BMW 745i 2002-2009 Brakes Specifications
BMW 745i 2002-2009

BMW 745i 2002-2009 Brakes Specifications

Detailed brake specifications for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i, covering components, maintenance, and upgrades. Essential for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

2002-2009 BMW 745i Brake Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i. It includes detailed information on brake components, technical specifications, and maintenance recommendations. Use this guide to understand the braking system, identify components, and perform routine maintenance or upgrades. The sections are organized to help you navigate easily and find the information you need quickly.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'rotor size', 'pad material', or 'fluid type'. Results will be highlighted for easy identification.

Navigate through the sections by clicking on the major headings such as 'Brake Overview' or 'Maintenance & Upgrades'. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points to help you find specific information efficiently.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

13.7 in (348 mm)

Rear Rotor Diameter

13.4 in (341 mm)

Front Caliper Type

4-piston fixed

Rear Caliper Type

2-piston floating

Brake Pad Material

Semi-metallic

Available Specifications

Brake Overview

This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 2002-2009 BMW 745i, including key components and their functions. 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
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Brake Assist
Brake System Features
  • High-performance braking for safety and control
  • Optimized heat dissipation through ventilated rotors
  • Advanced electronic controls for consistent stopping power
  • Compatibility with high-performance tire setups
  • Corrosion-resistant brake components

Front Brake Components

This section details the specifications and features of the front brake components, including rotors, calipers, and pads. It provides technical details essential for maintenance and upgrades.

Front Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 13.7 inches (348 mm)
  • Rotor thickness: 1.2 inches (30 mm)
  • Ventilated design for improved heat dissipation
  • Made from high-carbon cast iron
  • Minimum allowable thickness: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
Front Brake Calipers
  • 4-piston fixed calipers
  • Aluminum construction for reduced weight
  • Piston diameter: 1.5 inches (38 mm) each
  • Equipped with dust seals for durability
  • Compatible with high-performance brake pads
Front Brake Pads
  • Semi-metallic brake pad composition
  • Pad thickness: 0.47 inches (12 mm)
  • Wear sensor integrated for low-pad warning
  • High-friction coefficient for improved stopping power
  • Compatible with performance driving conditions

Rear Brake Components

This section provides detailed specifications for the rear brake components, including rotors, calipers, and pads. It ensures comprehensive coverage of all brake system parts.

Rear Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 13.4 inches (341 mm)
  • Rotor thickness: 0.9 inches (23 mm)
  • Ventilated design for consistent braking performance
  • High-carbon cast iron construction
  • Minimum allowable thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Rear Brake Calipers
  • 2-piston floating calipers
  • Aluminum construction for weight reduction
  • Piston diameter: 1.0 inch (25 mm) each
  • Equipped with dust boots for protection
  • Designed for reliable and consistent braking
Rear Brake Pads
  • Semi-metallic brake pad composition
  • Pad thickness: 0.35 inches (9 mm)
  • Wear sensor integrated for monitoring
  • Optimized for everyday driving conditions
  • Compatible with OEM and aftermarket rotors

Maintenance & Upgrades

This section offers guidelines for maintaining and upgrading the brake system, including recommended services and performance enhancements. It helps ensure optimal braking performance and longevity.

Recommended Maintenance
  • Inspect brake pads every 10,000 miles
  • Replace rotors every 30,000-50,000 miles
  • Bleed brake system every 2 years or 30,000 miles
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses for damage
  • Check brake fluid level and condition regularly
Upgrade Options
  • High-performance brake pads for improved stopping power
  • Cross-drilled or slotted rotors for better heat dissipation
  • Stainless steel brake lines for consistent pedal feel
  • Performance brake fluid with higher boiling point
  • Lightweight brake components for reduced unsprung weight

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
Dual-circuit braking system with ABS
Configuration
Front and rear ventilated discs
Platform
E65/E66 7 Series
Material
Steel rotors with aluminum calipers
Location
Front and rear axle

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
13.7 in (348 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.2 in (30 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
12.8 in (325 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.9 in (22 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Diameter
1.97 in (50 mm)
Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
1.38 in (35 mm)
Brake Pad Width
4.3 in (110 mm)

Materials

Rotor Material
High-carbon cast iron
Caliper Material
Aluminum alloy
Brake Pad Material
Semi-metallic friction compound
Brake Line Material
Stainless steel reinforced rubber

Features

Advanced Braking Systems
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Automatic Brake Drying (in wet conditions)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Design Features
  • Internally ventilated discs
  • Floating caliper design
  • Cross-drilled rotors for heat dissipation
  • Piston-type front calipers
  • Integral parking brake
Control Systems
  • Hydraulic actuation
  • Electronic control unit (ECU)
  • Speed-sensitive brake assist
  • Regenerative braking (if equipped with automatic transmission)
  • Brake pad wear sensors

Safety Features

Emergency Braking
  • Automatic emergency braking activation
  • Full ABS compatibility
  • Stability control integration
Brake Assistance
  • Hill descent control (if equipped with 4-wheel steering)
  • Load-sensing proportioning
  • Electronic parking brake
Monitoring Systems
  • Brake fluid level sensor
  • Brake pad wear indicator
  • ABS malfunction indicator

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • Pillow ball insulators
  • Anti-rattle clips
  • Damped caliper carriers
Pedal Feel
  • Tandem master cylinder
  • Dual-burst brake booster
  • Progressive pedal ratio
Convenience
  • Automatic brake hold function
  • Brake memory function
  • Soft-stop function

Accessories

Upgrade Options
  • High-performance brake pads
  • Cross-drilled rotor upgrade
  • Stainless steel brake lines
  • Lightweight brake components
Maintenance Accessories
  • Brake fluid (DOT 4)
  • Brake cleaner
  • Wheel chocks
  • Brake bleeding kit
Customization
  • Painted calipers
  • Engraved rotor options
  • Performance brake kits
  • Specialty brake shoes

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 15000, Months: 12, Items: Inspect brake pads and rotors,Check brake fluid level,Inspect brake lines and hoses,Test parking brake function,Measure brake pad thickness, Note: Replace brake pads if thickness is below 1/8 in (3 mm)
  • Miles: 30000, Months: 24, Items: Replace brake fluid,Clean and inspect brake components,Check ABS sensor function,Test brake booster operation,Inspect caliper slides, Note: Bleed brakes if new fluid is installed
  • Miles: 50000, Months: 48, Items: Replace rear brake pads,Inspect and clean brake rotors,Check parking brake cables,Inspect ABS control unit,Test brake system for leaks, Note: Replace front brake pads if necessary
Maintenance Notes
Always use BMW-approved brake components and fluids. Brake system maintenance should be performed by a qualified technician.

Warranty

Basic
Miles: 50000
Years: 4
Coverage: Parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship
Powertrain
Miles: 100000
Years: 6
Coverage: Major brake components including master cylinder and ABS unit
Rust
Miles: 120000
Years: 12
Coverage: Perforation of brake rotors and drums
Maintenance
Miles: 36000
Years: 3
Coverage: Scheduled maintenance services including brake fluid replacement

Production Details

Manufacturer
BMW Group
Manufacturing Process
  • CNC machining of brake components
  • High-temperature rotor casting
  • Electrostatic painting of calipers
  • Laser-cutting of brake lines
  • Robotically assembled brake systems
Quality Control
inspection: Rotor Runout: 0.0006 in (0.015 mm), Pad Squareness: 0.001 in (0.025 mm), Caliper Alignment: 0.002 in (0.050 mm)
Testing: Hydraulic pressure test, Leak test, Performance test, Noise test, Durability test
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of brake materials
  • Low-VOC paint processes
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing
  • Recyclable packaging
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Manufacturing Countries: Germany, USA
Supplier Network: Global
Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949

Service Information for Brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15000
12
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors
  • Check brake fluid level
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Test parking brake function
  • Measure brake pad thickness

Replace brake pads if thickness is below 1/8 in (3 mm)

30000
24
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Clean and inspect brake components
  • Check ABS sensor function
  • Test brake booster operation
  • Inspect caliper slides

Bleed brakes if new fluid is installed

50000
48
  • Replace rear brake pads
  • Inspect and clean brake rotors
  • Check parking brake cables
  • Inspect ABS control unit
  • Test brake system for leaks

Replace front brake pads if necessary

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i?

The 2002-2009 BMW 745i features a braking system with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The front brakes typically have 13.7-inch (348mm) rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers, while the rear brakes have 13.2-inch (336mm) rotors with 2-piston fixed calipers. The system is compatible with DOT 4 brake fluid and is designed to work with ABS and DSC systems. Brake pads are manufacturer-specific, and replacement parts should match OEM specifications for optimal performance.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 2002-2009 BMW 745i?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i includes inspecting brake pads every 12,000 miles, rotors every 18,000 miles, and brake fluid replacement every 30,000 miles. Brake pads should be replaced when worn below 3mm, and rotors should be resurfaced or replaced if warped or excessively worn. The ABS and DSC systems should be checked annually, and any leaks in the brake lines or calipers should be addressed promptly.

Q3

How do I install or replace the brakes on a 2002-2009 BMW 745i?

To replace the brakes, start by raising the vehicle and removing the wheels. Remove the caliper bolts and slide off the caliper, taking care not to damage the brake hose. Remove the old brake pads and install the new ones. If replacing rotors, remove the rotor retaining screw and pull the rotor straight off. Reinstall the rotor, reattach the caliper, and tighten all bolts to the specified torque. Bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles and test the brakes before driving.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues on a 2002-2009 BMW 745i?

Common brake issues include spongy brakes (air in the system), grinding noises (worn pads or warped rotors), and ABS light activation (faulty sensors or wiring). To diagnose, inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear, check the brake fluid level, and scan for any fault codes using a BMW-specific OBD-II scanner. Replace worn components, bleed the system if necessary, and address any electrical issues related to the ABS or DSC systems.

Q5

How can I optimize the performance of my brakes on a 2002-2009 BMW 745i?

For optimal brake performance, use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended brake pads and rotors. Ensure proper brake fluid levels and use DOT 4 fluid. Avoid aggressive driving and heavy braking, as this can overheat the brakes. Consider upgrading to high-performance brake pads or cross-drilled rotors for improved stopping power. Regularly clean brake components to prevent corrosion and ensure all brake system components are functioning properly.

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 7-Series Service Manual (2002-2009)

Coming Soon

Comprehensive service manual covering brake system specifications, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i.

Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Official BMW technical bulletin outlining updates and improvements for the brake system on 2002-2009 models.

BMW Parts Catalog: Brake Components

Coming Soon

Detailed parts catalog for brake components, including pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid for the 2002-2009 BMW 745i.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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