Any point of getting BBK for street use?

[FairladyZ]

This is the kind of question I semi-know the answer to, but would like to get educated further on M3POST.

I am contemplating on getting a 4 pot / 4 pot BBK for my car. The ricer in me thinks that stock brakes are a bit plain and weak in comparision for the rest of the car.

Then there's performance, which is where my question lies in. I am looking for these, in the order listed:

- Strong initial bite
- Low noise
- Low dust

My understanding is that BBKs are primarily designed for track use, as more pistons = quicker heat dispense. In other words, more pistons does NOT necessarily translates to shorter stopping distance. What DOES result in shorter braking distance are larger rotors + calipers (and hence pads?).

So in theory, by getting a BBK with larger diameter rotors, I should be able to achieve stronger braking, on street or track?

Also, what diameter would still fit in stock 220M's? My budget is limited, and doesn't allow me to get larger wheels.

[orion565]

I didn't notice a difference between my BBK 6 in front 4 in rear from stock on the street, I wouldn't do it but if you track your track its a must, the stock brakes are terrible and it will take you a week to get rid of the shaking of the steering wheel after a track event.

[tibra1]

No

[Gearhead999s]

Nope unless you are going to seriously track your car.The stock brakes are excellent for the street.

[FairladyZ]

So basically, besides cosmetics, there is no sense in going BBKs for street use then.

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by FairladyZ

So basically, besides cosmetics, there is no sense in going BBKs for street use then.

Exactly........Phil

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Nope unless you are going to seriously track your car.The stock brakes are excellent for the street.

+1

If you are only driving your car on the street then a BBK is unnecessary and, IMO, a waste of money. Stock brakes are perfectly fine for the street.

[pbonsalb]

If, in your street driving, you make 10 successive stops from 100 mph, all within 30 seconds of each other, you need better heat handling. Stock brakes usually stock as well as big brakes for the first stop, and gradually give up after that. By the tenth successive stop, they are overheated and the stopping distances have increased substantially increased.

I am doing a mild upgrade of the stock brakes, with Ferodo Super Formula fluid, Stoptech Street pads, EAS steel braided lines, and Hard Brakes titanium backing plates.

A couple of years ago, the a-workx m3 won a tuner shoot out test on the track with stock brakes but braided lines, SRF fluid and Pagid RS19 front pads. However, a-workx acknowledges that for serious track use, you want better calipers and better rotors.

[THE TECH]

They are pretty.

[Darth One]

I also thought that larger rotors and calipers = better stopping distance. my primary reason for thinking this is that I have another car that comes with massive rotors/calipers from the factory and both braking feel and stopping distance are much better than the M. well, that and an intuitive sense that the bigger the patch making contact and causing friction, the better the deceleration.

I'm willing to be corrected though. personally, I would pay BBK prices if it meant better stopping distance on the street (trackability a plus of course)

[ashtaron14]

I personally dislike the way the OEM feels after a bit of mountain roads. The pedals gets deeper and has a soggy feel.

I would recommend a set of SS lines and some Pads if you think the Stock isn't enough and are on a tight budget.

[HP Man]

Originally Posted by Darth One

I also thought that larger rotors and calipers = better stopping distance. my primary reason for thinking this is that I have another car that comes with massive rotors/calipers from the factory and both braking feel and stopping distance are much better than the M. well, that and an intuitive sense that the bigger the patch making contact and causing friction, the better the deceleration.

I'm willing to be corrected though. personally, I would pay BBK prices if it meant better stopping distance on the street (trackability a plus of course)

As long as the stock brakes have the capability to lock the tires (as the M3's brakes do), you will not see shortened braking distance with a BBK for a single stop. Of course, as noted above, for repeated stops where heat dissipation is a problem (such as track driving), then a BBK is definitely worth it. IMO, a BBK is a complete waste of $$$ for street driving. My $0.02.

[FairladyZ]

I'm installing SS lines soon, and will replace stock pads with betters ones.

Thanks everyone for pitching in.

Now if only E92 came with good looking setup like the F10, that would've been a welcome addition.

[spdy330]

+1

I will be joining you once my rears come in .

Originally Posted by THE TECH

They are pretty.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by HP Man

As long as the stock brakes have the capability to lock the tires (as the M3's brakes do), you will not see shortened braking distance with a BBK for a single stop. Of course, as noted above, for repeated stops where heat dissipation is a problem (such as track driving), then a BBK is definitely worth it. IMO, a BBK is a complete waste of $$$ for street driving. My $0.02.

Exactly. As long as you are capable of engaging ABS then you are using 100% of the tire's ability to slow the car. The only way to reduce stopping distances is to increase overall grip. What a BBK gives you is increased thermal capacity which increases the car's resistance to brake fade, not shorten your braking distance; however, on the street I'd hope you're not making "10 repeated stops from 100 to 30 mph" because that would be pretty reckless and should be saved for the track.

If you want a firmer pedal and improved braking feel then get SS brake lines, better brake fluid and a street-performance brake pad but don't waste your money on a BBK unless you plan on tracking your car.

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by FairladyZ

So basically, besides cosmetics, there is no sense in going BBKs for street use then.

Bingo

$8k so you can see red/yellow/whatever behind the wheels.
Great deal, huh?

[ashtaron14]

Of course if you plan to blast up and down Sea to Sky Hwy at 4AM, BBK is still a good investment. There's 2 Auto-X clubs in Vancouver, and they would organize track days to Seattle's Pacific Raceways or PIR. It's a better way to vent than driving fast on Vancouver streets.

[jonasaurus]

If you got money to burn then I'd say do it !