F30 BMW (2011-2019) Brake Pads, Rotors and Wear Sensor Change

[@chiefedup]

I thought it might be helpful to include the torque specs for the caliper bolts (110 nm or 81.8 ft. lbs) Lugs should be 103 ft lbs.

[@InformallyDead]

Do you know the torque spec for the Allen key?

[@Sequel7]

@@InformallyDeadthe rotor set screw is always 16 nm

[@Martin-cc5xn]

I like you videos Brian but there’s a few issues this one I’d like to point out for safety and potential wear or damage factors to the car 1. Note for us Brits / and some other Euro countries, European BMW’s use locking wheel nuts, never use an impact wrench on a locking wheel not there is a high risk of it shearing the head of the nut off and you will be screwed, quite literally! Specialist equipment will then be required to remove the damaged locking wheel nut key, trust me I’ve found this out myself, the hard way! Although impact wrenches are great, a beaker bar for all wheel nuts is safer. 2. Always clean the hub with a wire brush after removing the brake disc (known as rotors in USA), the incumbent hub builds up corrosion deposits especially on higher mileage cars and if you just place your new disc on it may not seat perfectly causing possible vibration when braking. 3. When releasing the brake reservoir cap you should take some brake fluid out with large syringe and injected back in after re-assembly of the brakes, you do this as a precaution because if fluid has been topped up as part of a dealer service due to pad wear then when pushing the brake calliper piston back it can cause brake fluid to overflow from the reservoir and into the engine bay, and it’s highly corrosive, it will strip car paint! I also put an absorbent rag around the open reservoir to be safe. 4. A thin layer of copper grease should be added to the back of the brake pads where they press into the calliper this helps prevent squealing. 5. The calliper bolts should either be replaced or if you are using the existing ones (which is generally fine if in good condition) you should use a thin layer of Blue Loctite on the calliper bolt thread where it screws into the calliper (generally from the tip 5mm in). And tighten to the recommended Nm torque setting for the calliper. The Blue Locktite prevents the bolts potentially loosening due to the high forces and vibrations they are subjected to under braking. I was told this by a BMW service engineer a long time ago, relevant to how they do things in the UK, not sure about USA but I’d guess its the same. Hope this helps.

[@DriventoDraw]

Great feedback. Going to try to do mine this weekend.

[@jebbadiah]

Spot on!

[@ernestthomas5281]

Clean the brake surface of the rotors also before installing.

[@delias17]

Ok Karen

[@Ra69iT007]

@@delias17 they were great add-ons from what Bryan showed, degent.

[@surfcat7892]

Excellent tutorial for another KZbin mechanic! I didn't need to swap out my rotors, only the brake pads. Rotors were real smooth... I didn't even take them to my local auto store to turn them! Just swapped out the pads! The 18 mm bolts on the passenger side are the hardest of the job.....used a sissor jack with my rachet as I didn't have a breaker bar, worked like a charm. The rear brake pads are a breeze folks.....just need an 18 mm allen socket for the bolts behind the dust caps....they come off real easy. No need to take off the caliper if you're only doing the pads. Acquired Akebono pads from the store mentioned in this video....they come with the sensor wires. Thanks for the video! Saved me $$$

[@KiesMotorsports]

lol nice work

[@PorradaVFR]

Thank you SO much for making this video. Swapped out the rotors, pads and sensors on my 2013 F30 yesterday and it would have been a nightmare without your guidance and tips. you rock!!

[@clintwestwood3576]

PorradaVFR same process to the rear tires?

[@acheaito]

New rotors rotated unevenly for me (i.e sometimes rubbing against pads). Took them out then used a wire brush to smooth out the edge of the inner ring on the hub where the rotors rest. Big improvement.

[@louier9033]

Thanks for the video, I did mine yesterday, my mechanic advised me to check there were no cracks in the handbrake shoes while i had the disc off, just thought I'd share

[@LarryTurds]

Amazing progress from 6 years ago you guys prove anything is possible

[@chiefedup]

Excellent video and some very astute viewers and comments below. I also like to brush on a little bit of anti-seize between the hub assembly and backside of the rotor surface. This helps prevent any rust build up and the next time you have to remove the rotor it will pop off easy and not be rusted onto the hub.

[@shahassan]

Hi, Great video .. just one question, can you also add the torque specs to which different bolts need to be tightened?

[@innavoig5397]

Thank you for the video. Dealer wanted $1200 for front and back. Saved me a few dollars with your help. Thank you.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@dftrainor]

Hey Bryan, that's an awesome video with excellent detailed instructions. My buddy did the job after viewing the video and saved me almost $250 BMW labor costs on my 2011 328xi. Thanks!

[@sunzalea3257]

Why is your check engine light on?

[@andrewwelsh3926]

Do you have a video for the rear brake pads? Along with any suggested pads and rotors?

[@Jcboy0512]

Great video! :D How much torque should be on the 2 bolts for caliper?

[@clintwestwood3576]

Jack Imjeen yeah I’d like to know as well...

[@kingmonkey88]

Great tip with the opening the brake reservoir cap. You can hand push the caliper piston back in, but the brake fluid overflows from the brake reservoir. Those 18mm bolts are a real bitch especially at the rear.

[@prsguitar6910]

I upgraded to Stoptech brakes about 6 months ago and the front pads didnt fit. Went into my local car parts store and those didnt fit either. So i had to buy oem pads which sucks. Im glad to see the hawk pads worked well on yours though.

[@cautionitsblack]

Thanks kies, got an f30 last year and I do all my own maintenance. I coulda picked someone else but I’m a longtime fan. Thanks for your help, be safe and stay dangerous

[@kaylanewell4505]

Getting ready to do my break rotors/pads, what are the proper torque specs for caliper bolts and wheel lug nuts for F30 335i xDrive with Msport

[@alecpajor6320]

I think 16mn

[@TranquilRide]

17mm and 110nm

[@marksargent2908]

@@TranquilRide F30 have M14 lugs, so need 140Nm.

[@LaughOutLouie88]

My OCD activated when I seen you install the new rotors on a dirty hub. Lol. Great video by the way. I’m going to be doing the brakes on my sister 320i this weekend and this video really helps.

[@audunjemtland8287]

Don't you have to use a diagnostics tool after the brake change? What would happen if you didn't take the sensor wire off? Awesome video thanks a bunch.

[@MrBraders19]

I couldn't ask for a more detailed video, thank you!

[@KiesMotorsports]

Sure thing!

[@Faizal_Khan]

Hi, Thank you for this tutorial. Was wondering if I need to bleed the brakes?

[@robertoterriquez2132]

Thank you for this video. Keep doing what you are doing Bryan. You are a valuable asset to BMW DIY community.

[@damimami6962]

Thanks for this video! I am currently replacing my brakes now using this video!

[@tenaciousdjt]

Thankful for the video, saved me £200 being able to do it myself. I did find pumping the pedal before putting the reservoir cap back on was much better.

[@shardsofcontent4829]

Hilarious. Looks like a whole bunch of us out here are gearing up to do our brakes. Thanks for the great timing Bryan. Please post some follow up on the results. I have Zimmerman rotors and Textar pads in the garage just waiting to be put on. Really had a hard time making a choice so ended up a bit conservative. I worry that I should have gone with the Hawk Performance pads. Anyway ... let us know how it feels compared to previous. Cheers man.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Hi Rob, thanks for your note. Hope it helps! So far, they work great :) -Bryan

[@chris323i]

Nothing wrong with Oem. Love Zimmerman’s z-coat. Looks a lot better a few thousand miles down the road when the hat isn’t rusted to heck. The textars will be my pick too. That dust means it’s stopping!

[@turbocat1984]

I want to avoid the brake dust issue, so I#ll be avoiding OEM. Rob, do those two options give less brake dust?

[@Ra69iT007]

People asking video about the rear breaks, I just did mine, and it's very much the same. Only thing is that the rotor might take bit more work to take off due to it being gripped from the back of the break also. I thought rear was easier.

[@TKMO684]

I learned how to replace my car brake pads and roto through those video thank you so much

[@3jmanagementgeorgia868]

Thanks for step by step instruction. Bit nervous to change a wear sensor (I replaced the sensor also) but was easier than I thought. I replaced with Bosch Rotor and Akebono Pads. See how the new rotor /pad will perform.

[@weebercorey]

Hi, thanks for the vid! DId I miss the part where you removed the pins holding the pads in? It's not clear to me what these bolts are? What tool do I need to remove them?

[@straatman12345]

Great guide! I'm going to use this to rust proof my brake Calipers and disc hubs soon. I didn't know about unscrewing the reservoir to relieve pressure. Once again, great video!!

[@Mudig]

It's helpful that you don't use anything extra like other videos. Just tools readily available.

[@ShotArcane]

You have been a great service to the community. Thank you for saving us money!

[@KiesMotorsports]

Sure thing!

[@ShotArcane]

Is it the same process for the rear?

[@KiesMotorsports]

Similar, but a little different with the ebrake

[@jackdaniels8427]

For those who gave 98 thumbs down your an idiot. This is a awesome video some of you didn’t even know how to change your brakes on your Bmw well now you do. Ty my brother for taking your time to show us how to do things with our vehicles much love.

[@rowdytitan]

You da man! I don't even have my F30 anymore and I still watch your vids lol very informative.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Lol. Thanks!

[@Rudeboymo]

Great video bro. The sensor part was the tricky part. Everything else is easy.

[@Liquid9360]

When you see a guy doing repair work on his car in pumas......he knows exactly what he’s doing😎😎

[@impalassz57]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us I am sure it has helped plenty of people. I wanted to ask did you have to deactivate the brakes first before starting on them?

[@life_of_ira]

Hi Brian, would it be possible to do an updated video of a brake change on pads and rotors front/rear? I think a lot of people can benefit from this.

[@chrisc9630]

Ira Wise what is there to update? It’s a brake change... and he gave you links to all the parts he put on.. pretty straight forward

[@kenlawton1531]

Just replaced the rear rotors and pads on my f30. I wish my rotors came off as easy as yours lol had to give them some encouragement with a 3lb hammer. Overall very pleased and not too hard to do.

[@KiesMotorsports]

I was so surprised how easy it did come off! Now on the other hand.. I didn't show it.. but it took me probably 5 plus minutes to get each wheel off!

[@kenlawton1531]

Kies Motorsports Oh yes that was almost the hardest part, I had to lay my boot into the wheels with some serious kicks! I was surprised how stuck on tbey were. A good layer of copper anti seize will hopefully help in the future.

[@kenlawton1531]

@@KiesMotorsports I've since replaced all rotors and pads, used Ate ceramic pads, man they're fantastic, outstandingly smooth and DUST FREE!

[@Ferrari_M5]

Wow you’ve come a long way in 6 years!

[@scratover9728]

First mistake unloosing the back caliper bolts before relieving pressure you could strip the bolts. Next time compress the pads in and the caliper bolts can be undone with a 6 inch ratchet

[@bardiamotamad3236]

Legendary guy man really got me into doin my own maintenance

[@frankfarklesberry]

At the 00:59 mark, you placed a jackstand under there for additional safety. Can you tell me exactly where and how you positioned it? I know it sounds trivial, but there aren't really many safe places designated for this on a BMW. Thanks.

[@jacobshaneyfelt8264]

If you look under the car where he put the stand there is a plastic black box there should be 4 of them thats where it goes

[@sat_sonic]

Air impact works wonders on tough caliper bolts.

[@PH-md8xp]

Yes they do! Did my front brakes today on my F30, couldn’t get the lower caliper carrier bolt to budge with a breaker bar, so tried the air impact and it was off almost immediately. Couldn’t fit the bulky air impact on the upper bolt though, so struggled for a while with breaker bars, hammers, etc and finally got it off.

[@kjf3091]

Just changed my brakes , this was a GREAT video

[@JoseGonzalez-se3ky]

Thank you. Video is well lit. You instruct well. And overall a great video. Thank you for breaking down this process.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Thank you!

[@markc7889]

Great video! Thank you. Inspired by you. I replaced the front pads of my car with Akebono from fcpeuro. I found the the rotor got very hot after driving it. Is this normal? Thank you.

[@morbus74]

Did you clean the sliders well and also lubricated them? If that rotor if heating much, it's most likely because the brake pads are dragging....either sliders don't slide well, or the piston is not moving properly..

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

didnt know about the electric impact, thats a great idea

[@KOTULCN]

Another quality video! Just out of curiosity why not do a high temp painting of the calipers while you were in there?

[@knarfluna]

I think if you turned your wheel all the way to the right....that breaker bar would fit. Give you better access too...just saying

[@marksargent2908]

If I forgot to get brake cleaner, to clean the slides, can I just use something else that might be around the house? Can I just wipe them down with a wet rag, and dry them off, before adding the brake grease that comes with the pads? Thanks.

[@audrius7223]

Can't you fit 330mm rotor on stock caliper (it's the same for M sport line, which has 330mm)?

[@MrCee861]

Thanks for the video! How about a video for the rear brakes? Do you have one?

[@KiesMotorsports]

I'll have one in about 40,000 miles ;)

[@MrCee861]

Cool!

[@Andyyahurd2]

“If it’s stuck just give it a bit of encouragement” Me: “alright buddy, give it all you have it’s your time”

[@Onlytherealtruth]

awesome. thanks for making videos like these

[@KiesMotorsports]

Sure thing, thanks for watching!

[@dennisgarcia8309]

Kies Motorsports How much torque should there be on the 2 caliper bolts?

[@macmardigan81]

Where do you put the jack stand? In other videos you show using a center point and put the jack stand in the jacking point. However in this one you are using the jacking point then place the stand somewhere else; can you show where that is where that is ?

[@elijahfrancis2520]

Great vid I'm going to replace my brake pads soon. I have a question though what's the torque value for the lug nuts on the wheel and the bolts behind the calipers?

[@jarrettbarnett7656]

According to BMW the slide pins should not be lubricated. When I did the wife's F30 brakes a few months back I used silicone paste anyway though. Seems weird to have them installed dry.

[@KiesMotorsports]

+Jarrett Barnett Yea, that does seem odd

[@MFC1029]

Hi Bryan, I think as far as instructional videos goes your videos are the best!! Easy to follow and understand, excellent video and audio quality. I owned a BMW 2006 330xi. Can I use the instructions of this video to replace the rotors and brake pads on my car? Have you produced a video on rear breaks?

[@Henry_Rice]

What are you aligning the jackstand under here, and are you actually setting the car down on it, or just using it as a backup to the jack, but not intentionally load bearing?

[@johnsimmons5469]

So the floor jack is under the jack point... where did you put that jack stand??

[@davis7323]

Great video! Just recently changed my m235 pads to posi-quiet ceramic pads, but i cheaped out and did not change the rotors and reused them. They squeal LOUD, like deafening loud, for the first few stops. They are pretty quiet afterwards though, wonder if that and 14 degree weather has something to do with this or the mechanic didnt grease up the hardware adequately Hmmm...

[@KiesMotorsports]

May be the weather

[@delias17]

Your sense of humor is hilarious, I subbed!

[@bilalsalim7811]

GREAT VIDEO. I bought the EBC brake kit and it did not come with brake sensor, can i use my existing brake sensor or do i need to buy a new one.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Hi, thanks! You need to buy a new one

[@shamilahholmblad3071]

If you don’t want to replace wear sensor just splice it open and connect wires

[@moskimoski393]

Great video! I just need to get some tools and some confidence and I'll be doing mine in no time!😁

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

It's so easy! When you finish you will be excited!

[@muddypuddlerules]

Do you need a Scanner Tool to change the pads on a 2013 320i? A friend warned me about it, I see no mention of it online or here (unless I am missing something) -- thanks so much for you great videos & tips, saving me thousands of dollars while building my interest/knowledge in an amazing vehicle! (PS would love to visit sometime & have some work done!!)

[@mancaveproductions00]

Hi brian, can you tell me the torque setting for the two boys for calipers..thanks.

[@amnh-facilitiesops3226]

You are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........Thanks for making this video.............Please make one for the rear brakes when you can.............Thanks again!!!!!!!!

[@milandojcinovic9695]

Great video! I have 2015 f30 328i x drive do these parts fit my model? Can you give me a link to order those same parts. Tnx.

[@marksargent2908]

Do you tighten your lugs firm, with either a breaker bar, or impact wrench, then lower fully to the ground to torque or just so they're touching the ground, but not a lot of weight on them? I'm reading conflicting info elsewhere. Thanks.

[@MarkRabone1986]

Great video!! very useful. Where do you put the 'safety' jack stand once you have jacked the car up using the jack & jack pad?

[@PhatBoyiee]

Did you torque the screws that hold the calipers. What are the torque ratings for the screws used to hold the assembly?

[@paolomarletta]

Very clear, very nice thank you. I am going to give it a go on my F31 320D

[@macduff1956]

After pumping the brake pedal,you should top up the brake fluid in the Master cylinder.....

[@jacobb9927]

On amazon it says the breaks won’t fit a 2014 328. But I’m pretty sure it would be the same set up

[@woodken]

Thanks Brian for the video. what size are your tires width and sidewall. Thanks

[@e2p718281828]

Are there two hard points on the left front side, one for jack and the other for stand? I thought there is only one.

[@MJC-GSXS750]

One important part that was missed, is the applying of brake lube on the pad tongues and pad sliders? Is that not needed on the BMW style caliper? Love ur vids man, keep up the great work :) I'm looking to pick up a 08-10 135i with N54 in the near future.

[@MostWantedF30]

I replaced my rotors but not my brakes because I still have a lot of meat on the pads but my rotors are squeaking a lot more than before. Any advice?

[@timothyleung6355]

Does BMW car always have to change the rotor as well when the pads are worn out?

[@Nguyen2fold]

In this case I think he just wanted drilled and slotted look. It's only one small screw to change rotor and brake is already off. So why not just change it.

[@Kevinhernandez-lj6bb]

All your videos are spot on. Much appreciated.

[@KiesMotorsports]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@ElPincheLimonOfficial]

Great Video. Step by step is the best way to teach. I Subscribed.

[@user-yo6cb1sf2n]

Hey, what's the link for the rear ones? I could only find for the front..thanks!

[@marwin56]

Thanks for the video! Just one question. When you reset the light, how do you know that you're resetting for the front brakes and not the rear?

[@KiesMotorsports]

Sure thing! You'll see the options when you scroll through

[@Paincakeness]

Great video really appreciate it. Does anyone know the torque for the lug nuts on the tire?

[@kenlawton1531]

Brian id love to see a parking brake adjustment demo?

[@MFC1029]

I have everything ready to replace brakes and rotors on my 330xi. My car also needs brake fluid flush/bleed. My question is, what do I do first? the break / rotors job or, bleeding the brake fluid? Please advise.

[@jeffhaley9494]

Excellent tutorial! Thanks for taking the time...great job!

[@albertmars7467]

So just two sensors correct? One in the front and one in the back? Where can I buy sensors

[@jesseredmond9892]

good video. what torque setting did you use thanks

[@mick9474]

do they make a noise at high speed because they are drilled and grooved cheers mick

[@Bama_Law]

What front splitter is on this car? This looks like a non sport F30 328i? If so I’d LOVE to know!

[@chrisbraganza8481]

Great video! Very clear and precise. Thanks a bunch!!

[@immortal4942]

i'm surprised there is only 1 piston on the front for these cars. my old subaru had 2. must say braking torque on these cars are pretty disappointing. would like a BBk.

[@rylo4262]

My brakes love to squeak on my f30 did u happen to have the same issue before and did this fix it?

[@daveF1993]

Awesome vid man, I’m changing out the rotors and pads on my 13 F30. This helped out a lot.

[@ikraam19]

Thanks good tutorial, just used this video to replace my rotors and pads today on my F30

[@ikasika87662000]

my bmw 2008 328i has yellow 'Brake' turned on dashboard. using diagnostic scan tool , I confirmed error code is '5DE0' Brake-pad wear: Plasibility,front axle. I tried to reset the error code but it won't allow to reset. do I need to replace brake pad worn sensor from front ? or do I need to replace pad + sensor together? How can I kno w pad is worn enough? how to measure it? front side there is only one brake sensor? if so , which side it is there? left or right? Thank you so much~!

[@markb.5905]

how much did the parts cost to u? and what brand do u recommend?