BMW 330i 2005-2011 Brakes Specifications
Detailed brake specifications for the 2005-2011 BMW 330i (E90/E91), including rotor sizes, calipers, pads, fluid, and ABS features. Essential for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
2005-2011 BMW 330i Brake Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2005-2011 BMW 330i. It includes detailed information about the brake system components, maintenance requirements, and performance metrics. Use this guide to understand the brake system's technical details, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot common issues. The document is organized into sections for easy navigation, with key specifications highlighted for quick reference.
How to Use
To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'rotor size' or 'brake fluid type.' Results will appear in relevant sections.
Navigate through the document by expanding sections and subsections. Each major section contains detailed descriptions and technical specifications. Use the table of contents or quick reference section to locate information quickly.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Size
12.3 in (312 mm)
Rear Rotor Size
11.9 in (303 mm)
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
60-0 mph Stopping Distance
~120 ft
Brake Pad Thickness (min)
1/8 inch
Available Specifications
Brake System Overview
The BMW 330i features a robust braking system designed for high performance and reliability. This section outlines the key components and their specifications.
Brake System Overview
The BMW 330i features a robust braking system designed for high performance and reliability. This section outlines the key components and their specifications.
Front Brake Components
- Front rotor size: 12.3 inches (312 mm)
- Front caliper type: Fixed 4-piston
- Front brake pads: Semi-metallic
- Front brake hoses: Reinforced rubber
Rear Brake Components
- Rear rotor size: 11.9 inches (303 mm)
- Rear caliper type: Floating single-piston
- Rear brake pads: Semi-metallic
- Rear brake hoses: Reinforced rubber
Maintenance and Service
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal brake performance. This section provides guidelines for inspections, replacements, and fluid changes.
Maintenance and Service
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal brake performance. This section provides guidelines for inspections, replacements, and fluid changes.
Brake Inspection
- Inspect brake pads every 10,000 miles
- Check rotor thickness every 15,000 miles
- Examine brake hoses for damage or leaks
- Test brake fluid level and condition
Brake Pad Replacement
- Replace brake pads when thickness reaches 1/8 inch
- Use OEM or equivalent pads
- Inspect rotors for wear when replacing pads
- Apply brake lubricant to caliper slides
Brake Performance
The BMW 330i braking system is optimized for both everyday driving and spirited performance. This section highlights its capabilities and upgrade options.
Brake Performance
The BMW 330i braking system is optimized for both everyday driving and spirited performance. This section highlights its capabilities and upgrade options.
Brake Performance Metrics
- 60-0 mph stopping distance: ~120 feet
- Maximum deceleration: ~0.9g
- Brake fade resistance: High
- Wet braking performance: Enhanced
Upgrade Options
- High-performance brake pads
- Cross-drilled or slotted rotors
- Stainless steel brake lines
- Performance brake fluid
Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section addresses common brake-related issues and provides diagnostic steps and solutions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section addresses common brake-related issues and provides diagnostic steps and solutions.
Common Brake Issues
- Spongy brake pedal: Air in system or worn pads
- Brake noise: Worn or warped rotors
- Brake light on: Low fluid level or sensor issue
- Vibration during braking: Warped rotors
Diagnostic Steps
- Check brake fluid level
- Inspect pads and rotors
- Test brake sensors
- Bleed brake system if necessary
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- ventilated disc brakes
- Configuration
- front and rear
- Platform
- E90/E91/E92/E93
- Material
- cast iron (rotors)
- Location
- front and rear wheels with central ABS control module
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 12.8 inches (325 mm)
- Front Rotor Thickness
- 1.1 inches (28 mm)
- Rear Rotor Diameter
- 11.5 inches (292 mm)
- Rear Rotor Thickness
- 0.9 inches (22 mm)
- Front Caliper Piston Diameter
- 1.7 inches (43.4 mm)
- Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
- 1.4 inches (35.6 mm)
- Brake Pad Thickness
- 0.4 inches (10 mm)
- Total Braking Surface Area
- 729 square inches (4710 cm2)
Materials
- Rotors
- cast iron with corrosion-resistant coating
- Brake Pads
- semi-metallic with low metallic content
- Calipers
- aluminum alloy
- Brake Fluid
- DOT 4 synthetic glycol-based
Features
- Brake Cooling
-
- ventilated rotors for heat dissipation
- air ducts for front brakes
- optimized cooling vanes
- ABS
-
- four-channel anti-lock braking system
- electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
- emergency brake assist
- Brake Assist
-
- automatic brake drying in wet conditions
- hill descent control integration
- automatic hold function
- EBD
-
- electronic distribution of brake force
- adaptive braking proportional to vehicle load
- stability control integration
- DSC
-
- dynamic stability control integration
- traction control system (TCS)
- cornering brake control (CBC)
Safety Features
- ABS
-
- four-wheel anti-lock braking system
- electronic brake force distribution
- emergency brake assist
- Stability Control
-
- dynamic stability control (DSC)
- traction control system (TCS)
- cornering brake control (CBC)
- Brake Assist
-
- automatic brake drying in wet conditions
- hill descent control integration
- automatic hold function
Comfort Features
- Automatic Hold
-
- automatic parking brake engagement
- release on throttle application
- Brake Drying
-
- automatic activation in wet conditions
- optimized pad cleaning
- Soft Stop
-
- smooth deceleration at low speeds
- reduced braking noise
- Hill Descent
-
- controlled descent on steep inclines
- speed limitation in downhill driving
Accessories
- Upgrade Kits
-
- high-performance brake pads
- cross-drilled or slotted rotors
- stainless steel brake lines
- performance brake fluid
- Optional Features
-
- carbon-ceramic brake package
- adaptive brake lights
- brake cooling kits
- track-day brake packages
Maintenance
- Service interval
- 12,000 miles (19,312 km) or 12 months
- Items
-
- inspect brake pads and rotors
- check brake fluid level and condition
- inspect brake hoses and lines
- test ABS and DSC systems
- clean and lubricate brake components
- Notes
-
- replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles
- replace brake pads when thickness reaches 0.1 inches (2.5 mm)
- inspect rotors for warping or excessive wear
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 50,000 milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: components and labor
- Corrosion
- Miles: 12 yearsYears: unlimitedCoverage: perforation of brake components
- Maintenance
- Miles: 50,000 milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: approved maintenance services
- Accessories
- Miles: 50,000 milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: genuine BMW accessories
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- BMW Group
- Manufacturing Process
-
- precision casting of rotors
- machining of calipers
- assembly and testing
- quality control inspection
- Quality Control
- inspection: dimensional and functional testingCertification: ISO 9001:2015 compliantStandards: meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Sustainability
-
- recyclable materials
- energy-efficient manufacturing
- reduction of hazardous substances
- Production Metrics
- Weight Saving: 15% reduction in unsprung massPerformance Improvement: 20% improvement in stopping distanceDurability: increased lifespan of components
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- inspect brake pads and rotors
- check brake fluid level and condition
- inspect brake hoses and lines
- test ABS and DSC systems
- clean and lubricate brake components
Replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles
- replace brake fluid
- inspect and clean brake calipers
- check ABS sensor functionality
- test emergency brake assist
- inspect brake pad wear sensors
Special tools required for ABS sensor calibration
- replace brake pads if worn below 0.1 inches
- inspect and resurface rotors as needed
- replace brake hoses if damaged or leaking
- test and recalibrate DSC system
- perform full brake system bleeding
Critical to ensure proper braking performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What are the technical specifications of the brake system in a 2005-2011 BMW 330i?
What are the technical specifications of the brake system in a 2005-2011 BMW 330i?
The 2005-2011 BMW 330i features a ventilated disc brake system on both front and rear wheels. The front brake rotors measure 12.3 inches in diameter, while the rear rotors are 11.8 inches. The system uses floating calipers and requires DOT 4 brake fluid. The brake pads are designed for optimal performance and durability, with a typical lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions.
Q2 What maintenance is required for the brake system?
What maintenance is required for the brake system?
Regular maintenance for the brake system includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, rotors every 30,000 miles, and brake fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, check for any signs of leaks in the brake lines and ensure the parking brake is functioning correctly. Always use DOT 4 brake fluid for refills.
Q3 How do I install or replace brake components?
How do I install or replace brake components?
To replace brake components, start by safely jacking the vehicle and removing the wheels. Inspect the brake assembly for wear or damage. Remove the caliper and old brake pads, then install the new pads and caliper. Replace the rotor if necessary. After installation, bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles. Test the brakes thoroughly before driving.
Q4 What are common issues and how do I troubleshoot them?
What are common issues and how do I troubleshoot them?
Common issues include spongy brakes (indicating air in the system or worn pads), noise (warped rotors or glazed pads), and vehicle pulling to one side (uneven wear or stuck caliper). Check brake fluid levels, inspect pads and rotors, and bleed the system if necessary. For noise, consider resurfacing or replacing the rotors.
Q5 How can I optimize brake performance?
How can I optimize brake performance?
For optimal performance, use high-performance brake pads designed for your vehicle, consider upgrading to stainless steel brake lines for consistent pedal feel, and ensure proper bedding-in of new pads and rotors. Regular maintenance and inspections will also ensure peak braking performance.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
2005-2011 BMW 330i Brake System Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive guide covering inspection, replacement, and troubleshooting of brake components.
BMW Technical Bulletin: Brake System Updates
Coming SoonOfficial updates and technical service bulletins addressing common issues and improvements.
BMW Parts Catalog for Brake Components
Coming SoonDetailed catalog of OEM and compatible parts for the brake system.
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