Replacing Rear Brake Pads and Rotors on BMWs with Electric Parking Brakes

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REPLACING REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ON BMWS WITH ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE

Tools:

Mechanic’s gloves:
Universal OBD-II Fault Code & Diagnostic Tool with electric parking brake service function:
BavAuto socket, Torx and Allen bit set:
Caliper piston compressor tool:
15mm thin open end wrench (or BavAuto 16mm thin wrench):

Products:

Sta-Lube Disc Brake Caliper Grease:
New Replacement Brake Pads:
New Brake wear sensor wire:

Here are the links to our other brake service videos:

As noted above, the second generation electric parking brake system incorporates an electric motor driven caliper piston extender mechanism than mechanically extends the brake caliper piston to compress the pads against the brake rotor (as opposed to a separate small cable actuated drum brake assembly inside the brake rotor’s hub, or hat). Unlike a standard brake caliper, the piston cannot be simply pushed back into the caliper, using a piston compressor tool. According to BMW, the pistons must be retracted through use of the BMW factory scan/diagnostic tool. The tool is connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and then programmed to retract the pistons through the parking brake motor actuators. Once the parking brake piston extenders are retracted, the standard brake pad replacement can proceed.

So, you ask, do I have to take my vehicle to the BMW dealer for rear brake service? No.

In this DIY video, we’ll show you how to circumvent the BMW parking brake retractor program and perform your rear brake service at home. Follow along as we perform the rear brake pad and rotor replacement on a 2010 535i (F10 chassis) with electric parking brake.

[jacemcfarland]

This is the one of the best how-to videos I have seen! Once I figured out the Allen and Torx sizes, doing both rear brakes took only 1 hour. Hardest part was getting the wheels back on! Front brake pads and rotors tomorrow!

[probey]

And that's how you make a self help video, clear, concise and with just the right amount of detail. Thanks.

[souniquexyz]

I've done 50+ brake jobs in my life but this was the first with the electric parking brake on my BMW 550. The video really helped, thanks Bav Auto. Someone asked about whether or not they need to buy the piston compression tool. No. Most time you can use your two thumbs and slowly push the piston in. Sometimes you need to use one of the old brake pads, flip it so the pad side is on the piston, then compress gently from the back with a large channel lock (16" - 4" jaw) or a large C-clamp. One other note, when turning the electric brake center hole clockwise, understand it will take 30-40 quarter turns of a ratchet. It will finally stop. A handy tip is to have a jack stand under the caliper to support it while you prepare the pads and clips, it takes the strain off the brake hose.

[ecanixgarage]

Great video sir! For all you novice techs, the special skinny 15mm isnt absolutely necessary, ( normal 15mm will fit on most models), and you can compress the piston with your hand or a simple c clamp. Once again great video and to the point! This guy is good!

[richard]

You can also use the ESB scan tool as well to retract the parking brake. Thank you. Great video

[uffeponken]

Excellent and clear video.
Just one more thing. When you compress the piston, keep an eye on the brake fluid vessel in the engine compartment. If it is filled up to high, it may overflow when brake fluid is pressed back to the vessel.

[SCWJackE]

Good and clear step by step directions. What I notice about this and many other brake service vids; no one cleans the area first with Brake cleaner spray, and no one uses one or two drops of penetrating oil on bolts and nuts that have not moved since factory assembly, AND lastly, no anti-seize upon reassembly.

[pharmdiesel]

2014 BMW X3 rear pad and rotor change successfully completed. Extremely helpful in dealing with the e-brake system to compress the piston. Thank you!

[Bamsebrakar]

I have found it’s useful to loosen the brake disc (rotor) hub fastening bolt while the parking brake is still activated, to avoid rotating the disc. This is especially useful on the front discs (RWD cars). The disc fastening bolt is frequently stuck from rust).

[ht-infofacts]

Very Professional Job Done and a clear explanation !
However one more thing has not been covered here, about how to reset the brake service on dash bord after replacing the brakes ?
Thanks .

[darrensenerat]

brilliant video, I followed it and changed my rear brake pads discs and sensor on my f11 520d. thanks for your help

[bmksbjp]

Excellent video. Clear instruction and specific tool needed. I don't have experience to work with electric parking brakes. But now I'm sure I can replace the break pads. Thank you Bavarian Autosport.

[dl]

You forgot to mention that after replacement you have to pump brake pedal BEFORE start the car. Otherwise, the hydraulic brake code will pop out and you'll need a scanner to reset a code.

[trevorritchie]

Thanks for this video. Just completed my first ever brake job & would never have even thought of trying if not for this video.

[patricksmith]

Before this procedure i, if its an automatic what do you select is it neutral ? With the handbrake off

[CondorrK]

See the last 2 vids mentioned that you cannot perform this job without a tool that will release the PB to the out condition. Then told us the tool is cheap 😂

Glad i found this video

[johndavies]

this video is first class so simple why cant everyone do this thank you so much

[wladdobryakow]

Благодарю вас уважаемый Мастер за подробное видию.
Такие маленькие мелочи экономят нам большие деньги.
Которые мы можем потратить на семейный бюджет.
Filen dank Ser!!!
Будьте здоровы!!!

[jamesanderson]

Really high quality and precise video describing a potentially tricky job. Very useful. Great way to save $$$ vs. dealer service.

[darylmiller]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you! You have earned my business in the future. Just a reminder to be sure the connector on the actuators are fully engaged. One of mine was very tight and didn't fully engage the first time. Needless to say, I got the dreaded “Parking brake malfunction”.