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This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.
Q
car year: 2003
car model: 525i
Good day, I’m trying to replace brake pads of my 2003 BMW 525i. What kind of tools and sizes to be used. I got already pads and sensor that I bought from BavAuto. Thanks a lot.
A
The basic tools required for replacing brake pads on the front or rear of most BMWs from the early 1980s through the mid 2000s, are as follows, below. You can watch the full DIY procedures (using the tools) in our DIY brake pad and rotor replacement video.
Click HERE for BMW brake pad and rotor replacement DIY video
* Jack and jack stand(s) to raise and support the vehicle.
* 17mm (Some X5 and 7-series use 19mm) socket and breaker bar, or vehicle lug wrench, for wheel removal.
* 7mm or 8mm male Allen tool or bit/socket for use with 3/8″ drive ratchet (and ratchet) to remove the caliper guide bolts.
* Two medium to large flat-blade screwdrivers or pry-bars for removing anti-rattle clip and prying caliper from the caliper mounting bracket.
* Caliper piston retractor tool for pushing the piston back into the caliper bore, making room for the new, thicker, brake pads.
* Synthetic caliper grease for guide bolts and pad mounting points.
* Noise-Free compound for application to the back of the brake pads to assure no pad noise.
If you are also replacing the brake rotor (or disc), you will also need:
* 16mm, 17,, or 18mm socket, 2″ to 3″ extension and ratchet (typically, 1/2″ drive is best) to remove caliper mounting bracket.
* 4mm, 5mm or 6mm male Allen tool or bit/socket for use with 3/8″ ratchet for removal of brake rotor hold-down bolt.
Click below for caliper guide bolt and rotor hold-down Allen bits:
(click link, then ID your model and search “Allen”)
Piston retractor tool:
Noise-Free compound:
Disc brake synthetic grease:
Q
car year: 2000
car model: Z3 2.3
I bought a 2000 z3. Is the front lens removable from the body of the headlight, to be able to clean it? I can’t seem to find that answer on this model.
A
The outer headlight lens covers on the Z3 models are not removable from the headlight assembly. If you have the common clouding and/or sandblasting of the lenses, we offer a kit that will restore the lenses to a nice clear “like new” condition. We also have a DIY video showing how to use the kit (see the link below). The only alternative to restoring the lenses is to replace the complete headlight assemblies.
Click HERE to view the Headlight Restoring DIY video
Click below for Headlight Restoration Kit:
Click below for headlight assemblies:
(click link, then ID your model and search “headlight”)
MINI Recall – Auxiliary Water Pump Control Circuit Board Overheating – Turbocharger Cooling
BMW – MINI is recalling various MINI models (Cooper models) produced from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011.
The recall is similar to the BMW recall for the late model turbocharged V8 and V12 engines used in the 5, 7 and X5 vehicles. The controller circuit board may overheat and fail or potentially cause a fire. The repair will replace the pump and controller assembly with an updated unit.
If you have not been notified by BMW-MINI, and you believe your vehicle may be included in this recall, contact your local MINI dealer.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V008000
