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E90/E92/E93 · Brakes

E90/E92/E93 Brake pads + fluid

Your E90/E92/E93

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US sedan, coupe and convertible. It doesn't cover the 335d diesel or the E91 wagon.

Firmer pedal
Medium$320–$4202–3 hrs
All E90/E92/E93 mods

Why do it

Performance street pads bite harder and fade less, and fresh high-temperature fluid keeps the pedal firm.

Heads up

Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.

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

  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.
  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.
  • Brakes are safety-critical. If it's your first time, have someone experienced check your work.

Steps

  1. Remove the caliper

    • Raise the car and remove the wheel, then unbolt the caliper and hang it up.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E90) (0:00–1:26) Watch the caliper (1:26–2:52)

  2. Check the wear sensor

    • Fit a new wear sensor if the old one's worn or the warning is on.
    Watch this step (3:49–5:27)

  3. Compress the piston

    • Push the piston back slowly with a C-clamp or piston tool. Watch the brake fluid level.
    Watch this step (7:16–8:56)

  4. Fit the pads

    • Fit the new pads and bolt the caliper back on.
    Watch this step (8:56–10:48)

  5. Remove the rear caliper

    • Remove the wheel and caliper.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E92) (0:00–3:02)

  6. Check the wear sensor

    • Fit a new wear sensor if the old one's worn.
    Watch this step (6:18–9:25)

  7. Fit the pads

    • Compress the piston, fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (9:25–11:42)

  8. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, and keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (IzzyE46M, on an E9X) (3:27–7:50)

  9. Remove the caliper

    • Raise the car and remove the wheel, then unbolt the caliper and hang it up.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E90) (0:00–1:26) Watch the caliper (1:26–2:52)

  10. Check the wear sensor

    • Fit a new wear sensor if the old one's worn or the warning is on.
    Watch this step (3:49–5:27)

  11. Compress the piston

    • Push the piston back slowly with a C-clamp or piston tool. Watch the brake fluid level.
    Watch this step (7:16–8:56)

  12. Fit the pads

    • Fit the new pads and bolt the caliper back on.
    Watch this step (8:56–10:48)

  13. Remove the rear caliper

    • Remove the wheel and caliper.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on an E92) (0:00–3:02)

  14. Check the wear sensor

    • Fit a new wear sensor if the old one's worn.
    Watch this step (6:18–9:25)

  15. Fit the pads

    • Compress the piston, fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (9:25–11:42)

  16. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, and keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (IzzyE46M, on an E9X) (3:27–7:50)

  17. Remove the caliper

    • Raise the car, remove the wheel and take off the caliper.
    Watch this step (The New Mechanic, on an E92 M3) (2:14–4:25)

  18. Swap the front pads

    • Take out the old pads, then compress the piston and fit the new ones.
    Watch this step (4:25–8:17) Watch the new pads go in (8:17–9:45)

  19. Swap the rear pads

    • Do the same at the rear, keeping an eye on the fluid level.
    Watch the hardware (Euro Auto Enthusiast, on an E9X M3) (2:21–5:29) Watch the install (5:29–7:08)

  20. Bleed the brakes

    • Flush with fresh fluid starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, and keep the reservoir topped up.
    Watch this step (IzzyE46M, on an E9X) (3:27–7:50)

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.