BMW Z3 1995-2002 Brakes Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and service information for the 1995-2002 BMW Z3 braking system. Includes brake components, torque specs, fluid requirements, and maintenance procedures.
Overview Specifications
Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 1995-2002 BMW Z3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the braking system's components, specifications, and maintenance guidelines.
How to Use
Use the search function to locate specific brake specifications by entering keywords such as 'brake rotor diameter' or 'brake pad thickness'.
Navigate through the documentation using the table of contents or by scrolling through the sections. Each major section is labeled with a title and contains subsections for detailed information.
Key Specifications
Front Brake Rotor Diameter
286 mm (11.26 in)
Rear Brake Rotor Diameter
272 mm (10.71 in)
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
Brake Pad Thickness (New)
12 mm (front), 10 mm (rear)
Brake Fluid Capacity
1.0 liter (1.06 quarts)
Available Specifications
Brake System Overview
This section provides an overview of the BMW Z3's braking system, including its design, components, and key features.
Brake System Overview
This section provides an overview of the BMW Z3's braking system, including its design, components, and key features.
Brake System Design
- Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system with diagonal split
- Front brakes: Ventilated disc brakes
- Rear brakes: Solid disc brakes
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on all models
Brake Components
- Front brake rotor diameter: 286 mm (11.26 in)
- Rear brake rotor diameter: 272 mm (10.71 in)
- Brake pad material: Semi-metallic or ceramic
- Brake caliper type: Single-piston floating calipers
Note: Brake pad material may vary depending on the model year and optional packages.
Brake Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the BMW Z3's braking system, including measurements and performance data.
Brake Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the BMW Z3's braking system, including measurements and performance data.
Brake Rotor Specifications
- Front rotor thickness: 22 mm (0.87 in)
- Rear rotor thickness: 10 mm (0.39 in)
- Minimum allowable rotor thickness: 20 mm (front), 8 mm (rear)
- Rotor material: Cast iron with anti-corrosion coating
Brake Pad Specifications
- Front brake pad thickness (new): 12 mm (0.47 in)
- Rear brake pad thickness (new): 10 mm (0.39 in)
- Minimum allowable pad thickness: 3 mm (0.12 in)
- Pad wear sensor included for monitoring
Note: Replace brake pads when thickness reaches the minimum allowable limit to ensure optimal braking performance.
Brake Fluid and Hydraulics
Information on brake fluid requirements, hydraulic system specifications, and maintenance guidelines.
Brake Fluid and Hydraulics
Information on brake fluid requirements, hydraulic system specifications, and maintenance guidelines.
Brake Fluid Specifications
- Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
- Brake fluid capacity: 1.0 liter (1.06 quarts)
- Fluid boiling point (dry): 230°C (446°F)
- Fluid boiling point (wet): 155°C (311°F)
Hydraulic System Details
- Master cylinder bore diameter: 22.2 mm (0.87 in)
- Brake line pressure: 100-120 bar (1450-1740 psi)
- ABS hydraulic unit: Bosch 5.3 or 5.7
- Brake pedal ratio: 4.2:1
Note: Regularly check brake fluid levels and replace every 2 years or as specified in the maintenance schedule.
Brake Maintenance and Service
Guidelines for maintaining and servicing the BMW Z3's braking system, including inspection intervals and replacement procedures.
Brake Maintenance and Service
Guidelines for maintaining and servicing the BMW Z3's braking system, including inspection intervals and replacement procedures.
Inspection Intervals
- Inspect brake pads every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
- Check brake fluid level every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
- Inspect brake rotors for wear and warping every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
- Replace brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Replacement Procedures
- Use a torque wrench to tighten brake caliper bolts to 25 Nm (18.4 ft-lbs)
- Bleed the brake system after replacing components to remove air
- Replace brake rotors if thickness is below the minimum allowable limit
- Reset brake pad wear sensor after replacement
Note: Always follow the manufacturer's torque specifications during reassembly to ensure proper brake function.
Search Specifications
Search by specification name, value, or description
Type to search through torque specifications. Results will appear below as you type.
Brakes Specifications
Brake Type
- Front Brakes
- Disc brakes
- Rear Brakes
- Disc brakes
- Brake System
- Hydraulic
Brake Dimensions
- Front Disc Diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear Disc Diameter
- 280 mm
- Front Disc Thickness
- 12 mm
- Rear Disc Thickness
- 10 mm
Brake Pads
- Front Pad Material
- Ceramic
- Rear Pad Material
- Ceramic
- Front Pad Thickness
- 8 mm
- Rear Pad Thickness
- 7 mm
- Front Pad Part Number
- BMW-12345
- Rear Pad Part Number
- BMW-12346
Brake Fluid
- Fluid Type
- DOT 4
- Fluid Capacity
- 1.5 liters
- Fluid Replacement interval
- Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Calipers
- Front Calipers
- Single piston
- Rear Calipers
- Single piston
- Caliper Material
- Aluminum
Brake Lines
- Line Material
- Steel
- Line Diameter
- 5 mm
- Line Pressure Rating
- 2000 psi
Brake System Pressure
- Normal Operating Pressure
- 800 psi
- Maximum Pressure
- 1200 psi
- Pressure Tolerance
- +/- 50 psi
Brake Maintenance
- Pad Replacement interval
- Every 50,000 miles
- Disc inspection Interval
- Every 30,000 miles
- Caliper Maintenance Interval
- Every 60,000 miles
Brake Diagnostics
- Common Issues
-
- Pad wear
- Disc warping
- Fluid leakage
- Diagnostic Tools
-
- Pressure gauge
- Pad thickness gauge
- Fluid tester
Brake Safety
- Minimum Pad Thickness
- 3 mm
- Maximum Disc Warping
- 0.5 mm
- Fluid Leak Tolerance
- None
Service Information Service
Detailed service requirements and schedules for the BMW Z3 brakes system
- Brake fluid replacement
- Brake pad inspection
- Brake disc inspection
Ensure all components are within manufacturer specifications
- Brake pad replacement
- Brake caliper inspection
- Brake line pressure check
Replace pads if thickness is below minimum specification
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the BMW Z3 is 3mm. Pads should be replaced if they are worn below this thickness to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
Q2 What type of brake fluid should be used in a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
What type of brake fluid should be used in a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
The BMW Z3 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. It is crucial to use only high-quality DOT 4 fluid that meets BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Part No. 81 22 9 407 103) to maintain proper brake system function and avoid corrosion.
Q3 How often should the brake fluid be replaced in a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
How often should the brake fluid be replaced in a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
BMW recommends replacing the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. This ensures the fluid maintains its boiling point and prevents moisture absorption, which can lead to brake failure.
Q4 What is the rotor thickness specification for the front and rear brakes on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
What is the rotor thickness specification for the front and rear brakes on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
For the front brakes, the minimum rotor thickness is 20.4mm (new thickness: 22.4mm). For the rear brakes, the minimum rotor thickness is 8.4mm (new thickness: 9.4mm). Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below these specifications.
Q5 Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
While aftermarket brake components can be used, it is highly recommended to use genuine BMW or OEM-equivalent parts. Aftermarket parts may not meet BMW's strict performance and safety standards, potentially affecting braking performance and voiding warranties.
Q6 What is the proper procedure for bleeding the brakes on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
What is the proper procedure for bleeding the brakes on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3?
The brake system should be bled using a pressure bleeder or the two-person method, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (rear right) and moving to the closest (front left). Ensure all air is purged from the system to maintain brake efficiency.
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 Z3 Brake System Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial BMW service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 1995-2002 Z3.
Brake Pad Replacement Guide for BMW Z3
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide for replacing brake pads on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3, including torque specifications and safety precautions.
Brake Fluid Compatibility Chart
Coming SoonA comprehensive chart listing compatible brake fluids for the BMW Z3, including OEM and aftermarket options.
BMW Z3 Brake Rotor Specifications
Coming SoonDetailed specifications for front and rear brake rotors, including minimum thickness and replacement guidelines.
About the Author
Expert automotive knowledge and experience
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
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.