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Replacement of Rear Brake Discs and Brake Pads

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Brake rotors

Lift the vehicle with a jack at the wheel you are working on and remove the wheel (also use a jack stand for safety); open the cap of the brake fluid reservoir.
Using a medium-sized flathead screwdriver, detach the retaining spring located on the side of the brake caliper, and with the same screwdriver, pry between the disc and the caliper to retract the piston and create enough clearance to remove the caliper.
Using a 16 mm socket wrench, unscrew the two mounting bolts of the caliper bracket located at the back and remove it.
Using a 6 mm hex key, unscrew the bolt securing the brake disc to the hub and remove it (if necessary, tap it with a hammer) and extract the old brake pads from the caliper.
Then, install the new disc onto the hub, aligning the countersunk hole with the threaded hole of the hub, and tighten the corresponding mounting bolt.
Next, insert the new brake pads into the caliper with the wear sensor and reattach it to the bracket, tightening the respective mounting bolts; finally, reapply the retaining spring and connect the sensor plug.

Updated on 3 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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