Replace 330I Rear Pads

The BMW 330I is a luxury car, but the parts wear just like any other automobile. The brake pads and rotors stop the car with friction. Friction wears out the brake pads and you need to replace them. Replacing the pads, however, only takes about 30 minutes per wheel. When you are replacing the brake pads, you should inspect the brake rotors. If you put new pads on rotors that have grooves or other damage, it will not be long before you have to replace the pads again.

Procedures:
1. Park the BMW on a level surface and turn the key off. Open the engine compartment and locate the master brake cylinder. You will find it on the back firewall of the engine compartment, on the driver's side of the car. Siphon about half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan. You will need to recycle it later. It is not a good idea to reuse brake fluid in the master cylinder.
2. Place the wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Raise the back end of the BMW with the automobile jack on the side you will be working on. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
3. Remove the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the brake caliper off the rotor and remove the brake pads. Insert the piston tool in the caliper and twist the handle to seat the piston back into the caliper housing. Clean the caliper thoroughly with the wire brush.
4. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper and push it onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stand from under the BMW. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
5. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add to it as necessary. Pump the brake pedal until it feel firm.