement
Checking and replacing the rear brake pads is completely identical to replacing the front brake pads (see paragraph 4).

Front brake disc — check, removal and installation
Note 1. Please read the note at the beginning before operation paragraph 4 about the dangers of asbestos dust. Note 2: If one of the discs needs to be...

Rear brake disc — check, removal and installation
Note 1. Before starting work, read the note at the beginning of paragraph 4 about the danger of asbestos dust. Note 2: If one of the discs needs to be...

Front brake caliper — removal, repair and installation
Note. Before starting work, read the note at the beginning of paragraph 2 about the danger of brake fluid, as well as the warning at the beginning of paragraph...

Rear brake caliper — removal, repair and installation
Note. Before starting work, read the note at the beginning of paragraph 3 about the danger of brake fluid, as well as the warning at the beginning of paragraph...

Master cylinder — removal, repair and installation
Models with ABS 1. On ABS models, removal of the master cylinder in a garage is not possible as this will disconnect the high pressure lines from the master...

Brake pedal — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. Disconnect the wire from the negative battery terminal. 2. Remove the brake light switch (see paragraph 18). 3. Using pliers, unhook the return...

Vacuum booster — check, removal and installation
Note. On models with ABS and traction control (ASC+T) or dynamic stabilization system (DSC) To remove the booster, the ABS/ASC+T and/or DSC control unit must...

Vacuum booster valve — removal, inspection and installation
Withdrawal 1. Disconnect the hose from the valve (valve mounted on booster). 2. Carefully remove the valve from the booster. Do not dislodge the valve seal....

Parking brake — adjustment
1. Applying a normal medium force to the parking brake lever, slowly raise it to the stop, counting by ear the number of clicks of the ratchet mechanism. When...

Parking brake lever — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. To access the lever, remove the rear section of the center console and armrest (if it exists) ( see chapter 11 ). 2. Loosen and remove the...

Parking brake cables — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. To access the parking brake lever, remove the rear section of the center console (see chapter 11). The parking brake cable consists of two...

Parking brake pads — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. Remove the rear brake disc (see paragraph 7). Note the location of all parts of the parking brake. 2. Using pliers, carefully remove the shoe...

Stoplight switch — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. The brake light switch is located on the brake pedal bracket, behind the dash. 2. Turn out screws of fastening of the bottom panel of facing from...

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) — basic information
Note. On models equipped with traction control (Traction Control), ABS performs two functions: anti-lock braking system, as well as the functions of the...

Components of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) — removal and installation
Hydraulic block 1. Removal and installation of the hydraulic block in a garage is not possible, since this requires special diagnostic equipment, and BMW...

Vacuum pump (models with N42 engine) — removal and installation
Withdrawal 1. On models with this engine, the Valvetronic system creates too little vacuum in the intake manifold than that required for the operation of the...