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34 10 19_HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES

SIB 34 10 19
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS
REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES

2019-12-13

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B34 10 19 dated November 2019.
What’s New (Specific text highlighted):
• Information A1- Note for customer deleted: If the noise does not disappear despite the attempts to
regenerate the brake, a repair is required
• Information A1- Note for customer: added text

MODEL
F06 (M6 Gran Coupe)
F80 (M3 Sedan)

F10 (M5 Sedan)
F82 (M4 Coupe)

F12 (M6 Convertible)
F83 (M4 Convertible)

F86 (X6 M Sports
Activity Coupe)
F92 (M8 Coupe)

F87 (M2 Coupe)

F90 (M5 Sedan)

F13 (M6 Coupe)
F85 (X5 M Sports
Activity Vehicle)
F91 (M8 Convertible)

F93 (M8 Gran Coupe)

F95 (X5 M Sports Activity
Vehicle )

F96 (X6 M Sports
Activity Coupe)

F97 (X3 M Sports
Activity Vehicle)

F98 (X4 M Sports
Activity Coupe)

INFORMATION
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon
Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic
driving styles.

As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance, customers are likely to hear noises
due to the extremely resilient materials
In the same conversation, inform the customer that his/her braking performance can help ensure that the
noises do not occur or disappear quickly.
For example:

1. It is important after washing the vehicle to always dry the brakes by applying them gently a few
times from 30 to 0 mph (traffic permitting).
2. In the case of extended use at low brake load, the brakes tend to make a squeaking noise, which
is why braking harder a few times occasionally (= higher brake temperature) is helpful.
3. After extremely sporty driving with high brake system load, ensure thata. The brakes can cool down while still driving, if possible
b. The brake pedal is not kept pressed during the first vehicle standstill
- The increased material build-up on the brake pad and then onto the brake disc after
extremely sporty driving can cause a humming noise which disappears after a short time with
subsequent braking.
In addition to the below examples, BMW North America has published the following customer brochure:
Attachment
“BMW M Brake Systems: High-Performance

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34 10 19_HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES

Stopping Power”
Each new car will soon be delivered with a copy
and every BMW dealer has received at least 250
pieces for distribution. A full copy of this brochure
is attached.
“Brochure should be used by Service Advisors to
educate customers of M vehicles on the unique
features and idiosyncrasies of the high
performance Motorsport brake systems. Many of
customer’s perceived “complaints”, may be
explained as a normal operation with help of the
BMW M Brake Brochure.”

Please communicate to the customer that if they are unsure about the brake noises, they can contact the
center’s Service Department at any time.
Examples:
A. Systemic noise generation in M Compound brake.
A1.
Sound file
Explanation
Resolution
Note for
customer

A2.
Sound file
Explanation
Resolution
Note for
customer
A3.
Sound file
Explanation
Resolution
Note for
customer
A4.

SQUEAKING NOISE
Please see attachment V340919
This noise occurs mainly when slowing down (approx. 20 mph to standstill) when brake
is warm with low brake pressure. It can be heard when driving forwards and reversing.
No repair required.
Please subject the brakes to a higher load (a few consecutive hard stops) to
regenerate the brake pad via higher brake disc temperature.
Ensure that the traffic situation allows for stronger braking.
HUMMING NOISES DUE TO PERFORATED BRAKE DISCS
Please see attachment V341019
This noise mainly occurs when braking from higher speeds (e.g., 125 mph to 60 mph)
with increasingly hotter brakes. It is initially felt as vibrations in the steering wheel,
increasing to an overall droning noise inside the vehicle.
No repair required, as it is normal.
The inherent design of ventilated and perforated brake discs result in noise creation
from the air passages. This does not entail any functional limitations or safety risk.
SCRAPING NOISE
Caused by corrosion formation as a result of a vehicle that is stationary and has not
been in use, or from salt corrosion.
If corrosion is visible on the brake discs, the corrosion particle build-up and transfer
onto the brake pads should wear off with normal braking. If the corrosion cannot be
worn off, a repair is recommended.
HUMMING NOISE

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Sound file
Explanation

Resolution
Note for
customer

34 10 19_HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES

Mainly occurs after excessive load (e.g. after driving on a race track). It is initially felt as
vibrations in the steering wheel, increasing to an overall droning noise inside the
vehicle. Any subsequent occurrence is temperature dependent. It is caused by a brake
pad build-up on the brake disc. Also refer to the fault pattern catalog- vibrations during
braking (TRI B34 07 18).
The brake pad build-up must be worn down over time, if it doesn’t disappear, a repair is
required.

B. Systemic noise generation in M Carbon Ceramic brake.
B1.
Sound file
Explanation
Resolution
Note for
customer

HONKING (mainly M CARBON CERAMIC, occasionally M COMPOUND)
Please see attachment V341119
The noise occurs shortly before standstill in wet weather (especially after using a car
wash) when the brake is cold.
No further repairs required.
Dry the brake system by applying the brake (especially after a car wash).

C. Caused by brake system in general.
C1.
Sound file
Explanation
Resolution
Note for
customer
C2.
Sound file
Explanation

BREAKAWAY GROANING NOISE (M Compound brake & M Ceramic brake)
Please see attachment V341219
Occurs at low speeds approaching 0 mph with minimal brake pressure.
“Breakaway” refers to the sticking/slipping effect of the brake pad and disc which is
heard as a groaning noise.
No repairs required.
Noise does not compromise brake system operation.
SQUEAKING NOISE DURING BEDDING-IN PHASE (M Compound brake + M
Ceramic brake)
It takes the M Compound approx. 310 miles, the M Ceramic approx. 625 miles until the
running-in is completed and the full braking effect of the brake system is reached.

During this phase, drive with caution as otherwise the brake can make
squeaking noises. Those will disappear after a certain operating period.

Resolution
Note for
customer

No repair necessary.
Brake regenerates itself automatically.

C3.
Sound file
Explanation

BRAKE DUST (M Compound brake & M Ceramic brake)
If a customer mentions increased brake dust, explain the implications of a highperformance brake system.

M vehicles are high performance vehicles which are designed for sporty
dynamic driving styles and embody racing heritage
The specially designed brakes give the vehicle the required, high braking
performance which generates more brake dust due to the increased friction
The presence of brake dust indicates that the M vehicle is being driven in
the appropriate manner
If the brake dust is removed regularly, it will not burn into the wheel rim paint
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Resolution
Note for
customer

34 10 19_HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES

Remove visible brake dust on the wheel rim using conservative methods such as a
vehicle wash, or by hand washing with a sponge. Avoid high-pressure water streams.
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual (printed version, or electronic via the CID).

Supporting Materials
picture_as_pdf B34 10 19MBrakeBrochure.pdf
Videos
34 10 19
34 09 19
34 11 19
34 12 19

Copyright ©2019 BMW of North America, Inc.
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TECHNICAL FACTS
ABOUT M SPORT BRAKE,
M COMPOUND BRAKE,
M CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE.
The powerful M Sport brake with large compound
brake discs (e.g. found in M2), six-piston fixed calipers
at the front, and four-piston fixed calipers at the rear
is characterized by increased fading stability and
thermal stability.

© 2019 BMW of North America, LLC. This brochure, or any portion thereof,
may not be reproduced without the express written permission of BMW of
North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.
All rights reserved. European vehicles may be shown. Printed in USA.
BRK300M

BMW M BRAKE
SYSTEMS:
HIGH PERFORMANCE
STOPPING POWER.
powered by

M Compound brakes have a grey-cast friction ring in a
floating arrangement that is connected by pins to the
aluminum rotor hat. The pin assembly means that as
the temperature increases, it is able to expand freely
in a radial direction and subsequently cool down again
without any residual deformation.

The rotating masses in M Carbon ceramic brakes
are approx. 30 lbs lighter compared with standard
M Compound brakes. On the other hand, these brakes
are dimensioned to offer significantly more in terms
of performance. So on the racetrack in particular, the
M Carbon ceramic brake is first choice.

BMW USA

bmwusa.com

The Ultimate
Driving Machine®

STOPPING STARTS HERE.
▪ A High Performance vehicle requires a high
performance brake system
▪ The M Compound and M Carbon ceramic brake
are high performance brake systems developed
for sporty and dynamic driving
▪ We select highly resilient materials with an emphasis
on performance over a wide range
of operating conditions
To ensure optimum brake performance, please follow
these guidelines:

MAINTENANCE AND
OPTIMAL USAGE.
▪ Break-in new vehicles by applying the brakes gently
– as safe driving conditions allow – for the first 300
miles for BMW Compound brake and for the first 700
miles for M Carbon ceramic brake. Repeat the breakin process after installing new brake pads.
▪ In case of brake dust:
▪ It is important that the brake dust is regularly
removed by washing the vehicle, as it otherwise
etches into the rim surface
▪ When cleaning the rims, please follow the
recommendation below:
▪ Use acid/alkaline-free wheel cleaners to reduce
the risk of corrosion

▪ Avoid an excessive use of tire shine products, as
they might contaminate the brake pad surface
▪ Avoid pointing high-pressure cleaners directly on
brake parts. Using high-pressure cleaners can
cause brake components to bind, resulting in
brake noises.
▪ In case of wetness on the brake system:
▪ Dry the brakes by gently braking 2-3 times (traffic
permitting) from 30 mph, e.g. after car wash.
▪ M Carbon ceramic brake: In the first moment
of braking, the deceleration is closer to that of
conventional brakes which can be compensated
by applying more force on the brake pedal.
▪ After an extremely stressful usage:
▪ Cool down the brakes as safe driving
conditions allow
▪ Do not keep the service brake applied during the
first vehicle standstill – hold the vehicle stationary
using the emergency brake

BRAKE NOISE.
▪ Some brake noise is normal – especially during the
break-in period. While the noise should lessen after
the pads are fully bedded onto the discs, a variety of
individual factors will influence the amount of noise
such as driving style, your local environment and
weather conditions.
▪ If brake noise is temporary and occurs under specific
conditions, it is concept-related and not
a safety or quality issue
▪ Examples for specific conditions:
▪ Wetness (e.g. rain, car wash)- a considerable
amount of water penetrating between the discs

and the pads can generate a noise on the next
brake application. This noise can be easily
avoided if you dry the brakes by gently braking
2-3 times from 30mph – if traffic allows.
▪ Low brake stressing- if you move the vehicles in a
very restrained manner over an extended period
the risk of brake noises increases. This can be
compensated by loading the brake more heavily
again over a certain time to achieve a higher brake
temperature.
▪ Extremely high brake usage- applying extremely
high loads to the brake e.g. on the race track brake
noise may occur. This noise disappears after a
short time by polishing with light braking. Care
should be taken that the brake can cool down
as much as possible during driving. Do not keep
the service brake applied during the first vehicle
standstill – as safe driving conditions allow.
In case of persistent brake noise, do not hesitate to
contact your BMW center.

BRAKE DUST.
▪ BMW M automobiles are high-performance vehicles
with racing DNA that are designed for dynamic
driving. The specially designed brakes provide the
necessary braking force that generates more brake
dust due to increased friction.
▪ Therefore, the appearance of this dust only shows
that a BMW M car is driven in an appropriate manner.
It is important to remove this dust at regular intervals
by washing the vehicle and rims in order to prevent it
from etching into the surface of the rims.