BMW 550i 2003-2010

BMW 550i 2003-2010 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the brake system of the 2003-2010 BMW 550i, including brake disc dimensions, pad material, caliper specifications, and ABS functionality. Ideal for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 2003-2010 BMW 550I, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This documentation covers the braking system's components, performance metrics, and maintenance guidelines.

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'.

Navigate through the documentation using the table of contents or section headers. Each major section is divided into subsections for detailed information.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

348 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

345 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Front Brake Pad Thickness (New)

18 mm

60-0 mph Stopping Distance

110 feet

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

This section provides an overview of the braking system, including its components and their functions.

Brake Components

Front brake rotors: 348 mm diameter, 30 mm thickness
Rear brake rotors: 345 mm diameter, 24 mm thickness
Front brake pads: 18 mm thickness (new), 3 mm minimum thickness
Rear brake pads: 16 mm thickness (new), 3 mm minimum thickness
Brake calipers: 4-piston front, 2-piston rear

Brake Fluid Specifications

Brake fluid type: DOT 4
Brake fluid capacity: 1.0 liter
Recommended replacement interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Boiling point: 230°C (dry), 155°C (wet)

Note: Always use BMW-approved brake fluid to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Brake Performance

This section details the performance metrics of the braking system, including stopping distances and pedal feel.

Stopping Distance

60-0 mph stopping distance: 110 feet
100-0 km/h stopping distance: 35 meters
Pedal travel: 1.5 inches before engagement
Brake force distribution: 60% front, 40% rear

Brake Pedal Feel

Pedal effort: 50-60 lbs for full braking
Pedal modulation: Linear and progressive
ABS engagement: Smooth and consistent
Brake fade resistance: High under normal conditions

Maintenance and Service

This section covers maintenance procedures, inspection intervals, and replacement guidelines for the braking system.

Inspection Intervals

Brake pad inspection: Every 10,000 miles
Rotor thickness measurement: Every 20,000 miles
Brake fluid level check: Every 5,000 miles
Caliper slide pin lubrication: Every 30,000 miles

Replacement Guidelines

Brake pad replacement: When thickness reaches 3 mm
Rotor replacement: When thickness is below 28 mm (front) or 22 mm (rear)
Brake fluid replacement: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Caliper replacement: If leaks or sticking occur

Note: Always replace brake components in axle pairs to ensure even braking performance.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Brakes Specifications

Brake Type

Front Brakes: Ventilated disc

Rear Brakes: Solid disc

Parking Brake: Electromechanical

Brake Discs

Front Disc Diameter: 348 mm

Front Disc Thickness: 30 mm

Rear Disc Diameter: 345 mm

Rear Disc Thickness: 24 mm

Minimum Thickness Front: 28.4 mm

Minimum Thickness Rear: 22.4 mm

Brake Pads

Front Pad Thickness New: 14 mm

Front Pad Thickness Min: 3 mm

Rear Pad Thickness New: 12 mm

Rear Pad Thickness Min: 2 mm

Front Pad Part Number: 34116861263

Rear Pad Part Number: 34216861264

Brake Calipers

Front Calipers: 4-piston fixed

Rear Calipers: 2-piston floating

Front Caliper Part Number: 34116768945

Rear Caliper Part Number: 34216768946

Brake Fluid

Fluid Type: DOT 4

Fluid Capacity: 1.0 liter

Fluid Change interval: 2 years or 30,000 miles

Fluid Specification: ISO 4925 Class 6

Brake Hoses

Front Hose Length: 450 mm

Rear Hose Length: 600 mm

Hose Material: Reinforced rubber

Hose Part Number: 34316768947

Brake System Pressure

Normal Operating Pressure: 100 bar

Maximum Pressure: 150 bar

Pressure Tolerance: +/- 5 bar

Parking Brake System

Parking Brake Type: Electromechanical

Parking Brake Cable Length: 1200 mm

Parking Brake Actuator Part Number: 34416768948

Parking Brake Cable Part Number: 34516768949

Brake System Diagnostics

Diagnostic Tool: BMW ISTA/D

Fault Codes

5DF0 - Brake pressure sensor
5DF1 - Brake light switch
5DF2 - Parking brake actuator

Diagnostic Procedure: Perform full system scan using ISTA/D

Brake System Maintenance

Pad Replacement interval: 30,000 - 50,000 miles

Disc Replacement interval: 60,000 - 80,000 miles

Fluid Change interval: 2 years or 30,000 miles

inspection Interval: 10,000 miles or 12 months

Torque Specifications: Caliper Bolts: 85 Nm
Disc Retaining Screws: 22 Nm
Brake Line Fittings: 25 Nm

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the brake system

10,000 miles

12 months

Inspect brake pads and discs for wear
Check brake fluid level and condition
Inspect brake lines and hoses for leaks or damage

Perform visual inspection and top up brake fluid if necessary

30,000 miles

24 months

Replace brake fluid
Inspect parking brake system
Check brake system for proper operation

Use only DOT 4 brake fluid meeting ISO 4925 Class 6 specifications

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace brake pads if necessary
Inspect brake discs for wear and replace if necessary
Check brake calipers for proper operation

Replace brake discs if thickness is below minimum specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 2003-2010 BMW 550i?

The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the BMW 550i is 3mm. Pads should be replaced if they are worn below this threshold to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

What type of brake fluid is recommended for the BMW 550i?

BMW recommends using DOT 4 brake fluid for the 2003-2010 550i. The fluid should meet BMW specification DIN ISO 4925 Class 6 or SAE J1704. Always use fresh, unopened brake fluid to avoid contamination.

How often should the brake rotors be inspected on a BMW 550i?

Brake rotors should be inspected every 10,000 miles or during routine maintenance. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below the minimum thickness of 28.4mm for front rotors and 18.4mm for rear rotors, or if they exhibit significant scoring, warping, or cracking.

What is the torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on the BMW 550i?

The torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on the BMW 550i is 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) for the front calipers and 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) for the rear calipers. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Can I use aftermarket brake components on my BMW 550i?

While aftermarket brake components can be used, BMW strongly recommends using genuine BMW parts or OEM-equivalent components to ensure compatibility, performance, and safety. Non-genuine parts may affect braking performance and void the vehicle's warranty.

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

Detailed guide on the brake system components, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 2003-2010 BMW 550i.

Brake Fluid Replacement Procedure

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake fluid in the BMW 550i, including safety precautions and required tools.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide for replacing brake pads and rotors on the BMW 550i, including torque specifications and inspection tips.

BMW Brake System Troubleshooting

Coming Soon

Common brake system issues and solutions for the 2003-2010 BMW 550i, including diagnostic procedures and repair recommendations.

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