Understanding BMW’s Braking System
BMW’s vision to offer advanced safety and driver-assist features is evident in their vehicles. Amidst a wide range of basic and advanced features, the braking system takes the lead. The BMW braking system is engineered with precision providing a perfect blend of safety, control and power. From daily commutes on city roads to off-roading, BMW brakes provide perfect stopping power on all terrains.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the BMW braking system and elaborate on its working and types.
Understanding the BMW Braking System
A car brake system consists of multiple parts that collaborate to provide a vehicle with the required stopping power. That said, the BMW braking system is also a combination of different parts offering high braking power.
The following are the major components of the BMW braking system.
Brake Callipers
The brake callipers are used to apply pressure on the rotor to create stopping power. These are two different types of brake callipers namely, fixed and floating, both types are used in BMW cars.
The fixed callipers have pistons on both sides of the rotor applying even pressure. Whereas, floating callipers have only one piston that moves with the brake.
Brake Pads
The brake pads are used to provide the necessary friction for stopping the vehicle. The brake pads are made from different materials including organic, ceramic and semi-metallic. The lasting of brake pads varies according to the material used.
Brake Rotors
The brake rotors are the discs that brake pads clamp onto to stop the vehicle. Different types of brake rotors are used in BMW’s braking system including slotted, drilled and vented.
Brake Fluid
The brake fluid is an essential car fluid that is used to apply pressure on the callipers when the pedal is pressed. The brake fluid is stored in a master cylinder and supplied to the brakes through fluid lines. That said, driving without brake fluid can increase the chances of accidents; therefore, it is suggested to change brake fluids at least every 2 years.
Types of BMW Brakes
The following are different types of BMW braking systems.
Disc Brakes
The disc brakes are the most common type of car brakes used in BMW vehicles because of their higher stopping power. The disc brakes consist of brake callipers clamped on a rotor which causes friction to stop the vehicle. To know more, read our guide on the working of disc brakes.
The disc brakes efficiently dissipate heat, making it ideal for high-performance vehicles.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes use brake shoes that press against the rotating drum creating friction. That said, the drum brakes offer significant stopping power. The drum brakes can be found on the rear wheels of some BMW models.
High-Performance M Brakes
As evident from the name, the high-performance M brakes are specially designed for BMW M cars. Two different types of high-performance brakes fall under the category namely, BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brake system and BMW M Compound Brake.
How to Maintain BMW’s Braking System
Now that you are aware of the BMW braking system, its types and working, let’s discuss how to maintain the system.
Check Brake Pads Regularly
To ensure the optimum performance of the braking system, it is necessary to check brake pads regularly. The brake pads are the component that is pressed against the rotor, making it prone to wear and tear. It is recommended to check brake pads after every 6 months or 16,000 km.
Avoid Hard Braking
Hard braking generates excessive heat on the braking system leading to premature wear and tear. It is recommended to brake smoothly and possibly prolong whenever possible.
Change Brake Fluid
The brake fluid is a liquid that distributes the force equally for stopping the car. Driving with low or no brake fluid can increase accident chances. To avoid this, it is suggested to change car brake fluid every 2 years.
Replace Worn Out Components
Worn-out brake parts reduce the vehicle’s stopping efficiency. Moreover, it can also completely stop cars leading to major issues. That said, it is necessary to change worn-out parts immediately. If you find new car brake parts expensive, browse through these used auto accessories for sale in the UAE and buy car parts as per your budget.
FAQs
Are BMW brakes different from other cars?
BMW brakes are designed by industry professionals from high-quality materials, increasing their efficiency and stopping power.
What are the 3 brake systems?
Hydraulic, mechanical and brake-by-wire are the 3 most common types of braking system.
What is the basic principle of the braking system?
The basic principle behind the braking system is friction which converts the kinetic energy of the wheel into thermal energy.
This was all about the BMW braking system and its working. Aside from the brakes, the BMW cars are also reputed for their advanced driver-assist and safety features. These features are supported by higher driveability and comfort, making BMW cars stand apart from their peers. Here are some used BMW cars for sale in the UAE that you can browse through and choose an ideal one for yourself.
If you are specifically looking for an SUV, here are some top used BMW SUVs in the UAE that you can opt for.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on braking systems.
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