BMW 528i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications
BMW 528i 2011-2016

BMW 528i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications

Discover detailed brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i, including rotor sizes, caliper details, and maintenance tips. Perfect for DIYers and professionals alike.

Updated

Overview Specifications

This document provides detailed specifications and technical information for the brakes system of the 2011-2016 BMW 528i. It is designed to serve as a reference guide for technicians, enthusiasts, and owners seeking to understand the braking components, their functionality, and maintenance requirements. Use the search functionality to locate specific topics or navigate through the sections to find comprehensive details.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords such as 'rotor size,' 'brake fluid,' or 'caliper type' to find relevant details quickly.

Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section provides detailed subsections with technical specifications and explanations. Use the arrows or section titles to move between topics.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

12.8 in (325 mm)

Rear Rotor Diameter

11.5 in (292 mm)

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Front Caliper Type

Floating, 2-piston

Rear Caliper Type

Fixed, 1-piston

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

The 2011-2016 BMW 528i features a robust braking system designed for optimal performance and safety. This section provides an overview of the key components and their functions within the braking system.

Key Components
  • Ventilated front brake discs
  • Solid rear brake discs
  • Floating front calipers
  • Single-piston rear calipers
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Safety Features
  • Automatic Brake Drying function
  • Start-Off Assistant (hill start assist)
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Brake Fade Compensation
  • Emergency Brake Assist

Front Brake Specifications

The front braking system of the 2011-2016 BMW 528i is designed for high performance and durability. This section details the technical specifications of the front brakes.

Front Brake Rotor
  • Rotor type: Ventilated
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Diameter: 12.8 inches (325 mm)
  • Thickness: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
  • Minimum thickness: 1.0 inches (25 mm)
Front Brake Calipers
  • Type: Floating caliper
  • Piston count: 2
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Dust seals: Stainless steel
  • Brake pads: Semi-metallic

Rear Brake Specifications

The rear braking system complements the front brakes to ensure balanced and effective stopping power. This section provides detailed specifications for the rear brakes.

Rear Brake Rotor
  • Rotor type: Solid
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Diameter: 11.5 inches (292 mm)
  • Thickness: 0.9 inches (23 mm)
  • Minimum thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Rear Brake Calipers
  • Type: Fixed caliper
  • Piston count: 1
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Dust seals: Stainless steel
  • Brake pads: Semi-metallic

Brake Fluid and Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the braking system is essential for safety and performance. This section covers brake fluid specifications and maintenance intervals.

Brake Fluid
  • Recommended fluid type: DOT 4
  • Fluid capacity: Approximately 1.5 liters
  • Change interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
  • Storage: Use only new, sealed fluid
  • Bleeding procedure: Recommended every 12,000 miles
Maintenance Intervals
  • Brake pads: Inspect every 12,000 miles
  • Rotors: Inspect every 18,000 miles
  • Brake lines: Inspect every 30,000 miles
  • Brake sensors: Replace as needed
  • Emergency brake: Test every 6 months

Warranty and Service Schedule

This section outlines the warranty coverage and recommended service schedule for the braking system of the 2011-2016 BMW 528i.

Warranty Coverage
  • New vehicle limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Brake components coverage: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Corrosion perforation warranty: 12 years
  • Maintenance program: BMW Ultimate Service (optional)
Service Schedule
  • First service: 12,000 miles or 1 year
  • Second service: 24,000 miles or 2 years
  • Third service: 36,000 miles or 3 years
  • Brake system inspection: Every 12,000 miles
  • Fluid change: Every 2 years

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
Ventilated Disc Brakes Front and Rear
Configuration
Fixed Caliper Front, Floating Caliper Rear
Platform
F10
Material
Cast Iron Rotors
Location
Front and Rear Axles

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
13.7 in (348 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
13.2 in (336 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.2 in (30 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.9 in (22 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Count
4 Pistons
Rear Caliper Piston Count
2 Pistons
Brake Pad Area Front
45 in2 (290 cm2)
Brake Pad Area Rear
25 in2 (160 cm2)

Materials

Rotors
Cast Iron
Calipers
Aluminum Alloy
Brake Pads
Semi-Metallic Friction Material
Brake Lines
Steel
Master Cylinder
Aluminum
Brake Fluid
DOT 4 Synthetic
Parking Brake
Drum-in-Disc Rear Rotors

Features

Advanced Brake Systems
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
  • Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
  • Automatic Hold Function
  • Brake Fade Compensation
Design Features
  • Lightweight Aluminum Calipers
  • Vented Brake Rotors
  • Grooved Brake Rotors for Cooling
  • Integral Wheel Bearings
  • Electronically Controlled Brake Distribution
Optional Features
  • Ceramic Brake Option
  • M Sport Brake Package
  • Adaptive Brake Lights
  • Brake Assistant

Safety Features

Active Safety
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Brake Assist (BA)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Safety
  • Crash-Optimized Brake Pedal
  • Reinforced Brake Components
  • Redundant Brake System

Comfort Features

Convenience
  • Automatic Hold Function
  • Brake Drying in Rain
  • Soft Stop Function
  • Brake Fade Compensation
Driver Assistance
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Driving Assistant Package
  • Active Blind Spot Detection

Accessories

Performance Upgrades
  • High-Performance Brake Pads
  • Cross-Drilled Rotors
  • Upgraded Brake Fluid
  • Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Replacement Parts
  • Genuine BMW Brake Rotors
  • OEM Brake Pads
  • Brake Caliper Repair Kits
  • Brake Sensors
Maintenance Tools
  • Brake Bleeding Kit
  • Brake Pad Spreading Tool
  • Brake Rotor Resurfacing Tool
  • Brake Fluid Tester

Maintenance

Service interval
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Service Items
  • Brake Pad Wear Inspection
  • Brake Rotor Inspection
  • Brake Fluid Check
  • Brake Hose Inspection
  • ABS System Check
  • Parking Brake Adjustment
Maintenance Notes
Recommended to use BMW approved brake parts and fluids. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Warranty

New Vehicle
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-Bumper
Notes: Includes all brake components and labor
Wear Items
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 2 years
Coverage: Brake Pads and Rotors
Notes: Wear and tear items excluded from new vehicle warranty
Parts And Accessories
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Genuine BMW Parts
Notes: Covers defects in materials and workmanship
Emissions
Miles: 80,000 miles
Years: 8 years
Coverage: Brake System Components
Notes: Applies to specific emissions-related components only

Production Details

Manufacturer
BMW Group
Manufacturing Process
  • Casting of Brake Rotors
  • Machining of Calipers
  • Assembly of Brake Components
  • Quality Control Inspection
  • Testing and Validation
Quality Control
inspection: 100% Visual and Dimensional Check
Testing: Functional Testing of Brake System
Certification: Compliance with ECE and FMVSS Standards
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of Production Materials
  • Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Processes
  • Use of Eco-Friendly Brake Fluids
  • Reduction of Waste in Production
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Quality Rating: 99.9% defect-free rate
Warranty Claims: Less than 1% warranty claims
Customer Satisfaction: 95% satisfaction rate

Service Information for Brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to the brake system

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors
  • Check brake fluid level
  • Inspect brake hoses
  • Test ABS system
  • Clean and lubricate brake caliper slides
  • Check parking brake functionality

Recommended to use BMW approved brake parts and fluids.

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace brake pads
  • Resurface or replace brake rotors
  • Bleed brake system
  • Inspect brake sensors
  • Check brake pedal feel
  • Update brake system software if necessary

Special tools required for brake bleeding and ABS system reset.

100,000 miles
60 months
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Inspect and replace brake hoses
  • Replace rear brake pads
  • Inspect parking brake cables
  • Check brake caliper for wear
  • Perform comprehensive brake system test

Critical to address any brake-related issues to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 528i features a braking system with vented disc brakes front and rear. The front brakes consist of 12.8-inch rotors with four-piston fixed calipers, while the rear brakes feature 11.6-inch rotors with two-piston floating calipers. The system is compatible with BMW-specific brake pads and rotors designed for the F10 platform. The brake system is equipped with advanced features such as Dynamic Brake Control and Brake Drying for optimal performance.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i includes inspecting brake pads every 12,000 miles and replacing them when worn below 3mm. Brake rotors should be inspected for warping or excessive wear and resurfaced or replaced as needed. Brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles using BMW-approved DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid. Additionally, the brake system should be bled every 60,000 miles to remove air and maintain optimal performance.

Q3

How do I install or replace the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

To replace the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i, start by raising the vehicle and removing the wheels. Remove the caliper and hang it securely, then remove the old rotor. Clean the hub and install the new rotor, followed by the caliper with new pads. Tighten all bolts to the specified torque. Bleed the brake system using BMW ISTA/D diagnostic tools and test the brakes thoroughly before driving. Always follow proper safety procedures and consult the service manual for detailed instructions.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

Common brake issues on the 2011-2016 BMW 528i include spongy brakes, brake light warnings, and unusual noises. Check the brake fluid level and top it off if necessary. Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear. If the brake light is on, use a BMW-specific OBD-II scanner to retrieve fault codes. For noises, inspect the pads for glazing or debris and clean or replace them as needed. Always refer to the service manual for detailed diagnostic procedures.

Q5

How can I optimize the performance of the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i?

To optimize brake performance on a 2011-2016 BMW 528i, consider upgrading to high-performance brake pads and rotors designed for your driving conditions. Ensure proper brake fluid levels and use high-quality DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid. Regularly clean and inspect the brake components to prevent corrosion. After installing new pads or rotors, perform a proper bed-in procedure by making controlled stops from increasing speeds. Avoid aggressive driving until the brakes are fully bedded in.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW 528i F10 Brake Service Manual

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide covering brake system maintenance, repair, and replacement procedures for the 2011-2016 BMW 528i.

BMW Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Official technical updates and bulletins for brake system improvements and common issue resolutions.

BMW F10 Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed catalog of genuine BMW brake components, including pads, rotors, and hardware for the 2011-2016 528i.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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