Make brake feel tighter?

GAM · 06-28-2014, 05:38 PM

Hi guys,
I was wondering if there is a way to make our brake pedal feel tighter?
I do drive rental cars sometimes and always amazed by the the brake feel, very tight, not much pedal travel vs when I get in the M3. Is it just because everything is newer or does it have nothing to do with it? Would brake fluid flush and new brake pads help a lot?
Went to drive the new M4 this morning, and man, those brakes feel nice!
Thank you

Amirsm3 · 06-28-2014, 06:51 PM

When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed on your car? How do your pads and rotors look?

GAM · 06-28-2014, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed on your car? How do your pads and rotors look?

Flushed 6 months ago, new pads and rotors in the front, the rear set is on its way out

EJT86 · 06-28-2014, 07:33 PM

I'm thinking stainless steel brake lines though I have no personal experience

1MOREMOD · 06-28-2014, 07:48 PM

I've noticed this also with the m3s. My x5 has better brake feel.

Kunman · 06-28-2014, 09:06 PM

what pads are you running? An upgrade to a hybrid pad like the STSP pads made a huge difference for me in brake feel.

GAM · 06-28-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunman

what pads are you running? An upgrade to a hybrid pad like the STSP pads made a huge difference for me in brake feel.

OEM

Kunman · 06-28-2014, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAM

OEM

maybe try upgrading to stoptech streetperformance or Ferodo DS2500 pads then? The x millimeter deadzone will likly always be there but initial bite and resistance will nodoubt improve over stock pads. Also just fyi, if you don't track, I don't think changing to a high boiling point brake fluid will make any difference.

GAM · 06-28-2014, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kunman

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAM

OEM

maybe try upgrading to stoptech streetperformance or Ferodo DS2500 pads then? The initial 3mm deadzone will likly always be there but the initial bite and resistance will nodoubt improve over stock. Also just fyi, if you don't track, I don't think changing to a high boiling point brake fluid will make any differnce.

Thanks, the car goes on the track once a month, I have race pads that I put on before the session and remove after. The thing is that some basic rental cars can have the pedal travel a lot less for the initial bite than our M3s, so I was just wondering if there is anything we could do for that

GAM · 06-28-2014, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fizzy

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAM

Is there is a way to make our pedal feel tighter?

That's what she said.

We all have different issues Fizzy...

Amirsm3 · 06-28-2014, 10:39 PM

Switching to a big brake kit (or swapping all the OEM components with more performance oriented ones) may change the braking nature. The Brembo BBK I ran on my 350Z made the braking linear and correlational to pedal travel. Much more predictable and preferable as far as I'm concerned.

I couldn't tell you what part of the BBK changed the nature of the car's braking ability, though. I was on Brembo's standard pad that goes with the kit, slotted rotors and stainless lines along with motul 600 fluid.

BimmerRob08 · 06-29-2014, 02:18 AM

I got the same problem with brake feel. Went to a BBK with APracing, brake feel was tighter, with race pads it was much more grippy even on a cold bite (street driving). Then I removed the kit, sold it and soon will go to the new AP BBK. But in the mean time I have new OEM rotors (front/back) new HPS pads, steel braded lines on all four, running Motul 600 fluid and bleed the brakes myself with a brake bleeder pressure bottle. No bubbles and now my brake pedal has at least about an inch of travel before I get good braking feel out of it. If I slam the brakes, they grib and ABS will kick in. But they just don't feel as sensitive as before, even before the BBK went on 3 years ago.

Should I just re-bleed the entire system again??

pg1959 · 07-02-2014, 09:13 PM

My daily driver, a Kia Soreanto has a better brake feel in the pedal than my 2011 M3.The reason for this is lack of being able to adjust the brakepedal free play in the M3.When you first apply pressure to the pedal, and its just moving the pedal, not compressing the brake fluid.So I can't really tell when the pads are grabbing.
By contrast, the Kia's brake pedal is hard as a rock.When I press it, pressure is applied immediately. I was able to achieve this by making the rod between the master cylinder, and brake pedal longer.So there is no wasted motion, in the pedal.To me this makes all the difference in the world.
Philip 2011 M3

BimmerRob08 · 07-03-2014, 11:20 PM

Isn't there such an adjustment on our brake pedal? I remember seeing something of the kind for a 3 series. Must be up above the foot panel.

pg1959 · 07-07-2014, 09:08 PM

I didn't find an adjustment or I would have made one.I am going to take the car by a M3 specialist, and see if he knows something I don't.Will post what I find out here. Philip

pkimM3r · 08-08-2014, 11:56 PM

i tink its psychological but i feel the same way....actually it deosn't feel as sensitive with my track pads on vs the oem brake pads....my track pads have about 10mm left and i just did a bleed, but it was damn near a flush with hoe much fluid i used....got some bubbles out from the rear right side, kept flushing around the car as usually and no bubbles, just clean brake fluid.

pedal does feel soft but it is consistent. nothing like first pump is soft and second pump tightens up (master cylinder issue-ish)....going to the track tomorrow....will prob swap to thicker trakc pads and see how it feels...on the street car feels fine. guess i just have to stnad on the brakes tomorrow

i will ban myself if i bust a perplederple.

1MOREMOD · 08-09-2014, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowSaloonM3

i will ban myself if i bust a perplederple.

Please do.

pkimM3r · 08-09-2014, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowSaloonM3

i will ban myself if i bust a perplederple.

Please do.

pedal isnt optimal but its working

JoePcone · 08-22-2014, 11:48 PM

Had the same issue on my e46 M3. Lucky the solution is cheap. Just get stainless steel brake lines. May as well upgrade the fluid too while you're at it. Good to go.

1MOREMOD · 08-23-2014, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePcone

Had the same issue on my e46 M3. Lucky the solution is cheap. Just get stainless steel brake lines. May as well upgrade the fluid too while you're at it. Good to go.

That isn't it.

askjeeves · 08-23-2014, 12:21 AM

hey man. what brake fluid are you using? the track days will accelerate the wear of the brake fluid, especially if you ever get it too hot. bleeding the brakes could be a partial fix.

you have any track days planned?

thakid22 · 08-28-2014, 05:09 PM

On a related note, INPA has a brake/dsc valve calibration menu in the DSC module.
I ran all of the of the calibrations on the left hand side of the screen. I didn't do anything on the right side of the screen, ie. prebleed.

Anyway, the end result was a firmer pedal, more rear brake bias, and a more urgent initial bite upon application. Braking feels more
powerful and responsive.
The bit of free play is still at the top of the travel, though. Additionally, comfort stop and hill assist operation are smoother/less
obtrusive too.

The results do diminish somewhat, with time, but it feels good when done.

06-28-2014, 05:38 PM	#1
GAM Lieutenant 39 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Palm Beach iTrader: (1)	Make brake feel tighter? Hi guys, I was wondering if there is a way to make our brake pedal feel tighter? I do drive rental cars sometimes and always amazed by the the brake feel, very tight, not much pedal travel vs when I get in the M3. Is it just because everything is newer or does it have nothing to do with it? Would brake fluid flush and new brake pads help a lot? Went to drive the new M4 this morning, and man, those brakes feel nice! Thank you
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-28-2014, 06:51 PM	#2
Amirsm3 Brigadier General 514 Rep 3,482 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Williams/Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (3)	When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed on your car? How do your pads and rotors look? __________________ 2011 e90 M3 Space Grey DCT ZCP- eAs, BMW Performance, Agency Power, Macht Schnell, iND, Milltek, Volk, Challenge, Stoptech, Ohlins BMWCCA:518970
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2014, 07:33 PM	#4
EJT86 Brigadier General 2383 Rep 3,726 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2018 BMW M2 [0.00]	I'm thinking stainless steel brake lines though I have no personal experience
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2014, 07:48 PM	#5
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	I've noticed this also with the m3s. My x5 has better brake feel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2014, 09:06 PM	#6
Kunman First Lieutenant 26 Rep 328 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	what pads are you running? An upgrade to a hybrid pad like the STSP pads made a huge difference for me in brake feel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2014, 10:39 PM	#11
Amirsm3 Brigadier General 514 Rep 3,482 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Williams/Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (3)	Switching to a big brake kit (or swapping all the OEM components with more performance oriented ones) may change the braking nature. The Brembo BBK I ran on my 350Z made the braking linear and correlational to pedal travel. Much more predictable and preferable as far as I'm concerned. I couldn't tell you what part of the BBK changed the nature of the car's braking ability, though. I was on Brembo's standard pad that goes with the kit, slotted rotors and stainless lines along with motul 600 fluid. __________________ 2011 e90 M3 Space Grey DCT ZCP- eAs, BMW Performance, Agency Power, Macht Schnell, iND, Milltek, Volk, Challenge, Stoptech, Ohlins BMWCCA:518970
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2014, 02:18 AM	#12
BimmerRob08 Major 110 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, Space Gray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: KIKR (ABQ), NM iTrader: (0)	I got the same problem with brake feel. Went to a BBK with APracing, brake feel was tighter, with race pads it was much more grippy even on a cold bite (street driving). Then I removed the kit, sold it and soon will go to the new AP BBK. But in the mean time I have new OEM rotors (front/back) new HPS pads, steel braded lines on all four, running Motul 600 fluid and bleed the brakes myself with a brake bleeder pressure bottle. No bubbles and now my brake pedal has at least about an inch of travel before I get good braking feel out of it. If I slam the brakes, they grib and ABS will kick in. But they just don't feel as sensitive as before, even before the BBK went on 3 years ago. Should I just re-bleed the entire system again??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-02-2014, 09:13 PM	#13
pg1959 New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: WHITE Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: nc iTrader: (0)	My daily driver, a Kia Soreanto has a better brake feel in the pedal than my 2011 M3.The reason for this is lack of being able to adjust the brakepedal free play in the M3.When you first apply pressure to the pedal, and its just moving the pedal, not compressing the brake fluid.So I can't really tell when the pads are grabbing. By contrast, the Kia's brake pedal is hard as a rock.When I press it, pressure is applied immediately. I was able to achieve this by making the rod between the master cylinder, and brake pedal longer.So there is no wasted motion, in the pedal.To me this makes all the difference in the world. Philip 2011 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-03-2014, 11:20 PM	#14
BimmerRob08 Major 110 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, Space Gray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: KIKR (ABQ), NM iTrader: (0)	Isn't there such an adjustment on our brake pedal? I remember seeing something of the kind for a 3 series. Must be up above the foot panel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-07-2014, 09:08 PM	#15
pg1959 New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: WHITE Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: nc iTrader: (0)	I didn't find an adjustment or I would have made one.I am going to take the car by a M3 specialist, and see if he knows something I don't.Will post what I find out here. Philip
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2014, 11:56 PM	#16
pkimM3r Banned 205 Rep 7,298 Posts Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lost angeles iTrader: (0)	i tink its psychological but i feel the same way....actually it deosn't feel as sensitive with my track pads on vs the oem brake pads....my track pads have about 10mm left and i just did a bleed, but it was damn near a flush with hoe much fluid i used....got some bubbles out from the rear right side, kept flushing around the car as usually and no bubbles, just clean brake fluid. pedal does feel soft but it is consistent. nothing like first pump is soft and second pump tightens up (master cylinder issue-ish)....going to the track tomorrow....will prob swap to thicker trakc pads and see how it feels...on the street car feels fine. guess i just have to stnad on the brakes tomorrow i will ban myself if i bust a perplederple.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2014, 11:48 PM	#19
JoePcone Lieutenant 145 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Had the same issue on my e46 M3. Lucky the solution is cheap. Just get stainless steel brake lines. May as well upgrade the fluid too while you're at it. Good to go.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2014, 12:21 AM	#21
askjeeves Captain 147 Rep 957 Posts Drives: e92 m3/spece30 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	hey man. what brake fluid are you using? the track days will accelerate the wear of the brake fluid, especially if you ever get it too hot. bleeding the brakes could be a partial fix. you have any track days planned? __________________ 2011 e92 ///m3 zcp - jzb/fr ED 6/29/10
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-28-2014, 05:09 PM	#22
thakid22 Lieutenant 287 Rep 595 Posts Drives: 2021 Bmw M340i M-Sport w/ VDC Join Date: May 2013 Location: Little Rock iTrader: (0)	On a related note, INPA has a brake/dsc valve calibration menu in the DSC module. I ran all of the of the calibrations on the left hand side of the screen. I didn't do anything on the right side of the screen, ie. prebleed. Anyway, the end result was a firmer pedal, more rear brake bias, and a more urgent initial bite upon application. Braking feels more powerful and responsive. The bit of free play is still at the top of the travel, though. Additionally, comfort stop and hill assist operation are smoother/less obtrusive too. The results do diminish somewhat, with time, but it feels good when done.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search