BMW X3 2017-2021 Brakes Specifications
BMW X3 2017-2021

BMW X3 2017-2021 Brakes Specifications

Find detailed brake specifications for the 2017-2021 BMW X3 (G01). Includes rotor sizes, caliper details, brake pads, and more. Essential for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Updated

Brake System Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2017-2021 BMW X3. It includes detailed information about the brake system components, performance capabilities, maintenance requirements, and safety features. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the braking system, find specific details, and perform routine maintenance tasks effectively.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords related to the brake system, such as 'brake rotor size' or 'maintenance intervals.' The search results will highlight relevant sections and subsections.

Navigate through the document by exploring the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains detailed subsections that provide in-depth information on specific topics. Use the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.

Key Specifications

Front Brake Rotor Size

13.7 in (348 mm)

Rear Brake Rotor Size

12.3 in (312 mm)

60-0 mph Stopping Distance

120 ft

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4 / DOT 5.1

Brake Pad Replacement Interval

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles

Available Specifications

Brake System Components

This section provides detailed information about the components that make up the braking system of the 2017-2021 BMW X3, including the front and rear brakes, brake fluid, and brake pads.

Front Brake Specifications
  • Brake rotor size: 13.7 inches (348 mm) in diameter
  • Brake rotor thickness: 1.0 inch (25 mm)
  • Caliper type: 4-piston fixed front calipers
  • Brake pad material: High-performance friction material
  • Brake pad wear sensor: Equipped on all models
Rear Brake Specifications
  • Brake rotor size: 12.3 inches (312 mm) in diameter
  • Brake rotor thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm)
  • Caliper type: 2-piston floating rear calipers
  • Brake pad material: High-performance friction material
  • Brake pad wear sensor: Equipped on all models
Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System
  • Brake fluid type: BMW-approved DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid
  • Brake fluid reservoir capacity: Approximately 0.5 liters
  • Hydraulic brake assist: Equipped with electromechanical parking brake
  • Brake lines: Stainless steel reinforced rubber lines
  • ABS system: Latest-generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Brake System Performance

This section outlines the performance capabilities of the braking system, including stopping distances, brake assist features, and heat management.

Braking Performance
  • 60-0 mph stopping distance: Approximately 120 feet
  • 80-0 mph stopping distance: Approximately 220 feet
  • 100-0 mph stopping distance: Approximately 320 feet
  • Brake fade resistance: Optimized through vented rotors and advanced cooling
  • Emergency braking: Automatic emergency braking available on certain trims
Brake Assist Systems
  • Brake Assist (BA): Provides additional braking force during emergency stops
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC): Improves stability during cornering
  • Dynamic Brake Control (DBC): Prevents wheel lock-up during aggressive braking
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC): Assists with controlled downhill braking
  • Automatic Hold Function: Engages brakes at stop, releases when accelerator is pressed

Maintenance and Service

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

Brake Maintenance Schedule
  • Brake fluid change interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • Brake pad inspection interval: Every 12,500 miles or as needed
  • Brake rotor inspection interval: Every 12,500 miles or as needed
  • Brake line inspection interval: Every 30,000 miles
  • Brake sensor replacement interval: As needed based on wear
Brake Wear Indicators
  • Brake pad wear indicator: Audible and visual warning when pads reach minimum thickness
  • Brake rotor wear indicator: Measured during inspection, replacement recommended at 10% wear
  • Brake fluid level warning: Dashboard alert if fluid level is low
  • Brake system warning lights: Illuminates if ABS, DSC, or other systems detect issues
  • Parking brake indicator: Alerts if parking brake is engaged while driving

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Configuration
Front and rear
Platform
CLAR (Cluster Architecture)
Material
Cast iron
Location
Front and rear axle
Actuation
Hydraulic

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
13.7 in (348 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
12.3 in (313 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.2 in (30 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.9 in (22 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Diameter
1.8 in (45.7 mm)
Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
1.5 in (38.1 mm)
Minimum Allowable Rotor Thickness
13.0 in (330 mm) front, 11.8 in (300 mm) rear

Materials

Rotors
Cast iron
Brake Pads
Organic/semi-metallic
Calipers
Aluminum alloy
Brake Lines
Steel-reinforced rubber

Features

Dynamic Brake Control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Traction control integration
Cornering Brake Control
  • Redistributes braking force side-to-side
  • Enhanced stability during cornering
  • Reduced understeer
Brake Fade Compensation
  • Maintains braking effectiveness
  • Reduces brake fade under repeated use
  • Optimizes thermal management
Wet Brake Drying
  • Automatically applies light brake pressure
  • Removes water from brake rotors
  • Enhances wet weather braking
Emergency Braking
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedal-travel sensors
  • Emergency brake lights activation
Manual Brake Hold
  • Hill start assist
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Creep control in traffic

Safety Features

Emergency Brake Assist
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Collision mitigation
  • Pre-crash system preparation
Stability Control integration
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Brake assist
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Brake Pad Wear Sensors
  • Monitors pad thickness
  • Alerts driver when replacement is needed
  • Prevents metal-to-metal contact

Comfort Features

Automatic Hold Function
  • Hill start assist
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Creep control in traffic
Brake Creep Control
  • Prevents vehicle creep
  • Smooth stop-and-go traffic driving
  • Reduces driver fatigue
Noise Reduction Features
  • Brake pad wear indicators
  • Silent braking technology
  • Anti-squeal shims

Accessories

Performance Brake Pads
  • High-friction coefficient
  • Fade-resistant
  • Longer lifespan
Brake Fluid
  • BMW-approved DOT 4
  • High boiling point
  • Corrosion protection
Brake Rotor Kits
  • Cross-drilled and slotted
  • Ventilated for heat dissipation
  • Precision-machined

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Brake pads: every 30,000 - 50,000 miles
  • Brake rotors: every 50,000 - 70,000 miles
  • Brake fluid: every 30,000 miles
  • Inspection: every 12,000 miles
Maintenance Notes
  • Use only BMW-approved parts
  • Follow proper bleeding procedures
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Check ABS sensor functionality

Warranty

New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Miles: 50,000
Years: 4
Maintenance Warranty
Coverage: Maintenance services
Miles: 36,000
Years: 3
Parts Warranty
Coverage: Replacement parts
Miles: unlimited
Years: 2
Rust Perforation Warranty
Coverage: Body panels
Miles: unlimited
Years: 12

Production Details

Manufacturer
BMW Group
Manufacturing Process
  • Precision machining
  • Thermal treatment
  • Surface coating
  • Assembly and testing
Quality Control
inspection: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)
Testing: Acoustic and dynamic testing
Certification: ISO/TS 16949
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of materials
  • Energy-efficient production
  • Reduced emissions
  • Eco-friendly packaging
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Cycle Time: 10-15 minutes per unit
Yield Rate: 98%
Defect Rate: Less than 1%

Service Information for Brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to brakes

12,000
12
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors
  • Check brake fluid level
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Test ABS and DSC systems

Visual inspection only, no replacement needed unless worn

30,000
24
  • Replace brake pads
  • Inspect and machine rotors
  • Flush and replace brake fluid
  • Check brake sensors

Use BMW-approved parts and follow proper procedures

60,000
48
  • Replace brake rotors
  • Replace brake pads
  • Flush and replace brake fluid
  • Inspect and replace brake hoses if needed

Major service - critical for maintaining brake performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 2017-2021 BMW X3?

The 2017-2021 BMW X3 features a braking system with vented disc brakes front and rear. The front brake rotors measure 13.7 inches in diameter, while the rear rotors are 12.9 inches. The system includes 4-piston fixed calipers in the front and 2-piston floating calipers at the rear. These specifications ensure optimal braking performance and compatibility with the vehicle's dynamic capabilities.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2017-2021 BMW X3 includes inspecting brake pads every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 3mm, and checking rotor thickness every 30,000 miles. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or as specified in the owner's manual. Additionally, brake sensors should be monitored for wear and replaced as needed.

Q3

How do I install or replace the brakes?

To replace the brakes on a 2017-2021 BMW X3, start by lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Inspect the brake rotor for excessive wear or warping. Remove the caliper and old brake pads, then install the new pads. If replacing the rotor, remove the old one and install the new rotor. Reattach the caliper and tighten all bolts to the specified torque. Repeat for all wheels and test the brakes thoroughly before driving.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues?

Common brake issues in the 2017-2021 BMW X3 include spongy brakes, grinding noises, or dashboard warning lights. Check brake fluid levels and top off if necessary. Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear. If grinding is present, it may indicate worn pads or warped rotors. If the brake warning light is on, use a scan tool to check for fault codes and address the issue accordingly.

Q5

How can I optimize the performance of my brakes?

To optimize brake performance on the 2017-2021 BMW X3, ensure proper brake pad and rotor maintenance. Use high-quality BMW-approved brake components. Avoid aggressive driving and heavy braking, which can overheat the brakes. Consider upgrading to performance brake pads and rotors for improved stopping power and heat dissipation. Regularly clean brake components to prevent corrosion.

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 X3 Brake Service Manual

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide for servicing and maintaining the braking system of the 2017-2021 BMW X3.

Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Summary of updates and technical bulletins related to the braking system of the 2017-2021 BMW X3.

BMW X3 Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed list of genuine BMW brake components and accessories for the 2017-2021 X3.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

15+ Years
Experience
500+ Guides
Guides
50+ Makes
Vehicles
1000+ Solutions
Solutions

Diagnostic

Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.

Repair

Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.

Additional Expertise

Documentation

Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.

Training

Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.

Certifications & Research

Certifications

  • ASE Master Technician Certification
  • Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
  • Performance Tuning Expert

Research & Community

Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.

Legal Disclaimer

Important information about using this content

Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.

General Information
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to maintain accuracy in our content, all specifications, procedures, and technical information should be verified against your vehicle's official service manual or with the manufacturer directly.
Warranty & Liability

The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.

We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.

Technical Information
  • All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
  • Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
  • Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
  • If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.
Intellectual Property
All content, including text, images, and specifications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

© 2025 BMW Specs. All rights reserved.