Replacing Brake Pads (E46 M3)

[Pork]

Chaps,

The light had just come on to say I needpads...is this a imple job? I've done them myslef on other cars, but have never dabbled with the M3

Is it simple enough? What should I be looking at paying for the pads and are there any 'better' pads than standard that are worth the money?

If its simple, it might be a job for the BH weekend....

Cheers
Pork

I've searched, but dont seem to find much

[n boost]

I did my fronts recently and they are very easy to do.
There is a diy guide on the madrussian site if that helps.
I have some uprated pbr axiss ultimate rear pads brand new boxed for sale if interested.

[mat205125]

Front's should be no easy if the caliper is functioning correctly.

Rears I haven't done on an E46 yet, however imagine the piston might need winding back. If that is the case, DO NOT just get a clamp on it and force it back!!!

[E30M3SE]

Front

Rear

Rears do not need pistons winding back, they are the same as the fronts.

[mat205125]

E30M3SE said:

Front

Rear

Rears do not need pistons winding back, they are the same as the fronts.

Great little guides

Top tip WRT compressing the pistons back with the calipers still on the car too .... About the only benifit if single piston sliding calipers

[n boost]

U can push back 4 or 6 pistons in the same way, all u do is leave the old pad in and use the clamp to put pressure on the old pad and that will push all the pistons back at the same time.

[mat205125]

n boost said:

U can push back 4 or 6 pistons in the same way, all u do is leave the old pad in and use the clamp to put pressure on the old pad and that will push all the pistons back at the same time.

I tend to like to push the outer side back first, followed by the inner side, however this is also usually easier on the car .... With the race AP kit (and many others), the calipers don't come off of the car as the pads are "rear loaded" into the caliper.

Is the handbrake on an E46 inside the disc on a little drum design then, or does it operate on the main piston?

[gizlaroc]

Inside the drum.

I would look at OEM pads if you are not going to change the discs as well.

[Pork]

Thanks chaps. I'll take a look at the guiides above, and if its simple, have a go this weekend.

Am I right in thinking OEM parts are c£100? Out of curiosity, I'm going to ask the dealer what this would cost too.

Thanks again

[largerandrock]

I have some Genuine pads still boxed hiding somewhere in the garage if your interested?

[Pork]

largerandrock said:

I have some Genuine pads still boxed hiding somewhere in the garage if your interested?

YHM.

[largerandrock]

Sorry my email has just gone down, i will reply as soon as the IT gimps fix it.

[Pork]

largerandrock said:

Sorry my email has just gone down, i will reply as soon as the IT gimps fix it.

Hi mate,

Got the mail from your Dad's account. Will call you later.

Cheers