brakes

[jlfarley]

How easy is it to replace brakes on an E36? Or, is it more difficult than other types of cars?

 

[Big Daddy]

It is about the same as any other car.

 

[frolf]

pads? rotors? calipers? rotors are about as easy as changing a flat tire.

 

[Heresy]

dont try it if your not mechanicly inclined... its not 123, but its not rocket science either.

 

[jcblaschke]

changing just the pads is a cinch, taking the wheel off takes the longest. After that it's just like changing any other pads. You need a hex socket to take off the 2 bolts.

 

[BMWer]

Does compressing the piston require pressing it back or turning as in a single piston setup?

 

[frolf]

once you get the hex things off on the caliper all the piston just kind of goes loose. right? then when you screw them back in you need to pump to get pressure again.

 

[m50POWER]

Does compressing the piston require pressing it back or turning as in a single piston setup?

By pressing it with a c-clamp.

As far as difficulty; its similar to most other, except the bimmer has wear sensors - which you should replace as well.

 

[frolf]

oh yeah, THATS what i did. once you compress it, then you can get the caliper off or pads out.

 

[flyinH]

if you change them urself,be careful with the wear sensor wires as they can break pretty easy.also, make sure you don't strip the small recessed allen head bolts that hold the rotor onto the hubs. they can strip VERY easily if they're in there good.use alittle penetrating lube on them and let it sit for like 20mins.