BMW 540i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications
Detailed specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i braking system, including rotor sizes, caliper details, and brake pad requirements. A comprehensive guide for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
Brake Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i. It includes detailed technical information, maintenance recommendations, and key performance metrics. Use this guide to understand the braking system's components, their functionality, and how to properly maintain and upgrade them. Navigate through the sections to find specific details or use the search functionality to quickly locate information.
How to Use
To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords such as 'rotor size,' 'caliper type,' or 'brake fluid' to find relevant details quickly.
Navigate through the document by scrolling through the sections. Each major section is divided into subsections with detailed technical points. Use the table of contents or section headers to jump to specific areas of interest.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Diameter
13.7 in (348 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
13.2 in (336 mm)
Front Caliper Type
2-piston
Rear Caliper Type
1-piston
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
Available Specifications
Brake System Overview
This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 2011-2016 BMW 540i, including its key components and functionality. It serves as a foundation for understanding the more detailed specifications in subsequent sections.
Brake System Overview
This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 2011-2016 BMW 540i, including its key components and functionality. It serves as a foundation for understanding the more detailed specifications in subsequent sections.
Brake System Components
- Dual-circuit brake system with power assist
- Ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assistant (BA)
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Brake Fluid and Sensors
- Brake fluid type: DOT 4
- Brake fluid capacity: Approximately 1.5 liters
- Brake wear sensors on front and rear pads
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) integration
- Brake system warning lights and indicators
Front Brake Specifications
This section details the specifications of the front braking components, including calipers, rotors, and brake pads. It provides critical measurements and technical data for maintenance and upgrade purposes.
Front Brake Specifications
This section details the specifications of the front braking components, including calipers, rotors, and brake pads. It provides critical measurements and technical data for maintenance and upgrade purposes.
Front Brake Calipers
- Floating caliper design
- Two-piston front calipers
- Caliper material: Aluminum
- Caliper finish: Painted
- Front caliper bolts: M12 x 1.5
- Caliper rebuild kits available
Front Brake Rotors
- Rotor type: Ventilated disc
- Rotor diameter: 13.7 inches (348 mm)
- Rotor thickness: 1.2 inches (30 mm)
- Minimum rotor thickness: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
- Rotor material: High-carbon cast iron
- Weight: Approximately 24.2 lbs (11 kg)
Front Brake Pads
- Pad material: Semi-metallic
- Pad thickness: 0.47 inches (12 mm)
- Minimum pad thickness: 0.04 inches (1 mm)
- Pad wear sensor integrated
- Pad replacement interval: Approximately 30,000 miles
- Recommended pad manufacturer: BMW OEM or equivalent
Rear Brake Specifications
This section provides detailed specifications for the rear braking components, including calipers, rotors, and brake pads. It is essential for understanding the rear brake system's capabilities and maintenance requirements.
Rear Brake Specifications
This section provides detailed specifications for the rear braking components, including calipers, rotors, and brake pads. It is essential for understanding the rear brake system's capabilities and maintenance requirements.
Rear Brake Calipers
- Floating caliper design
- Single-piston rear calipers
- Caliper material: Aluminum
- Caliper finish: Painted
- Rear caliper bolts: M12 x 1.5
- Caliper rebuild kits available
Rear Brake Rotors
- Rotor type: Solid disc
- Rotor diameter: 13.2 inches (336 mm)
- Rotor thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm)
- Minimum rotor thickness: 0.7 inches (18 mm)
- Rotor material: High-carbon cast iron
- Weight: Approximately 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
Rear Brake Pads
- Pad material: Semi-metallic
- Pad thickness: 0.43 inches (11 mm)
- Minimum pad thickness: 0.04 inches (1 mm)
- Pad wear sensor integrated
- Pad replacement interval: Approximately 30,000 miles
- Recommended pad manufacturer: BMW OEM or equivalent
Brake System Maintenance
This section outlines the recommended maintenance procedures for the brake system, including fluid changes, pad replacements, and rotor inspections. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance and safety.
Brake System Maintenance
This section outlines the recommended maintenance procedures for the brake system, including fluid changes, pad replacements, and rotor inspections. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance and safety.
Brake Fluid Maintenance
- Recommended brake fluid change interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
- Brake fluid type: DOT 4
- Brake fluid capacity: Approximately 1.5 liters
- Bleeding the brake system recommended after fluid change
- Use a vacuum bleeding kit or manual bleeding procedure
- Always use fresh, unopened brake fluid to prevent contamination
Brake Rotor Maintenance
- Inspect rotors every 12,000 miles or at every service interval
- Measure rotor thickness and check for warping
- Resurface or replace rotors if thickness is below minimum specification
- Clean rotors with brake cleaner before reinstalling
- Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the rotor
Brake Pad Maintenance
- Inspect brake pads every 12,000 miles or at every service interval
- Measure pad thickness and check for uneven wear
- Replace pads if thickness is below minimum specification
- Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the pads
- Ensure proper alignment of pads in the caliper
Search Specifications
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Dual-circuit braking system with power assist
- Configuration
- Front and rear axle-specific
- Platform
- BMW N63
- Material
- Cast iron discs with aluminum calipers
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 13.7 in (348 mm)
- Front Rotor Thickness
- 1.02 in (26 mm)
- Rear Rotor Diameter
- 12.99 in (330 mm)
- Rear Rotor Thickness
- 0.79 in (20 mm)
- Front Caliper Piston Diameter
- 4.12 in (104.6 mm)
- Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
- 2.76 in (70 mm)
- Brake Pad Length
- 5.51 in (140 mm)
- Brake Pad Width
- 3.94 in (100 mm)
- Brake Pad Thickness
- 0.47 in (12 mm)
Materials
- Rotors
- Cast iron
- Calipers
- Aluminum alloy
- Brake Pads
- Semi-metallic
- Brake Lines
- Stainless steel
- Hardware
- High-strength steel
Features
- Brake System Types
-
- Adaptive Brake System
- Dynamic Brake Control
- Automatic Brake Drying
- Start-Off Assistant
- Cooling Features
-
- Ventilated front and rear discs
- Internal cooling channels
- Aero-optimized brake ducts
- Electronic Aids
-
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- DBC (Dynamic Brake Control)
- -cornering Brake Control
- Pad Wear indicators
-
- Visual wear indicators
- Electronic wear sensors
- Audible wear warning
Safety Features
- Emergency Braking
-
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Brake Assist
- Pre-crash Brake Preparation
- Stability Systems
-
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Fade Compensation
- Monitoring Systems
-
- Brake System Monitoring
- Low Brake Fluid Level Warning
- Brake Pad Wear Warning
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Internal brake disc fins
- Damped brake calipers
- Anti-rattle clips
- Pedal Feel
-
- Power-assisted brake pedal
- Adjustable brake pedal position
- Progressive pedal response
- Heat Management
-
- Ventilated brake discs
- Cooling airflow optimization
- High-temperature brake fluid
Accessories
- High Performance
-
- High-friction brake pads
- Cross-drilled brake rotors
- Performance brake lines
- Aesthetic Upgrades
-
- Painted brake calipers
- Engraved brake calipers
- Brake caliper covers
- Functionality Addons
-
- Brake cooling duct kit
- Brake fluid upgrade kit
- Brake bleeding kit
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
- Service Items
-
- Brake fluid replacement
- Brake pad inspection
- Rotor inspection
- Brake line inspection
- Brake sensor cleaning
- Maintenance Notes
- Recommended to use BMW-approved parts and fluids.
Warranty
- New Vehicle Limited
- Miles: 50,000 milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: Bumper-to-bumper
- Corrosion Perforation
- Miles: Unlimited milesYears: 12 yearsCoverage: Body sheet metal
- Maintenance Program
- Miles: 36,000 milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: Scheduled maintenance
- Roadside Assistance
- Miles: Unlimited milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: 24/7 roadside services
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- BMW Group
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Casting
- Machining
- Drilling
- Balancing
- Painting
- Quality Control
- inspection: Dimensional and visual inspectionTesting: Performance and durability testingCertification: ISO/TS 16949 compliant
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recyclable materials
- Energy-efficient processes
- Waste reduction programs
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: Over 100,000 unitsQuality Rating: 99.9% defect-free rateWarranty Claims: Less than 1% failure rate
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Check brake fluid level
- Test brake system functionality
- Clean brake sensors
- Inspect brake lines
Recommended to use BMW-approved parts and fluids.
- Replace brake pads
- Inspect and machine rotors
- Replace brake fluid
- Clean and lubricate brake components
- Inspect brake hardware
Special tools may be required for certain procedures.
- Replace brake rotors
- Replace brake pads
- Inspect and replace brake lines
- Replace brake fluid
- Perform full brake system overhaul
Critical to follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
The 2011-2016 BMW 540i features a braking system with 13.7-inch ventilated front discs and 13.6-inch ventilated rear discs. The front calipers are 4-piston fixed units, while the rear uses 2-piston floating calipers. The system is compatible with DOT 4 brake fluid and is designed to work with 18-inch or larger wheels.
Q2 What maintenance is required for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
What maintenance is required for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
Regular brake maintenance for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, checking rotor thickness every 30,000 miles, and replacing brake fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, the brake system should be inspected for any leaks or damage during routine servicing.
Q3 How do I replace the brake pads on a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
How do I replace the brake pads on a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
To replace the brake pads on a 2011-2016 BMW 540i, start by loosening the lug nuts and raising the vehicle. Remove the wheels, then the caliper bolts to slide off the caliper. Remove the old pads, install the new ones, and reassemble in the reverse order. Use a C3 Brake bleeding pump to bleed the brakes if necessary.
Q4 How do I troubleshoot common brake issues in a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
How do I troubleshoot common brake issues in a 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
Common brake issues include spongy brakes, noise, or vibration. Spongy brakes may indicate air in the system; bleed the brakes. Noise could be due to worn pads or warped rotors. Vibration might indicate uneven rotor wear. Always inspect pads, rotors, and fluid levels, and test drive the vehicle to replicate the issue.
Q5 How can I optimize the braking performance of my 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
How can I optimize the braking performance of my 2011-2016 BMW 540i?
For optimal braking performance, use high-performance brake pads designed for your vehicle, ensure rotors are properly bedded, and maintain the correct brake fluid level. Upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors can improve heat dissipation, and using a high-quality DOT 4 brake fluid is recommended.
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 540i (F10) Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive service manual covering maintenance, repair, and technical specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i.
Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Updates
Coming SoonOfficial technical bulletin detailing updates and improvements for the braking system of the 2011-2016 BMW 540i.
BMW 540i Brake Parts Catalog
Coming SoonCatalog of genuine and aftermarket brake components for the 2011-2016 BMW 540i, including pads, rotors, and fluid.
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Technical Information
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