How easy should the disk rotate without the rim on?

[Percent]

I've just taken the front driver side rim off my bmw e36 and notice that when I rotate the wheel by hand it makes some metal rubbing noise and stops moving after about only half a turn. Is this normal? Or should it rotate freely for a few rotations?

[Super Slo Mo]

The pads touch the disk so you will get a light grinding noise.
You should be able to rotate I‎t indefinitely though, albeit quite possibly it needs a bit of welly. Try putting a couple of wheel bolts back in the hub, jam your wheel brace between them and use that to lever the disk around.
I‎t should go easily enough, or try refitting the wheel and rotating that.

[CoolHands]

Sounds normal. No they do not spin freely like a front bicycle wheel.

[Percent]

Thanks guys.

[Boosted LS1]

It's a disc not a disk for those with impaireeements, lol. Now where are my biskits?

[Super Slo Mo]

I’m typing on an iPhone, you get what you get!

At least we spelt break (sic) right

[227bhp]

Putting the car on a hard level surface, giving it a push and observing will tell you all you need to know.

[CoolHands]

It’s heavy?