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E36 Front brake pads Install Guide

Your E36

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US E36 325i, 323i, 328i and M3, not the 318i or 318ti.

Stronger stops
Medium$100–$1501 hr
All E36 mods

Why do it

Performance pads bite harder and fade less.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.

Steps

  1. Remove the wheel

    • Undo the wheel bolts and caliper.
    Watch this step (Autodoc, on an E36) (0:43–1:53)

  2. Remove the pads

    • Take out the old pads.
    Watch this step (1:53–3:04)

  3. Fit the new pads

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (3:04–3:42)

  4. Refit the caliper

    • Refit it and the wheel.
    Watch this step (3:42–4:50)

  5. Remove the wheel

    • Undo the wheel bolts and caliper.
    Watch this step (Autodoc, on an E36) (0:43–1:53)

  6. Remove the pads

    • Take out the old pads.
    Watch this step (1:53–3:04)

  7. Fit the new pads

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (3:04–3:42)

  8. Refit the caliper

    • Refit it and the wheel.
    Watch this step (3:42–4:50)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Brake Pad install guides for other cars

More E36 mods