Bmw 1993 e34 520i 24V manual "euro spec" Front Brakes...

[Deane34]

Hi All
Had a look here on bimmerforums / google / bing / yahoo / realoem the usual for answers and solutions....
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So today I wanted to change out the front brake rotors and brake pads for my 1993 e34 520i 24V 5 speed manual ""euro spec""...
I really like this car - its my first bimmer and I am impressed with german engineering - and at least I can get my hands into spaces unlike japanese cars...


I get the rotors for the front of the car - 302mm X 22mm vented dics ferodo rotor and ferodo pads... "oh had to import all parts from germany"
because they dont sell parts for my car here where I stay - well most of my parts "95%" are imported...


so checklist.....
- check fitment of brake pads in caliper - ok
- check with sensor on pads - ok
- brake rotor fits and bolt lines up on wheel bearing - ok
- wheel rim can go over brake rotor - ok
- BUT
- when caliper with pads in and rotor meet - NO GOOD...
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find out that this model car uses the single ""not double vented"" rotor disc for the front caliper...


part number - 34111161693 -- which is a 302 X 12mm rotor - WILL FIT...
"had a look on realoem - it does not show - unless you know the part number added image from realoem"


part number - 34111160936 -- which is a 302 x 22mm rotor - WILL NOT FIT...

and this was the real kicker aswell... "after this had a look"
that the single rotor is more expense than the double vented...
so less brake for more money -

Screenshot (160).png

[Layne]

Did you measure the thickness of the rotors? There is also a 302x28 for larger cars like the 540i. Will not fit your calipers of course.

I agree you should not spend more for 302x12 rotors. Would be better to find the 302x22 calipers. They will fit your car easily and even use the same pads. They are on 525i, 530i, 535i, and 735i etc.

Look at your calipers and see what size is written on them. On this one, 60 is the piston size, 28 is the thickness, and 302 is the diameter.

[whiskychaser]

This thread may be of interest:
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/71208-e34-front-discs/

[Deane34]

@layne - I did have a look after this fiasco on the brake calipers "didn't know about that at the time - read about it on some other forum" my calipers do not have the diameter on it ... I have added some pictures of the calipers and rotors here for you to see aswell..

@whiskychaser - thanks

[Layne]

Oh yeah those are definitely for non-vented rotors. I would replace them. You should be able to find the 302x22 calipers cheap. I couldn't give them away here, they went for scrap metal.

[Deane34]

I kinda learn't that lesson a long time ago - dont throw away or give to scrap metal shops - cause you never know who might want it...