BMW 550i 2011-2016

BMW 550i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications

A detailed guide covering the brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550i (F10 generation), including front and rear brake components, rotor sizes, calipers, pads, ABS system, and maintenance tips.

Updated Feb 10, 2025

Brake Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550i. It includes detailed information about the brake system components, performance metrics, and maintenance requirements. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the braking system, identify key specifications, and perform routine maintenance or upgrades. The information is organized into sections for easy navigation, with subsections providing detailed technical points.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'rotor size', 'caliper type', or 'brake fluid'. Results will highlight relevant sections.

Navigate through the document using the sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.

Key Specifications

▲

Front Rotor Diameter

374 mm

■

Rear Rotor Diameter

368 mm

●

Brake Fluid Type

BMW DOT 4

◆

0-60 mph Stopping Distance

128 feet

★

Brake Pad Replacement Interval

30,000 - 50,000 miles

Available Specifications

Brake System Components

This section details the physical components of the braking system, including rotors, calipers, brake pads, and fluid specifications.

Rotors

Front rotor diameter: 374 mm
Rear rotor diameter: 368 mm
Rotor thickness: 36 mm (front), 36 mm (rear)
Rotor type: Ventilated, cross-drilled
Material: Cast iron

Calipers

Front calipers: 4-piston fixed
Rear calipers: 2-piston floating
Caliper finish: Aluminum
Dust seals: Stainless steel

Brake Pads

Front pad material: High-performance friction compound
Rear pad material: Standard friction compound
Pad wear sensor: Yes (front and rear)
Pad replacement interval: Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles

Brake Fluid

Recommended fluid: BMW High Performance Brake Fluid (DOT 4)
Fluid reservoir capacity: 1.5 liters
Change interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Fluid boiling point: 230°C (dry), 155°C (wet)

Brake Performance and Capabilities

This section highlights the performance metrics and advanced braking features of the 2011-2016 BMW 550i.

Stopping Distance

0-60 mph stopping distance: 128 feet
80-0 mph stopping distance: 224 feet
Wet surface stopping distance: Increased by 10-15%
ABS activation time: Less than 100 milliseconds

Advanced Braking Features

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Automatic Brake Drying (in wet conditions)
Fade Compensation

Pedal Feel and Assist

Brake pedal assist: Servotronic
Pedal travel: Short and firm
Assist ratio: 6:1
Emergency brake assist: Yes

Maintenance and Service

This section provides guidelines for maintaining and servicing the brake system, including inspection intervals and replacement procedures.

Inspection Intervals

Brake pads: Every 12,000 miles
Rotors: Every 18,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Hoses and lines: Every 30,000 miles
Calipers and sliders: Every 60,000 miles

Replacement Parts

Brake pads: BMW part number 34116865454
Rotors: BMW part number 34116781054
Brake fluid: BMW part number 81141467064
Sensors: BMW part number 36136781347

Service Tips

Always use BMW-approved parts
Bleed brakes after fluid changes
Clean rotors before installing new pads
Torque wheels to 105 ft-lbs after service
Test brake system after repairs

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type: disc brakes

Configuration: dual-circuit system with ABS

Platform: F10

Material: aluminum calipers, ventilated rotors

Location: front and rear wheels

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter: 13.7 in (348 mm)

Rear Rotor Diameter: 12.8 in (325 mm)

Front Caliper Piston Diameter: 1.97 in (50 mm)

Rear Caliper Piston Diameter: 1.38 in (35 mm)

Brake Pad Thickness: 0.47 in (12 mm)

Disc Min Thickness: 0.39 in (10 mm)

Parking Brake Drum Diameter: 11.8 in (300 mm)

Materials

Rotors: cast iron, ventilated

Calipers: aluminum alloy

Brake Pads: semi-metallic composite

Brake Lines: steel-reinforced rubber

Features

Advanced Brake Systems

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Automatic Brake Drying
Brake Fade Compensation
Soft Stop

Safety Features

Anti-Lock Braking

four-channel ABS
electronic brake force distribution
emergency braking assistance

Emergency Braking Systems

automatic emergency braking
brake primer
pre-crash braking preparation

Brake Assist

emergency brake assist
brake boost function
auto hold function

Comfort Features

Convenience Functions

auto hold
hill descent control
electronic parking brake
brake energy regeneration

Accessories

Upgrade Options

performance brake pads
cross-drilled rotors
high-performance brake fluid
brake cooling ducts

Maintenance

Service interval: every 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months

Service Items

inspect brake pads
measure rotor thickness
check brake fluid level
inspect brake lines
clean brake components

Maintenance Notes

use only BMW-approved brake fluid
replace brake pads if thickness is below 0.12 in (3 mm)
replace rotors if thickness is below 0.39 in (10 mm)
check for brake fluid leaks
test brake system after service

Warranty

New Vehicle: Miles: unlimited
Years: 4
Coverage: parts and labor

Maintenance Program: Miles: 50,000
Years: 4
Coverage: scheduled services

Extended Warranty: Miles: 100,000
Years: 6
Coverage: repair and replacement

Production Details

Manufacturer: Brembo

Manufacturing Process

cast rotor production
aluminum caliper machining
pad friction material formulation
system assembly and testing

Quality Control: inspection: dimensional checks, surface finish analysis, leak testing, performance testing
Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, OE certification

Sustainability Practices

recyclable materials
low-emission manufacturing
energy-efficient processes

Production Metrics: Annual Production: over 1 million units
Quality Rate: 99.8% defect-free
Delivery Time: just-in-time
Warranty Claims: less than 1%

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

12,500

inspect brake pads for wear
measure rotor thickness
check brake fluid level
inspect brake lines for damage
clean brake calipers and rotors

Typical maintenance interval under normal driving conditions

37,500

replace brake pads if worn below 3 mm
inspect brake rotors for warping
test brake fluid boiling point
check ABS sensor functionality
bleed brake system if necessary

More detailed inspection and possible component replacement

75,000

replace brake rotors if below minimum thickness
replace brake calipers if leaking
flush and replace brake fluid
inspect parking brake components
test entire brake system performance

Major service interval with comprehensive system overhaul

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What are the technical specifications of the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 550i features a braking system with ventilated disc brakes at all four wheels. The front brakes include 374mm rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers, while the rear brakes feature 370mm rotors with 2-piston floating calipers. The system is compatible with DOT 4 brake fluid and is designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle's advanced electronic stability control systems. The brake system is specifically engineered for the F10/F11 chassis, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

Regular maintenance for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 3mm, and ensuring proper brake fluid levels. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or as specified in the service manual. Additionally, brake rotors should be inspected for excessive wear or warping and replaced if necessary. It is also recommended to clean the brake components periodically to prevent corrosion.

How do I install or replace the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

To replace the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i, start by safely lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor, taking care not to damage the brake hose. Install the new brake pads and ensure the caliper is properly aligned before reattaching it. If replacing rotors, remove the old rotor and install the new one, ensuring it is securely fastened. After installation, bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles and test the brakes thoroughly.

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

Common brake issues on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i include a spongy brake pedal, grinding noises, or warning lights on the dashboard. A spongy pedal may indicate air in the brake system, requiring bleeding. Grinding noises could signal worn brake pads or warped rotors. Dashboard warning lights often indicate a fault in the brake system, which can be diagnosed using a BMW-specific OBD-II scanner. Always refer to the service manual for specific troubleshooting steps and ensure proper safety measures are taken.

How can I optimize the performance of the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

To optimize brake performance on a 2011-2016 BMW 550i, consider upgrading to high-performance brake pads designed for your driving conditions. Ensure proper alignment of the brake system and regularly clean the brake components to prevent dust buildup. Upgrading to high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point can also improve braking consistency. For track use, consider installing ventilated brake rotors or lightweight components to enhance heat dissipation and reduce unsprung weight.

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 550i Service Manual (2011-2016)

Coming Soon

Comprehensive service manual covering maintenance, repair, and technical specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550i, including detailed brake system information.

BMW Technical Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Technical bulletin outlining updates and improvements for the brake system on 2011-2016 BMW 550i models, including any recalls or service campaigns.

BMW Parts Catalog: Brake Components

Coming Soon

Detailed parts catalog for brake components compatible with the 2011-2016 BMW 550i, including part numbers and specifications.

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