How to change front pads on a bmw?

I have a 2004 bmw 325 ci that I'm going to change the front brake pads on. Is there anything special about them that I might need to know before I start?How to change front pads on a bmw?Need an 8mm Allen socket, 6mm Allen socket, caliper piston tool (pushes the piston back into the caliper) a wire brush, a large hammer, a 16mm socket and appropriate ratchet as well as a 17mm socket to remove the wheels.

1- jack up car- place jackstands under car- remove front wheels.

1b- if front wheels are stuck- install 2 lug bolts across from each other- hit back side of the wheel / tire with a rubber mallet to remove said wheel.



2- look closely at how everything is assembled.



3- remove caliper anti-rattle clip from outside of caliper. (spring clip) Push towards the outside of the caliper and pull towards you.



4- remove dust caps from rubber slide tubes behind caliper, fully loosen 8mm allen slides.



5- twist caliper to slightly retract piston so caliper can be removed from the rotor. Push caliper piston in fully with caliper piston tool. (These do NOT need to be twisted to be pushed in) Some people use a LARGE pair of channel locks- just don't damage the boot.



6- remove caliper mount- (2 16mm bolts) Clean caliper mount with wire brush at pad contact areas (wear a dust mask please)



7- remove 6mm rotor retaing bolt



8- hit rotor hat with hammer to knock rotor free- may want to put 2 lug bolts in the rotor so it doesn't fall off.



9- clean hub with wire brush, apply thin coat of light oil (wd40, liquid wrench etc...) on hub and hub ring (where the wheel was stuck in place)



10- install new rotor.



11- install caliper bracket



12- apply thin coat of anti-seize to BACK (caliper side) of pads.



13- install inner pad into caliper, set outer pad on caliper bracket



14- install caliper (tighten slide pins) and replace dust caps



15- install spring clip



16- install wear sensor on left inner pad- to box in fender well



17- install wheels, torque lug bolts (100 ft lbs)



18- pump brake pedal!! (important)



reset light- turn key ON car off- wait until light goes out.How to change front pads on a bmw?It covers more than you're looking for, but there's a great step-by-step how-to article, with pictures, here:



http://www.delvalbmwcca.org/Newsletters/…



Scroll down to the relevant pages.How to change front pads on a bmw?Easier to get a mechanic to do them, or buy a bmw service manual 4 your model