Checking the thickness of brake linings (BMW 5 Series E39)

If the thickness of the disc brake pads on the front or rear wheels is too small, the indicator on the driver's instrument panel lights up. In this case, the brake pads should be replaced immediately.

Mark the position of the wheel on the hub with paint. This will allow the balanced wheel to be installed again in its original position. Loosen the wheel bolts.

Raise the car, remove the wheels.

Disc brakes

The thickness of the pad - without taking into account the thickness of its metal-rimmed back side - is determined visually from above through the brake caliper.



The thickness of the outer lining is checked from the side. If the thickness of the lining approaches the wear limit, the linings should be removed and their thickness measured with a caliper.



The brake linings of the disc brakes of the front and rear axles have reached the wear limit if the thickness of even just one of them is 2 mm.

Note: Approximately 1 mm of wear of the lining thickness corresponds to a vehicle mileage of at least 1000 km. This estimate is valid under unfavorable conditions. Usually, brake linings last much longer. Thus, with a disc brake lining thickness of 5.0 mm (excluding the thickness of the supporting back side) the remaining service life of the brake linings will correspond to a vehicle mileage of at least 3000 km.

Check the brake calipers for brake fluid loss. If a leak is detected, repair the brake caliper immediately.

Visually inspect the brake discs from the inside and outside for ribbing, rust and cracks. If defects are found, replace the brake discs.

Parking (hand) brake

With the rear brake disc removed, you can inspect the brake pads. The brake pad has reached the wear limit if the lining at its thinnest point is 1.5 mm thick.

If the wear limit is reached, replace the brake pads. It is necessary to replace all brake pads of this bridge, see section "Brake system".



Place the wheels so that the marks made before removal match. Do not lubricate the wheel bolts. Tighten the wheels with bolts. Lower the car and tighten the wheel bolts crosswise to 100 Nm.