Hello, I've been experiencing a very strange brake problem with my 2002 330i, Since the day I bought it with about 78k miles on it, it has gone through brake rotors faster than any car ever. When I bought it the front brake rotors were warped causing the pedal to bounce when the brakes were applied and the steering wheel to shake. I then paid a local bmw specialist to replace all the rotors and pads and they were smooth. Then after about 1000 miles the pedal began bouncing again and they were just as bad as before in about 2 weeks time. I got tired of it and got brembo replacement rotors for the front myself and put new pads on and the problem went away. But its been about 3000 miles now since the job and the problem is coming back...yet again. I was just wondering if anyone knows what the hell is wrong with my car and I can't be the only e46 owner in the world with this problem...please help. Anyone with a reasonable answer would be my hero. Also there is an attached image of one of the damaged rotors with a clear marking of where the pad contacts the rotor when not moving which I find odd.
My theories are:
1. Something wrong with the front calipers
2. Something wrong with the brake bias (unlikely)
I'd guess sticking calipers as well. If the front calipers are sticking, the brakes are getting overheated and when you park the pads are baking to the rotors, leaving the marks you see. Replace the calipers, get a fresh set of OEM pads and rotors and do a complete brake fluid flush/bleed. Turner Motorsport has a good package for the pads, rotors, sensors, and fluid.
i'd guess sticking calipers as well. If the front calipers are sticking, the brakes are getting overheated and when you park the pads are baking to the rotors, leaving the marks you see. Replace the calipers, get a fresh set of oem pads and rotors and do a complete brake fluid flush/bleed. Turner motorsport has a good package for the pads, rotors, sensors, and fluid.
It could also be the pads and rotors not bedding in properly. I had the same problem, ordered a brake kit, Axxis pads, Zimmerman rotors, Ate blue brake fluid from TMS. 8,000 miles since the new brakes and everything is still great.
Looks like a Sticky Caliper and Rotors are getting over heated causing damage to the Rotor. I would Rebuild the Caliper and lightly grease the Guide Pins for a smooth operations. You will need New Rotors, Pads, maybe sensors and New Brake Fluid.
Question about greasing the guide pins.....Bentley says NO grease on the guide pins and a few DIYs I've seen all suggest greasing the pins. Yes or no?
Also, one DIY suggested a little anti-sieze where the pads slide on the caliper carrier. Just clean it up and call it good or should I put some anti-sieze on them?
OK, one more question....what about anti squeal paste on the rear of the pads? Seems like most recommend using it.
I have done all the above without any ill effects. I used the BMW brake paste on the guide pins, the back of the pads and where the pads contact the caliper.
After even driving a short distance you would feel the heat being transferred to your wheel centres if calipers are sticking, just put your hand near the centre of your wheel after driving a few miles, high heat would mean something is sticking...
I just rebuilt both my front calipers from sticking/seized issues. Easiest way to tell if its sticking is by seeing if the car would roll back on small inclines/declines.
But yeah, just like in your situation, it ruined my rotors.
Hi. I just recently purchased a 318ci coupe m sport. driving back home i noticed how the brakes were not engaging. when i would apply the brakes, sometimes it would prevent me from pressing the peddle all the way down, it would get stuck at around 60-70% down.
sometimes it works normal, works perfect, even when i slam the brakes they work just as brakes are intended to work but recently the above problem returns. what could this be?
also when i drive fast and then brake, the car steers to the right? and even when i try hard to keep the steering wheel straight it goes towards the right, maybe needs balancing?
would really appreciate it if you guys could help me. thanks.
Hi. I just recently purchased a 318ci coupe m sport. driving back home i noticed how the brakes were not engaging. when i would apply the brakes, sometimes it would prevent me from pressing the peddle all the way down, it would get stuck at around 60-70% down.
sometimes it works normal, works perfect, even when i slam the brakes they work just as brakes are intended to work but recently the above problem returns. what could this be?
also when i drive fast and then brake, the car steers to the right? and even when i try hard to keep the steering wheel straight it goes towards the right, maybe needs balancing?
would really appreciate it if you guys could help me. thanks.
Your car needs some professional help. You have several things going on, one of them being that the left side brake is not working, which is why the car pulls to the right. Since you are in London, the pull to the right is into oncoming traffic. I'd guess they prefer you leave the car at home.
You also posted on a thread that's been closed for 3 years...
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