In the engine compartment above the master brake cylinder is a brake fluid expansion tank that provides brake fluid to the entire brake system.
The hydraulic booster accumulates part of the depression available in the engine intake system (the diesel engine has a special vacuum pump for this). Then, as needed, the force on the brake pedal is increased through the booster valve.
All disc brakes have what are called floating calipers. In a floating caliper, only one piston is required to press both brake pads against the disc.
The handbrake through the cable acts on the rear wheels. On models with disc brakes on the rear wheels, in addition to operating the hand brake, brake drums are installed in the brake discs. These brake drums operate exclusively from the hand brake lever. This is necessary as disc brakes are not suitable as a parking brake.
When cleaning the brake system, brake dust is released. This dust can lead to health problems. Therefore, when cleaning the brake system, take care not to inhale brake dust.
Brake pads are part of the General Permit to Operate and are produced by the manufacturer in different types for different car models. Therefore, it is recommended to use only brake pads recommended by BMW or the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Brake pads have an Office approval number.
When buying brake pads, it is recommended to purchase brake pad wear sensors at the same time, since the sensors installed on the car can also be worn out.
Work with the brake system requires accuracy and strict adherence to the instructions for their implementation. In the absence of experience in carrying out such work, it is better to carry them out at a service station.
Old used brake fluid should be taken to a special waste collection point, and not just thrown away or thrown away with household waste. The city or village administration informs about the location of special waste collection points.
Note: When driving on very wet roads, apply the brakes from time to time to free the rims from deposits. Although water is thrown away from the brake discs by centrifugal force during movement, a thin film of silicones, rubber dust, grease and dirt is partially left, which reduces the braking effect.
When parking the car after driving in the rain, especially in winter with special effects on the road, it is advisable to stop the car by lightly pressing the brake pedal. Thanks to this, the brake discs are dried and will not corrode intensively.
After installing new brake pads, they need to be allowed to run in. During the first 200 km, sudden braking to a complete stop should be avoided. Otherwise, you should not avoid giving the disc brakes increased loads, as favorable conditions will be created for contamination and corrosion of the brake pads. Strong braking at high speed favors self-cleaning disc brakes.
Corroded brake discs produce a shaking and noisy effect that persists even after repeated braking. In this case, the brake discs must be replaced.
Burnt dirt and clogged rain grooves in the brake pads cause scratches on the brake discs. This causes a reduction in the braking effect.
1 brake caliper
2 Brake housing
3 Bolt, 120 nm
4 duster
5 Air release valve
6 Finger guide
7 Protective plug
8 spring clip
9 Wear indicator
10 Brake pad wear sensor mounting
11 Brake caliper seal kit
12 Guide bush repair kit
13 Brake pads (asbestos-free)