The Ultimate DIY Guide: Replacing Front Brake Pads on Your BMW G80 M3 & G82 M4 (2021+)

BMW G8X G80 G82 M3 M4 M V2 Front Splitter Lip

Your G8X M3 or M4 is a high-performance machine, and your brakes are one of its most critical components. Whether you're replacing worn-out stock pads or upgrading for better performance, a proper installation is key. This guide will walk you through every step of replacing your front brake pads at home using the exceptional iSWEEP IS1500 Brake Pads, known for their low dust and superior stopping power.

Before You Begin

  • Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Time Estimate: 1.5 - 2 hours

  • Safety First: This job is straightforward, but safety is paramount. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands and chock the rear wheels. Ensure the car is on level ground and the brakes are cool to the touch before starting.

Tools & Parts Needed

Required Tools:

  • Floor Jack & Jack Stands

  • 17mm Socket (for wheel lugs)

  • Flathead Screwdriver (for retaining clips)

  • 7mm Allen Socket (for guide pins)

  • Ratchet

  • Brake Piston Spreader or Caliper Tool

  • Wire Brush

  • Torque Wrench

Required Parts:

  • iSWEEP Front Brake Pads for G8X M3/M4: The star of the show.

  • Front Brake Wear Sensor: It's highly recommended to replace this every time you change your pads.

  • High-Temp Brake Grease

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Loosen Lugs & Lift the Vehicle

With the car on the ground, use your 17mm socket and a breaker bar to loosen the lug bolts on both front wheels. Do not remove them completely. Then, place your floor jack on the central front jack point and lift the car until you have enough room to place jack stands under the side mounting points.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel & Brake Wear Sensor

Remove the lug bolts and take the wheel off. On the driver's side, you'll see the brake wear sensor wire. Carefully trace it from the brake pad to its connection box, unclip the box cover, and disconnect the sensor.

Step 3: Remove the Caliper Guide Pins

On the back of the brake caliper, you'll find two plastic caps. Pop them off with a flathead screwdriver to reveal the 7mm Allen guide pins. Use your 7mm Allen socket and ratchet to completely remove both pins.

Step 4: Remove the Caliper & Old Pads

With the guide pins out, the main body of the caliper can be wiggled off the caliper carrier. Do not let it hang by the brake line; rest it securely on top of the rotor or hang it from the suspension with a caliper hook. The old brake pads can now be slid out of the carrier.

Step 5: Compress Pistons & Install New Pads

Use your brake piston spreader tool to slowly and evenly push the caliper pistons back into the housing. This will create space for the thicker, new brake pads. Slide your new iSWEEP brake pads into the caliper carrier and install your new brake wear sensor onto the inner pad.

Step 6: Reassemble & Torque to Spec

Apply a small amount of high-temp brake grease to the caliper guide pins. Reinstall the caliper over the new pads and tighten the guide pins. Reconnect the new brake wear sensor. Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug bolts.

Step 7: Lower the Vehicle & Final Torque

Lower the car off the jack stands. With the car on the ground, use your torque wrench to tighten the lug bolts to the factory specification (typically 140 Nm or 103 ft-lbs, but always check your owner's manual).

The Crucial Bedding-In Process

New pads need to be "bedded" to the rotors for optimal performance.

  1. Find a safe, open road.

  2. Perform 6-8 moderate stops from 60 mph down to 20 mph. Do not come to a complete stop.

  3. Drive for several minutes without using the brakes to allow them to cool.

  4. The process is complete. Your new iSWEEP pads are ready for action!

Ready for a Braking Upgrade?

The iSWEEP brake pads offer a significant improvement in stopping power, feel, and dramatically reduce the brake dust produced by the stock BMW pads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Do I need to replace my brake rotors?
    Inspect your rotors for deep grooves or a significant "lip" on the edge. If they are heavily worn or warped, it's best to replace them at the same time for the best performance.

  • What's the difference between iSWEEP IS1500, IS2000, and IS3000?
    The IS1500 is the ultimate low-dust street pad. The IS2000 is a high-performance street/light track pad. The IS3000 and IS4000 are dedicated track and race pads. For most drivers, the IS1500 is the perfect choice.

 

Back to BLOG