Change Car Front Brake Pads BMW 1-Series

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 1h00 ~100£
Estimated time 1h00
Estimated labour cost ~100£
Difficulty Easy
Renew the front brake pads 1h00
Renew the rear brake pads 1h00–1h30

What is the role of front brake pads on a BMW 1-Series?

When you press the brake pedal, the brake caliper pistons press the brake pads against the rotating discs. Through friction, kinetic energy is converted into heat, slowing the vehicle. During heavy braking, brake pads and discs can reach temperatures up to 800°C.

How do I know if I need to change the BMW 1-Series front brake pads?

On vehicles equipped with brake wear sensors, a warning light will appear on the dashboard. On vehicles without wear sensors, visually check the pad thickness (minimum 2–3 mm of lining material). Other symptoms: squealing noise when braking, increased braking distance, vibration through the brake pedal.

When should you change your BMW 1-Series front brake pads?

No fixed replacement interval — wear depends on driving style, journey type, and vehicle weight. On average, front brake pads last 30,000–50,000 km. Always replace pads in pairs (both sides of the same axle).

Is it difficult to change BMW 1-Series front brake pads?

Difficulty level 2/5: technically easy but requires specific tools (jack, axle stands, brake caliper piston rewind tool, torque wrench). Important: pump the brake pedal several times before driving to restore pad contact. Bed in new pads gently over the first 200 km.

View all compatible products →
View your 1-Series maintenance plan (keep the 1-Series token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
1-Series 2004-2013 2004-2013 116d Diesel (N47D20A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116i Petrol (N43B16A), 116i Petrol (N43B20A), 116i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N45B16A), 118d Diesel (M47D20TU2), 118d Diesel (N47D20A), 118d Diesel (N47D20C), 118i Petrol (N43B20A), 118i Petrol (N46B20B), 118i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 120d… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
1-Series 2011-2019 2011-2019 114d Diesel (B37D15A), 114d Diesel (N47D16A), 114i Petrol (N13B16A), 116d Diesel (B37D15A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B37D15A), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D16A), 116i Petrol (B38B15A), 116i Petrol (N13B16A), 118d Diesel (B47D20A), 118d Diesel (… Diesel, Petrol
1-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 116d Diesel (B37C15A), 116i Petrol (B38A15A), 118d Diesel (B47C20B), 118i Petrol (B38A15A), 118i Petrol (B38A15F), 120d xDrive Diesel (B47C20B), 120i Petrol (B48A20A), 128ti Petrol (B48A20E), M135i xDrive Petrol (B48A20E) Diesel, Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h00–1h30
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h45–2h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 2h00–8h00
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 5h00–11h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Glow Plugs

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h30–2h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h30–8h00
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–5h00
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 4h00–5h00
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 2h30–21h00
View the service schedule for your 1-Series →