1997 BMW 328i vacuum

001ía4
i

Fig
.
34
.
Intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
in
top
section
of
air
filter
housing
.

¡die
speed
control
valve,
replacing

side
of
the
throttle
body
.
See
Fig
.
35
.

1
.
Disconnect
harness
connector
from
¡die
valve
.

0012725

Fig
.
35
.
M44
engine
:
Throttle
housing
showing
(A)
throttle
position
sensor
(fPS)
and
(B)
¡die
speed
control
valve
.

2
.
Remove
twomountingscrews
holding
sensor
to
throttle

housing
.

The
¡die
speed
valve
on
the
M44
engine
is
located
on
the

FUEL
INJECTION



130-23

2
.
Disconnect
vacuum
hose
and
retaining
screws
.

3
.
Pull
¡die
speed
control
valve
from
its
fittings
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
rémoval
.
Always
replace
0-

rings
and
seals
.

NOTE

Poor
driveability
may
be
notíced
after
installing
a
re-
placement
¡dio
control
valve
.
After
about10
minutes
of
driving,
the
idie
speed
should
retum
to
normal
.

SIEMENS
MS
41
.1

COMPONENT
REPLACEMENT

On-Board
Diagnostics
II
(OBD
II)
is
incorporated
into
the
Si-

emens
MS
41
.1
engine
management
systems
used
in
the

M52
and
S52US
engine
.
Refer
to
Fig
.
36
.

OBD
11
is
capable
of
detecting
a
fui¡
range
offaults
.
When

faults
are
detected,
a
Diagnostic
Trouble
Code
(DTC)
is

stored
in
the
system
ECM
.
The
Check
Engine
warning
light
will
also
come
on
if
an
emissions-related
fault
is
detected
.
The

most
efficient
way
to
diagnose
the
Siemens
OBD
II
system
is

by
using
a
specialized
scan
tool
.
The
OBD
II
system
is
capa-

ble
of
storing
hundreds
of
faults,
making
diagnostics
with
a
scan
tool
the
only
viable
method
.
Therefore,
system
diagnos-

tics
is
not
covered
here
.

NOTE
-

"
The
OBD
11
fault
memory
(including
an
illuminated

Check
Engine
light)
can
only
be
reset
using
the
spe-
cial
scan
tool
.
Removing
the
connector
from
the
ECM
or
disconnecting
the
battery
will
not
erase
the
fault
memory
.

"
The
16-pin
OBD
11
diagnostic
connector
is
located
on

the
lower
left
dash
panel
.
Refer
to
Fig
.
1
.

"
BMW
special
scan
tool
ora
"generic"
OBD
11scan
tool

must
be
used
to
access
DTCs
.
3
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
No
adjustment
is
nec
essary
.



"
Table
1
lists
engine
control
module
(ECM)
pinouts
forthe
MS
41
.1
systems
.

SIEMENS
MS
41
.
1
COMPONENT
REPLACEMENT

Mass
air
flow
sensor,
replacing

1
.
Disconnect
harness
connector
and
intake
air
boots

from
air
flow
sensor
.
See
Fig
.
37
.

Fig
.
37
.
Mass
air
flow
sensor
(arrow)
on
M52
engine
.

2
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
No
adjustment
to
aír
flow
sensor
is
possible
.

"
Check
intake
hoses
for
cracks
and
vacuum
leaks
.

Engine
coolant
temperature(ECT)
sensor,

replacing

The
ECT
sensor
is
a
dual
temperature
sensor
.
One
circuit

provides
coolant
temperature
information
to
the
ECM
while

the
other
circuit
provides
coolant
temperature
information
to

the
instrument
cluster
.

1
.
Remove
left-side
top
engine
cover
.

4
.
Remove
sensor
.

5
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Replace
any
lost
coolant
.

0012703

"
Use
a
new
copper
sealing
washer
when
installing
new

Tightening
Torque

"
Engine
coolant
temperature

to
cylinder
head
.....
..
.
...
......
13
Nm
(10
ft-Ib)

FUEL
INJECTION



130-
25

0012704b

Fig
.
38
.
M52
engine
:
Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
(A)
is
located
beneath
top
engine
cover
(8)
and
crankcase
vent

hose
(C)
.

Intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor,

replacing

The
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
for
the
M52/S52US

engine
is
mounted
on
the
bottom
of
the
intake
manifold
.
See
Fig
.

39
.

2
.
Unclip
crankcase
venting
hose
from
cylinder
head
cov-

er
.
See
Fig
.
38
.



Fig
.
39
.
M52/S52US
engine
:
Intake
air
temperaturesensor
location
in

bottom
of
intake
manifold(arrow)
.
Throttle
housing
shown
re

3
.
Under
intake
manifold,
disconnect
harness
connector



moved
.

fromsensor
.

1
.
Disconnect
intake
air
bootfrom
throttle
housing
.
Unbolt

throttle
housing
and
¡ay
aside
.
(It
is
not
necessary
to

disconnect
throttle
cable
or
electrical
harnessconnec-

tors
from
throttle
housing
.)

sensor
.



2
.
Remove
electrical
harness
connector
from
IAT
sensor
.

3
.
Unclip
temperature
sensor
and
remove
from
intake

manifold
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Use
a
new
gasket
at

the
throttle
housing
.

SIEMENS
MS
41
.1
COMPONENT
REPLACEMENT

130-26



FUEL
INJECTION

Throttle
position
sensor
(TPS),
replacing

The
throttie
position
sensor
is
located
on
the
side
of
the
throttie
housing
.
See
Fig
.
40
.

Fig
.
40
.
M52
engine
:
Throttle
position
sensor
(arrow)
.

1
.
Unplug
harness
connector
from
sensor
.

NOTE
-

On
cars
with
tractioncontrol,
do
not
confuse
the
throttieposition
sensor
on
the
main
throttie
body
wíth
the
throt-
tie
position
switch
on
the
secondary
throttie
body,
where
applicable
.

3
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

¡die
speed
control
valve,
replacing

0012700b

The
¡die
speed
control
valve
is
mounted
on
the
underside
of
the
intake
manifoldadjacent
to
the
dipstick
tube
bracket
.
Ac-
cessing
the
valve
is
best
accomplished
by
first
removing
the
throttie
housing
.

1
.
Disconnect
intake
air
bootfrom
throttie
housing
.
Unbolt
throttie
body
and
¡ay
aside
.
(Do
not
disconnect
throttie
cable
or
electrical
harness
connectors
to
throttie
body
.)

2
.
Unbolt
dipstick
tube
bracket
from
intakemanifold
.

3
.
Workíng
under
intake
manifold,
disconnect
electrical
harness
connector
from
¡die
speed
control
valve
.

4
.
Remove
two
bolts
retaining
¡die
speed
control
valve
to
underside
of
intake
manifold
.
Remove
valve
from
intake
manifold
.
Remove
hose
clamp
and
disconnect
hose
.

ECM
PIN
ASSIGNMENTS

mately
one
minute
.

Vacuum
seal

Mounting
bracket

Electrical
connector

0013185

Fig
.
41
.
M52
engine
:
¡die
speed
control
valve
(located
under
intake
manifold)
.

5
.
Installation
ís
reverse
of
removal
.
Use
new
gaskets
when
installing
.

NOTE
-

Poor
driveabilíty
may
be
noticed
atter
installing
a
re-
placement
idle
speed
control
valve
.
After
about
10
min-utes
of
dríving
the
idle
speed
should
return
to
normal
.

ECM
PIN
ASSIGNMENTS

2
.
Remove
twomountingscrews
holding
sensor
to
throttie
housing
.



Engine
control
module
(ECM),
accessing

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.
Wait
approxi-

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
vüi
.

2
.
Remove
engine
control
module
(ECM)
compartment
cover
from
right
side
of
engine
compartment
rear
bulk-
head
.
Cover
is
retained
withfour
captíve
screws
.
See
Fig
.
42
.

3
.
Disconnect
control
module
harness
connector
by
re-
leasing
fastener
and
pivoting
connectorup
and
off
ECM
.

4
.
Remove
ECM
from
retaining
brackets
and
pull
ECM
from
its
holder
.

5
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

160-
4



FUEL
TANK
AND
FUEL
PUMP

Fig
.
4
.



Pinch
off
supply
and
retum
fuel
hoses
(arrows)
before
dis-
connecting
from
rigid
metal
lines
.

0013143

Fig
.
5
.
After
removing
exhaustsystem,
remove
heat
shield
screws
(arrows)
and
heat
shield
.

9
.
Working
underneath
car,
loosen
hose
clamp
and
dis-

connect
filler
hose
.

10
.
Support
tank
from
below
.
Remove
tank
strap
mounting

bolts
.
Lower
and
remove
tank,
disconnecting
right
side



TheE36
model
uses
a
two-lobed
fuel
tank
and
each
lobeof
vent
and
other
hoses/electrical
connectors
as
neces-



the
tank
has
its
own
fuel
level
sending
unit
.
sary
.

11
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Always
use
new
seals,
gaskets,
O-rings,
and
hose
clamps
.

"
Inspect
hoses
and
replace
any
that
are
chafed,
dried

outor
cracked
.

"
Inspect
heat
shield
and
replace
if
corroded
.

"
Inspect
rubber
buffers
and
liners
on
fuel
tank,
support
straps
and
on
underside
of
body
.
Replace
rubber

parts
that
are
hardened
or
damaged
.

FUEL
LEVEL
SENDERS

CAUTION-

"
Before
starting
the
engine,
fill
the
fuel
tank
with
at
least
1.5
gallons
(5
liters)
of
fuel
to
prevent

damaging
a
dry
fuel
pump
.

"
If
the
filler
neck
has
been
removed
from
the
body,
be
sure
toreattach
theneck's
grounding
screw
(where
applicable)
.
Check
electrical
resistance
between
the
ground
tab
and
wheel
hub
.
The
re-
sistance
shouldbeno
higher
than
0
.6
ohms
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Fuel
tank
to
body
.............
...
23
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)

"
Hose
clamps
(10
mm-16
mm
día
.)
..
2
.0
Nm
(18
in-lb)

Fuel
Tank
Evaporative
Control
System

The
fuel
tank
evaporative
control
system
is
used
to
vent
the

fuel
tank
to
a
charcoal
canister,
which
is
then
purgedby
en-

gine
vacuum
during
normal
engine
operatíon
.
This
controls

emission
of
raw
hydrocarbons
(fuel)
to
the
atmosphere
.
See

Fig
.
1
.

A
fuel
expansion
tank,
located
under
the
right
rear
fender,

traps
overflow
fuel
and
incorporates
extra
fuel
tank
plumbing
.

Startingwith
1996
models,
OBD
II
standards
require
that

the
fuel
tank
evaporative
control
system
be
monitored
for

leaks
.
This
is
accomplished
usingthe
fuel
tankpressuresen-

sor,
the
ventshut
off
valve,
and
the
evaporative
purge
valve
.

NOTE-

On
most
early
cars(1992-1995),
the
charcoal
canister

is
in
the
engine
compartment
.
On
latercars,
the
char-
coal
canister
is
under
the
spare
tire
in
the
luggage
com-
partment
.

FUEL
LEVEL
SENDERS

The
right
side
fuel
leve¡
sender
is
integrated
with
the
fuel

pump
.
Each
senderhas
a
float
connected
to
a
variable
resis-

tance
for
fuel
leve¡
.
When
replacing
the
sender/pump
assem-

bly
always
replace
hose
clamps,gaskets
and
O-rings
.

WARNING
-

When
removing
the
fuel
level
sender
or
the
fuel
pump,
the
fuel
tank
should
be
emptied
.

GENERAL
.
.
.......
.
......
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
...
180-1



Exhaust
system,
removing
and
installing
.
...
.180-3

EXHAUST
SYSTEM
REPLACEMENT
.
...
180-1



Exhaust
manifolds,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.180-5

GENERAL

The
exhaust
system
is
designed
to
be
maintenance
free,
al-
though
regular
inspection
is
warranted
due
to
the
harsh
oper-
atingconditions
.
Under
normal
conditions,
the
catalytic

converter
does
not
require
replacement
unless
it
is
damaged
.

On
1996
and
later
cars,
a
pre-
and
post-catalytic
converter

oxygen
sensor
is
used
at
each
catalytic
converter
.
Be
sure
to

take
care
when
removingthe
system
not
to
damage
the
sen-



EXHAUST
SYSTEMREPLACEMENT
sors
.

See
130
Fuel
Injection
for
information
on
testing
oxygen

sensors
.

NOTE-

OnM52
engines,
two
resonator
pípes
(short
and
long)
are
incorporated
into
the
rear
muffler
assembly
.
See
Fíg
.
1
.
An
exhaust
flap
is
integrated
into
the
outlet
side
of
the
short
pipe
.
The
flap
is
operated
by
a
vacuum
ac-
tuator
via
the
Siemens
MS
41
.1
engine
control
mod-
ule)
.
The
flap
is
closed
at
engine
speeds
below
2,500
rpm
.
This
allows
exhaust
gasses
to
flow
through
the
long
resonator
pipe
and
reduce
noise
.
Above
2,500rpm,
the
exhaust
flap
is
open
(no
vacuum
applied
to
the
actuator)
and
allows
exhaust
gasses
to
flow
through
the
short
pipe
for
maximum
performance
.

180
Exhaust
System

0013101

Fig
.
1
.



Rear
muffler
(active
silencer
usedon
M52
engines)
.
Vacuum

operated
flap
(A)
changesbetween
short
and
long
pipes,
de-

pending
on
engine
speed
.

EXHAUST
SYSTEM



180-1

WARNING
-

Exhaust
gases
are
colorless,
odorless,
and
very
toxic
.
Run
the
engine
only
ín
a
well-ventilated
area
.
Immediately
repair
any
leaks
in
the
exhaust
system
or
structural
damage
to
the
car
body
that
might
al-
lowexhaust
gases
to
enter
the
passenger
compart-
ment
.

Exhaustsystem
components
are
detailed
in
Fig
.
2
through

Fig
.
4
.

New
fasteners,
clamps,rubber
mounts,
and
gaskets
should

be
used
when
replacing
exhaust
components
.
A
liberal
appli-
cationof
penetrating
oil
to
the
exhaustsystem
nuts
and
bolts
in
advance
may
make
removal
easier
.

WARNING
-

"
The
exhaust
system
and
catalytic
converter
op-
erate
at
high
temperatures
.
Allow
components
to
cool
before
servicing
.
Wear
protectíve
clothíng
to
prevent
bums
.
Do
not
use
flammable
chemicals
near
a
hot
catalytic
converter
.

"
Old,
corroded
exhaust
system
components
crumble
easíly
and
often
have
exposed
sharp
edges
.
To
avoid
injury,
wear
eye
protection
and
heavy
gloves
when
working
with
old
exhaust
parts
.

EXHAUST
SYSTEM
REPLACEMENT

T

300-2



SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL

Steering

INTEGRATED
SYSTEMS

The
steering
linkage
connects
the
rack-and-pinion
unit
through
tie
rodsto
the
steering
arms
.
The
tie
rod
ends
allow
the
wheels
to
pivot
and
react
to
suspension
travel
.

Rear
Suspension

The
rear
axle
carrier
is
the
main
mounting
point
for
the
final

drive
housing
and
the
rear
suspension
components
.

Trailing
arms
locatethe
rear
wheels
and
anchorthe
springs,

shocks
and
stabilizer
bar
.
Driveaxies
with
constant-velocity

(CV)
joints
at
both
ends
transfer
power
from
the
differential
to

the
road
wheels
.
The
differential
is
mounted
to
the
rearaxle

carrier
through
rubber
mountsand
bushings
to
hele
isolate

drivetrain
noise
and
vibration
.

Brakes

E36
cars
areequipped
with
power
disc
brakes
with
an
inte-
gral
antilock
brakes
(ABS)
.
The
parking
brake
is
a
dual-drum

system
integrated
with
the
rear
brake
rotors
.
See
Fig
.
3
.

Power
assist
is
provided
by
a
vacuum
booster
when
the
en-

gine
is
running
.
The
brakepedal
pushrod
is
connected
directly

to
the
master
cylinder,
so
failure
of
the
vacuum
booster
does

not
normally
result
in
total
brake
failure
.

0012124



Each
disc
brakeuses
a
caliper
with
a
single
hydraulic
cylin-
Fig
.
2
.



Front
suspension
control
arm
(arrow)
.



der
.
Brake
pads
in
the
left
front
and
right
rear
contain
wear

sensors
.
When
the
padsneed
replacement,the
sensors
illu-
The
front
suspension
is
designed
with
minimum
positive



minate
a
light
on
the
dashboard
.
steering
offset
.
This
geometry
contributes
to
stability
when

traction
is
unequalfrom
side
to
side
.
Suspension
travel
is
lim-



Tires
and
Wheels
ited
by
rubber
bump
stops
.

The
three
point
mounting
of
each
L-shaped
control
arm
ere-



Tiresize
is
critica¡
to
the
proper
operatíon
of
the
E36
ABS
or

cisely
controls
the
front-to-rear
and
side-to-side
position
of
the



ABS/AST
system
.
Severa¡
different
styles
of
wheels,
in
15,16

strut,
while
the
flexibility
of
the
joints
and
mounts
alsoallows



and
17
inch
diameters,
are
available
from
an
authorized
BMW

the
movement
necessary
for
suspension
travel
.
The
control



dealer
.

arm
mounting
points
are
designed
with
anti-dive
geometry
.

The
suspension
reduces
the
normaltendency
for
the
front
of



NOTE-
the
vehicle
to
dive
under
hard
braking
.



Aftermarket
wheelsshould
be
selected
wlth
care
.
Im-
properly
fitted
wheels
can
contact
anddamage
sus

Control
arm
position
is
fixed,
with
no
adjustment
provisions



pension,
brakeorbodycomponentsandmayadversely

on
the
control
arms
for
alter¡ng
front
wheel
al
ignment
.
A
stabi-



affect
vehicle
stability
.

lizer
bar
mounted
to
both
control
arms
heles
to
reduce
body
rol¡
whencomering
.



INTEGRATED
SYSTEMS

Antilock
Brake
System
(ABS)
is
standard
on
all
E36
cars
.

The
variable-assist
power
steering
system
consists
of
an



Standard
on
some
models
and
installed
as
optional
equipment
on

engine-driven
hydraulic
pump,
a
rack-and-pinion
type
steer-



others,
is
All
Season
Traction
(AST)
.

ing
gear,
and
connecting
linkage
to
the
road
wheels
.
TheE36
utilizes
an
engine-speed
dependent
variable
effort
steering



Antilock
Brake
System
(ABS)

system
.
At
low
speeds,
maximum
power
assist
is
provided
to
ease
parking
and
city
driving
.
Athigh
speeds,
assist
is
re-



The
electronically-controlled
ABS
maintains
vehícle
stabili
duced
to
ensure
stability
.



ty
and
control
during
emergency
braking
by
preventing
wheel
lock-up
.
ABS
provides
optimum
deceleration
and
stability
dur-

Brake
rotor,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
340-7

MASTER
CYLINDER
............
.
.
.
.
.
.
.340-7

Master
cylinder,
removing
and
installing
.
...
.
340-7

GENERAL



TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING
-

"
Although
semi-metallic
and
metallic
Brake
friction
materials
in
Brake
pads
or
shoes
no
longer
con-
tain
asbestos,
they
produce
dangerous
dust
.
"
Brake
fluid
is
poisonous,
highly
corrosive
and
dangerous
to
the
environment
Wear
safety
glasses
and
rubber
gloves
when
working
with
Brake
fluid
.
Do
not
siphonBrake
fluid
with
your
mouth
.
Immediately
clean
away
any
fluid
spilled
on
painted
surfaces
and
wash
with
water,
asBrake
fluid
will
remove
paint
.

"
Always
use
new
Brake
fluid
froma
fresh,
un-
opened
container
.
Brake
fluid
will
absorb
mois-
ture
from
the
air
.
This
canlead
to
corrosion
problems
in
the
brakingsystem,
and
will
also
low-
er
the
Brake
fluid's
boiling
point
.
Dispose
of
Brake
fluid
properly
.

"
Do
notreuse
self-locking
nuts,bolts
or
fasteners
.
They
are
designed
to
be
used
only
once
and
may
failif
reused
.
Always
replace
them
with
new
self-
locking
fasteners
.

BMW
E36
models
areequipped
with
vacuum
power-assist-

ed
four-wheel
disc
brakes
with
an
integral
Antilock
Brake
Sys-

tem
(ABS)
.
Single-pistoncalipers
act
on
solid
or
vented
front
rotors
and
solid
rear
rotors
.
A
brake
pad
wear
sensor
for
each

axle
indicates
when
brake
padsneed
replacement
.
The
dual

drum-type
parking
brakesystem
is
integrated
with
the
rear
brake
rotors
.

NOTE-

M3
models
havevented
directional
Brake
rotors
on
the
rearaxle
as
well
ason
the
front
.

340
Brakes

BRAKES
340-1

GENERAL
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
.
.
..........
340-1



BRAKE
BOOSTER
.........
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
340-8

TROUBLESHOOTING
.......
.
......
.
...
340-1



Brake
booster,
removing
and
installing
....
.
.
340-8

PARKING
BRAKE
.
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
340-10
BLEEDING
BRAKES
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..........
340-3



Parking
brake,adjusting
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
340-10
Pressure
bleeding
brakes



Parking
brake
shoes,
removing
and
installing
.
340-11(except
cars
with
AST)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.340-3



Parking
Brake
cable,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
340-11

BRAKE
PADS,
CALIPERS,



ANTILOCK
BRAKE
SYSTEM
(ABS)
.
.
.
.340-11
AND
ROTORS
..........
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
340-3



ABS
System
Inspection
.
...
.
.......
.
.
.
..
340-12
Brake
pads,
replacing
............
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
340-4
ABS
wheel
speed
sensors,
replacing
.
.
.
.
..
340-12
Brake
caliper,
removing
and
installing
.
..
..
.
340-6

TABLES

a
.
Brake
System
Troubleshooting
.....
...
.
.
.....
.340-2
b
.
Brake
Rotor
Reconditioning
Specifications
.
.....
.340-7

Brakeperformance
is
mainly
affected
by
three
things
:
the
leve¡
and
condition
of
the
brake
fluid,
the
system's
abilíty
to
create
and
maintain
hydraulic
pressure,
and
the
condition
of
the
friction
components
.

Air
in
the
Brake
fluid
will
make
the
Brake
pedal
feel
spongy

during
braking
or
will
increase
the
Brake
pedalforce
required

to
stop
.
Fluid
contaminated
by
moisture
or
dirt
can
corrode
the

system
.
Inspect
the
Brake
fluid
inside
the
reservoir
.
Ifit
is
dirty
or
murky,
or
is
over
a
year
old,
the
fluid
should
be
replaced
.

Visually
check
the
hydraulic
system
startingat
the
master

cylinder
.
To
check
the
function
of
the
master
cylinder
hold
the

brake
pedal
down
hard
with
the
engine
running
.
The
pedal

should
feelsolid
and
stay
solid
.
If
the
pedal
slowly
falls
to
the

floor,
either
the
master
cylinder
is
leaking
internally,
or
fluid
is
leaking
externally
.
If
no
leaks
canbe
found,
the
master
cylin-
der
is
faulty
and
should
be
replaced
.
Check
all
Brake
fluid
lines

and
couplings
for
leaks,
kinks,
chafing
and
corrosion
.

Check
the
Brake
booster
by
pumping
the
Brake
pedal
ap-

proximately
10
times
with
the
engine
off
.
Hold
the
pedal
down
and
start
the
engine
.
The
pedal
should
fa¡¡
slightly
.
If
not,
check

for
any
visiblefaults
before
suspecting
a
faulty
brake
booster
.

Check
for
strong
vacuum
at
the
vacuum
hose
fitting
at
the

booster,
and
check
the
non-retum
valve
for
one-way
flow
.

Worn
or
contaminated
brake
pads
will
cause
poor
braking

performance
.
Oil-contaminated
or
glazed
pads
will
cause

stopping
distances
to
increase
.
Inspect
the
rotors
for
glazing,

discoloration
and
scoring
.
Steering
wheel
vibration
while

braking
at
speed
is
often
caused
by
warped
rotors,
but
can
also
be
caused
byworn
suspension
components
.

TROUBLESHOOTING

340-2
BRAKES

When
troubleshooting,
keep
in
mind
that
tire
inflation,
wear

and
temperature
can
affect
braking
and
suspension
.
See310

Front
Suspension
for
more
information
on
front
suspension

parts
inspection
.

Table
a
lists
symptoms
of
brake
problems,
their
probable

causes,
and
suggested
corrective
actions
.

Table
a
.
Brake
System
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
cause



1



Repairs

Brake
squeal



a
.
Incorrectly
installed
brake
pads
or



a
.
Check
component
installation
.
parking
brake
shoes
b
.
Brakepad
carriers
dirty
or
corroded



b
.
Remove
brake
pads
and
clean
calipers
.
c
.
Brake
pad
anti-rattle
springs
faulty
or



c
.
Install/replace
anti-rattle
springs
.
missing
d
.
Brakepads
heat-glazed
or
oil-soaked



d
.
Replace
brake
pads
.
Clean
rotors
.
Replace
leaking
calipers
as
required
.
e
.
Wheel
bearings
worn
(noise
most



e
.
Replace
worn
bearings
.
See310
Front
Suspension
pronounced
when
turning)



or
330
Rear
Suspension
.

Pedal
goes
to
f
loor
when
braking



a
.
Brake
fluid
leve¡
low
due
to
system



a
.
Check
fluidlevel
and
inspect
hydraulic
system
for
leaks



signs
of
leakage
.
Fill
and
bleed
system
.
b
.
Master
cylinder
faulty



I
b
.
Replacemaster
cylinder
.

Low
pedal
after
system
bleeding



1
a
.
Master
cylinder
faulty



1
a
.
Replace
master
cylinder
.

Pedal
spongy
or
brakes
work
only



a
.
Air
in
brake
fluid



a
.
Bleedsystem
.
when
pedal
is
pumped



b
.
Master
cylinder
faulty
(interna¡
return



b
.
Replacemaster
cylinder
.
spring
weak)
c
.
Leaking
line
or
hose
unions



c
.
Repair
or
replace
lines
and
hoses
.
Bleed
system
.

Excessive
braking
effort



a
.
Brake
pads
wet



a
.
Use
light
pedal
pressure
to
dry
pads
while
driving
.
b
.
Brake
pads
heat-glazed
oroil-soaked



b
.
Replace
brake
pads
.
Clean
rotors
.
Replace
leaking
calipers
.
c
.
Vacuum
booster
or
vacuum
hose
con-



c
.
Inspect
vacuum
lines
.
Test
vacuum
booster
and
re
nections
to
booster
faulty



place
as
required
.
Test
vacuum
non-return
valve
for
one-way
air
flow
.

Brakes
pulsate,
chatter
or
grab



a
.
Warped
brake
rotors



a
.
Resurface
or
replace
rotors
.
b
.
Brake
padsworn



b
.
Replace
brake
pads
.
c
.
Brake
pads
heat-glazed
or
oil-soaked



c
.
Replace
brake
pads
.
Clean
rotors
.
Replace
leaking
calipers
.

Uneven
braking,
car
pulís
to
one



a
.
Incorrect
tire
pressures
or
worn
tires



a
.
Inspect
tire
condition
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pres-
side,
rear
brakes
lock



sures
.
b
.
Brake
pads
on
one
side
of
car
heat-



b
.
Replace
brake
pads
.
Clean
rotors
.
Replace
leaking
glazed
or
oil-soaked



calipers
.
c
.
Caliper
or
brake
pads
binding



c
.
Clean
and
recondition
brakes
.
d
.
Worn
suspension
components



d
.
Inspect
for
worn
or
damaged
suspension
compo-
nents
.
See
310
Front
Suspension
or
330
Rear
Sus-
pension
.

Brakes
drag,
bind
or
overheat



a
.
Brake
caliper
or
brake
pads
binding



a
.
Clean
or
replace
caliper
.(
b
.
Master
cylinder
faulty



b
.
Replacemaster
cylinder
.

WARNING
-

On
cars
with
All
Season
Traction
(AST),
special
BMW
service
equipment
is
required
to
properly
bleed
the
ABS/AST
system
.
For
safety
reasons,
the
brake
system
on
carswith
ABS/AST
must
not
be
bled
using
the
procedures
described
inthis
repair
group
.

BLEEDING
BRAKES

Brake
bleeding
is
usually
done
for
one
of
two
reasons
:
Ei-
ther
to
replace
oíd
brake
fluid
as
part
of
routine
maintenance
or
to
expel
trapped
air
in
the
system
that
resulted
from
open-
ingthe
brake
hydraulic
system
during
repairs
.

BLEEDING
BRAKES

Alwaysuse
new
brake
fluid
from
an
unopened
container
.It

is
important
to
bleed
the
entire
system
when
any
part
of
the

hydraulic
system
has
been
opened
.
On
cars
not
equipped
with
traction
control
(AST),
brake
system
bleeding
should
be

done
with
a
pressure
bleeder
.
On
cars
with
AST,
brake
bleed-

ing
should
be
done
by
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.

WARNING
-

On
cars
with
All
Season
Traction
(AST),
special
BMW
service
equipment
is
requíred
to
properly
bleed
the
ABS/AST
system
.
For
safetyreasons,
the
brake
system
on
carswith
ABS/AST
must
not
be
bled
using
the
procedures
described
inthís
repair
group
.