BMW Z3 1995-2002 Brakes Specifications
BMW Z3 1995-2002

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.

Updated

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 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 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 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.

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.

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

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Brake fluid replacement
  • Brake pad inspection
  • Brake disc inspection

Ensure all components are within manufacturer specifications

50,000 miles
48 months
  • 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 Soon

Official BMW service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 1995-2002 Z3.

Brake Pad Replacement Guide for BMW Z3

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for replacing brake pads on a 1995-2002 BMW Z3, including torque specifications and safety precautions.

Brake Fluid Compatibility Chart

Coming Soon

A comprehensive chart listing compatible brake fluids for the BMW Z3, including OEM and aftermarket options.

BMW Z3 Brake Rotor Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed specifications for front and rear brake rotors, including minimum thickness and replacement guidelines.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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