BMW 535i 2003-2010 Brakes Specifications
BMW 535i 2003-2010

BMW 535i 2003-2010 Brakes Specifications

Comprehensive technical specifications for the 2003-2010 BMW 535I brakes system, including detailed information on brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic systems. Ideal for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 2003-2010 BMW 535I, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific brake specifications by entering keywords such as 'rotor diameter', 'pad thickness', or 'brake fluid type'.

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Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

348 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

330 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Master Cylinder Bore

25.4 mm

60-0 mph Stopping Distance

120 feet (dry)

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

Detailed description of the brake system components and their functions

Front Brake System
  • Ventilated disc brakes with a diameter of 348 mm
  • Single-piston floating calipers
  • Brake pad thickness: 12 mm (new), 3 mm (minimum)
  • Rotor thickness: 28 mm (new), 26 mm (minimum)
  • Brake fluid type: DOT 4
Rear Brake System
  • Solid disc brakes with a diameter of 330 mm
  • Single-piston floating calipers
  • Brake pad thickness: 10 mm (new), 2 mm (minimum)
  • Rotor thickness: 20 mm (new), 18 mm (minimum)
  • Brake fluid type: DOT 4

Note: Ensure brake fluid is replaced every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Brake Hydraulics

Technical details of the hydraulic brake system components

Master Cylinder
  • Bore diameter: 25.4 mm
  • Reservoir capacity: 0.5 liters
  • Integrated brake booster
  • Pressure distribution: 60% front, 40% rear
Brake Lines and Hoses
  • Steel braided brake lines for durability
  • Flexible rubber hoses at wheel connections
  • Maximum operating pressure: 2000 psi
  • Routine inspection interval: Every 15,000 miles

Brake Performance

Performance metrics and testing data for the brake system

Stopping Distance
  • 60-0 mph stopping distance: 120 feet (dry conditions)
  • 60-0 mph stopping distance: 150 feet (wet conditions)
  • Tested at 70% brake pad thickness
  • ABS engagement threshold: 0.8 g deceleration
Brake Fade Resistance
  • Tested under 10 consecutive 60-0 mph stops
  • Maximum temperature reached: 450°F
  • No significant fade observed
  • Cooling time to normal operating temperature: 15 minutes

Note: Avoid prolonged heavy braking to prevent overheating.

Maintenance and Service

Guidelines for brake system maintenance and service intervals

Brake Pad Replacement
  • Recommended replacement interval: 30,000-50,000 miles
  • Inspect pads every 10,000 miles
  • Use only OEM or equivalent quality pads
  • Torque caliper bolts to 25 Nm
Brake Fluid Replacement
  • Replace brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles
  • Use DOT 4 fluid with a boiling point of at least 446°F
  • Bleed brakes after fluid replacement
  • Check for leaks post-service

Brakes Specifications

Brake Discs

Front Disc Diameter
348 mm
Front Disc Thickness
30 mm
Front Disc Min Thickness
28.4 mm
Rear Disc Diameter
345 mm
Rear Disc Thickness
24 mm
Rear Disc Min Thickness
22.4 mm
Material
Cast iron with aluminum hub
Part Number Front
34116768917
Part Number Rear
34216768918

Brake Pads

Front Pad Thickness New
14 mm
Front Pad Min Thickness
3 mm
Rear Pad Thickness New
12 mm
Rear Pad Min Thickness
3 mm
Material
Low-metallic compound
Part Number Front
34116858919
Part Number Rear
34216858920

Brake Calipers

Front Caliper Type
Floating single-piston
Rear Caliper Type
Floating single-piston
Piston Diameter Front
57 mm
Piston Diameter Rear
40 mm
Part Number Front
34116858921
Part Number Rear
34216858922

Brake Fluid

Type
DOT 4
Capacity
1.0 liter
Boiling Point Min
230°C
Boiling Point Wet
155°C
Replacement interval
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Brake Lines

Material
Stainless steel braided
Front Line Length
1200 mm
Rear Line Length
1400 mm
Pressure Rating
2000 psi
Part Number Front
34316768923
Part Number Rear
34416768924

Parking Brake

Type
Drum-in-hat
Shoe Thickness New
5 mm
Shoe Min Thickness
2 mm
Cable Length
1800 mm
Part Number Shoes
34416858925
Part Number Cable
34516858926

Brake Booster

Type
Vacuum-assisted
Booster Diameter
9 inches
Part Number
34616768927
Operating Pressure
18-22 inHg

Brake Master Cylinder

Bore Diameter
22.22 mm
Reservoir Capacity
0.5 liters
Part Number
34716768928
Operating Pressure
1200-1500 psi

Brake System Diagnostics

Sensor Type
Wear sensor
Sensor Part Number
34816858929
Warning Light Activation
Pad thickness < 3 mm
Diagnostic Tool
BMW INPA or ISTA
Error Codes
  • 5DF0: Brake pad wear sensor fault
  • 5DF1: Brake fluid level low
  • 5DF2: Brake pressure sensor fault

Brake System Limits

Max Operating Temperature
600°C
Min Operating Temperature
-40°C
Max Brake Force Front
1200 N
Max Brake Force Rear
800 N
Deceleration Limit
1.2 g

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the brake system

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Inspect brake pads and discs for wear
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Inspect brake lines for leaks or damage

Replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace brake pads if thickness is below minimum
  • Resurface or replace brake discs if below minimum thickness
  • Inspect parking brake shoes and adjust if necessary

Use only BMW-approved brake components

100,000 miles
84 months
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Inspect and replace brake lines if necessary
  • Check brake booster and master cylinder for proper operation

Perform a full brake system diagnostic using BMW ISTA

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 2003-2010 BMW 535i?

The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the 2003-2010 BMW 535i is 3mm. Pads should be replaced if they are worn below this threshold to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

Q2

What type of brake fluid should be used in the 2003-2010 BMW 535i?

The 2003-2010 BMW 535i requires DOT 4 brake fluid. BMW recommends using their branded brake fluid or an equivalent high-performance DOT 4 fluid with a minimum dry boiling point of 446°F (230°C) and a wet boiling point of 311°F (155°C).

Q3

How often should the brake rotors be inspected on a 2003-2010 BMW 535i?

Brake rotors should be inspected every 10,000 miles or during routine maintenance. The minimum thickness for front rotors is 28.4mm, and for rear rotors, it is 18.4mm. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below these specifications or show signs of warping or cracking.

Q4

What is the torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on the 2003-2010 BMW 535i?

The brake caliper bolts on the 2003-2010 BMW 535i should be torqued to 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) for the front calipers and 63 lb-ft (85 Nm) for the rear calipers. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Q5

Can I use aftermarket brake pads on my 2003-2010 BMW 535i?

While aftermarket brake pads can be used, BMW recommends using genuine BMW or OEM-equivalent pads to maintain braking performance, reduce noise, and prevent premature wear on rotors. Non-genuine parts may void the warranty or affect safety.

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 Brake System Overview

Coming Soon

A detailed guide to the brake system components, including maintenance tips and troubleshooting for the 2003-2010 BMW 535i.

Brake Fluid Replacement Procedure

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake fluid in the 2003-2010 BMW 535i, including safety precautions and required tools.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide to replacing brake pads and rotors on the 2003-2010 BMW 535i, including torque specifications and alignment tips.

BMW Brake System Troubleshooting

Coming Soon

Common brake system issues and solutions for the 2003-2010 BMW 535i, including noise, vibration, and reduced braking performance.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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