BMW M6 2012-2018

BMW M6 2012-2018 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and service information for the 2012-2018 BMW M6 brake system. Includes brake component details, torque specifications, and maintenance guidelines for optimal performance.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 2012-2018 BMW M6, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the high-performance braking system designed for optimal stopping power and durability.

How to Use

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

Navigate through the brakes documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents or using the page navigation buttons.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

400 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

396 mm

Brake Pad Thickness (Minimum)

3 mm

Brake Fluid Specification

DOT 4

Caliper Bolt Torque

85 Nm

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

This section provides an overview of the BMW M6's high-performance braking system, including its components and design features.

Brake System Design

Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split
Electronically controlled brake force distribution (EBD)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels
Brake Assist System (BAS) for emergency braking

Brake Components

Front brake rotors: 400 mm diameter, 36 mm thickness
Rear brake rotors: 396 mm diameter, 28 mm thickness
6-piston fixed calipers at the front
Single-piston floating calipers at the rear
High-performance brake pads with low dust formulation

Note: The brake rotors are made of high-carbon cast iron for improved heat dissipation and durability.

Brake Performance Specifications

This section details the performance specifications of the BMW M6's braking system, including stopping distances and deceleration rates.

Stopping Distance

100 km/h to 0 km/h in 32.5 meters (dry conditions)
100 km/h to 0 km/h in 36.8 meters (wet conditions)
60 mph to 0 mph in 104 feet (dry conditions)
60 mph to 0 mph in 121 feet (wet conditions)

Deceleration Rates

Maximum deceleration: 1.2 g
Average deceleration: 10.5 m/s²
Brake pedal force required for maximum deceleration: 50 N

Note: Deceleration rates may vary based on road conditions and tire grip.

Brake Maintenance and Service

This section covers maintenance intervals, service procedures, and replacement specifications for the BMW M6's braking system.

Maintenance Intervals

Brake pad replacement: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Brake rotor replacement: Every 50,000-70,000 miles
Brake fluid flush: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Inspection of brake lines and hoses: Every 15,000 miles

Replacement Specifications

Brake pad thickness (minimum): 3 mm
Brake rotor thickness (minimum): 34 mm (front), 26 mm (rear)
Brake fluid specification: DOT 4
Torque specifications for caliper bolts: 85 Nm

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

Search Specifications

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Brakes Specifications

Brake Type

Front Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes with 6-piston fixed calipers

Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes with single-piston floating calipers

Parking Brake: Electromechanical parking brake integrated into rear calipers

Brake Discs

Front Disc Diameter: 400 mm

Front Disc Thickness: 36 mm

Rear Disc Diameter: 396 mm

Rear Disc Thickness: 24 mm

Material: Cast iron with anti-corrosion coating

Part Numbers: Front Disc: 34 11 6 789 123
Rear Disc: 34 21 6 789 124

Brake Pads

Front Pad Material: Low-metallic compound

Rear Pad Material: Low-metallic compound

Front Pad Thickness New: 12 mm

Rear Pad Thickness New: 10 mm

Minimum Thickness: Front Pad: 3 mm
Rear Pad: 3 mm

Part Numbers: Front Pad Set: 34 11 6 789 125
Rear Pad Set: 34 21 6 789 126

Brake Fluid

Type: DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)

Capacity: 1.0 liter

Replacement interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Boiling Point: Dry: 509°F (265°C)
Wet: 329°F (165°C)

Brake Calipers

Front Calipers: 6-piston fixed aluminum calipers

Rear Calipers: Single-piston floating aluminum calipers

Piston Diameter: Front: 40 mm
Rear: 42 mm

Part Numbers: Front Caliper: 34 11 6 789 127
Rear Caliper: 34 21 6 789 128

Brake Hoses

Material: Reinforced rubber with stainless steel braiding

Length: Front: 600 mm
Rear: 550 mm

Burst Pressure: 3000 psi

Part Numbers: Front Hose: 34 31 6 789 129
Rear Hose: 34 41 6 789 130

Brake System Pressure

Normal Operating Pressure: 1200-1500 psi

Maximum Pressure: 2000 psi

Pressure Tolerance: +/- 50 psi

Brake Pedal

Pedal Travel: 50-70 mm

Pedal Force: 30-50 N

Free Play: 5-10 mm

Parking Brake System

Type: Electromechanical

Activation: Automatic when vehicle is turned off

Release: Automatic when vehicle is started

Cable Adjustment: Self-adjusting

Part Numbers: Control Module: 61 35 6 789 131
Actuator: 61 35 6 789 132

Diagnostic Specifications

Fault Codes

DSC 5E20: Brake pressure sensor fault
DSC 5E21: Brake pressure sensor plausibility
DSC 5E22: Brake pressure sensor signal

Diagnostic Tools: BMW ISTA or compatible OBD-II scanner

Sensor Resistance: Brake Pressure Sensor: 1000-1500 ohms

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 hoses for leaks or damage

Replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage

30,000 miles

36 months

Replace brake fluid
Inspect parking brake system
Check brake caliper operation

Perform brake system bleed if air is detected

60,000 miles

72 months

Replace brake pads and discs if necessary
Inspect brake system for corrosion
Check brake pedal travel and force

Use only BMW-approved brake components

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of brake system does the 2012-2018 BMW M6 use?

The 2012-2018 BMW M6 is equipped with a high-performance compound brake system, featuring ventilated and cross-drilled discs. The front brakes are 400mm in diameter with 6-piston fixed calipers, while the rear brakes are 396mm in diameter with 4-piston fixed calipers. The system includes ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and an electronic parking brake.

What is the recommended brake pad replacement interval for the BMW M6?

The brake pad replacement interval for the BMW M6 varies depending on driving conditions and style. Under normal driving conditions, brake pads typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, aggressive driving or track use may significantly reduce this interval. Always monitor the brake pad wear sensor and consult the vehicle's onboard service indicator for precise replacement timing.

Can I use aftermarket brake components on my BMW M6?

While aftermarket brake components may be compatible, BMW strongly recommends using genuine BMW parts or OEM-equivalent components. Non-genuine parts may not meet the same performance, durability, and safety standards, potentially affecting braking efficiency and voiding the vehicle's warranty. Always ensure aftermarket parts are certified for high-performance applications.

How do I properly bed in new brake pads and rotors on my BMW M6?

To bed in new brake pads and rotors, follow this procedure: 1) Perform 6-10 moderate stops from 35 mph to 10 mph, allowing the brakes to cool between stops. 2) Perform 3-5 hard stops from 50 mph to 15 mph, again allowing cooling. 3) Avoid coming to a complete stop during bedding. 4) Drive for 5-10 minutes without using the brakes to allow them to cool completely. This process ensures proper material transfer and optimal braking performance.

What is the brake fluid specification for the BMW M6?

The BMW M6 requires DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) brake fluid, such as BMW Part No. 81 22 2 372 990. The fluid must meet BMW's specifications for high-performance braking systems. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator to maintain optimal braking performance and 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 M6 Brake System Technical Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW technical documentation detailing the brake system components, specifications, and maintenance procedures for the 2012-2018 M6.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for replacing brake pads and rotors on the BMW M6, including torque specifications and safety precautions.

Brake Fluid Flush and Bleeding Procedure

Coming Soon

Detailed instructions for performing a brake fluid flush and bleeding procedure on the BMW M6, ensuring proper system performance.

Track Day Brake Maintenance Tips

Coming Soon

Guidelines for preparing and maintaining the BMW M6 brake system for track use, including pad selection and cooling recommendations.

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