Rookie brake question...

[kscarrol]

Never swapped out the OEM brakes on a car before but thinking about doing this on my M3. My question is really about the BMW Performance brake kits. They are shown as for the newer 3 series but I was curious if they would fit an E90 M3? The BMW kit is a bit cheaper than the StopTech and quite a bit cheaper than the Brembo kits. The only thing that the catalog says is the kit requires a minimum 18" wheels which is not an issue as I have the 19" ZCP wheels. Thanks in advance for any guidance/education on after market brakes!

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/38...E-BRAKE-SYSTEM

BMW M Performance Brake kits
Front: 370 x 30 mm
Rear: 345 x 24 mm

StopTech
Front: 355 or 380 mm
Rear: 355 mm

Brembo
Front: 365 or 380 mm
Rear: 345 or 380 mm

[lcrain]

What is your reasoning for wanting to upgrade?

Are you dissatisfied with the stock brakes?

To answer your question, it appears to me that this upgrade is not available for the M3. Not sure why it wouldn't be applicable, but the site says it is not available for the M3. Frankly, I am not convinced you would notice any better braking performance with this kit.

Again, I think it would help us help you if you listed your needs/wants out of the brake upgrade. If you are looking for better performance over a completely stock system I would recommend upgrading the pads as well as adding stainless lines and a high temp fluid. I think you will notice a bump in performance, without having to buy an entire kit, especially if you are hitting the track. If you have already tried that, and still find yourself disatisfied then a stoptech/brembo kit is the next logical step.

There is a reason BMW used the brake setup they did on the M3, and didn't use a kit like they offer for their performance line. Most users will never exceed the braking capabilities of the stock brakes. If you are doing it for aesthetic reasons then disregard most of what I have said.

[nullrouted]

That upgrade looks like it's the M3 brakes for a 3-series. StopTech is the obvious choice, but none of them are necessary unless you track the car a LOT. The stock M3 brakes will hold up to tracking once in a while, just not extended use.

[dex37]

BMW M Performance Brake Kit doesn't fit E9x M3.

[BimmerRob08]

IMO OP, unless your hard core tracking your ///M, it's not worth spending $5,6 or 7K+ on a BBK. They look awesome and I have APracing brakes that look amazing compared to the stock and for occasional tracking and mainly spirited mountain driving their great but an overkill. I know a professional driver here in the SW that runs a track modded M3 all over the South West and west coast, kicks everyone's ass including Porsches and the few Ferrari's in this area of NM. Holds the fastest track times at Deming Speed way (since I last heard). He runs with stock brakes and racing pads and racing brake fluid for the obvious reasons. He mentioned to me that with just those brake mods, he can run for laps after laps and he doesn't get much brake fading and the OEM system has the thermal capacity BBK have.

Anyway, if you got the $$$ to blow, go for it, it'll look awesome and performe just the same. But the M3 stock brakes with racing brake fluid and appropriate pads will be more than adaquate.

Your choice of course.

RB

[kscarrol]

Thanks guys, very helpful! Yes a big reason for looking around is cosmetic/appearance, hence looking at the BMW M Performance kit as a lower cost option. Likely will stick with the OEM kit at this point. Maybe I will simply paint the OEM calipers...

[M3 Pilot]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Thanks guys, very helpful! Yes a big reason for looking around is cosmetic/appearance, hence looking at the BMW M Performance kit as a lower cost option. Likely will stick with the OEM kit at this point. Maybe I will simply paint the OEM calipers...

If it is for looks, Brembo's F380 and R380 looks great. Very expensive though.

If you do extended heats like 10-15 laps non stop on a 2-3mile track in summer, BBK helps.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Thanks guys, very helpful! Yes a big reason for looking around is cosmetic/appearance, hence looking at the BMW M Performance kit as a lower cost option. Likely will stick with the OEM kit at this point. Maybe I will simply paint the OEM calipers...

I think most guys agree that painting the OEM calipers is a waste of paint, time, $ and they'll look gay as hell. Best to just keep them black as they are. But up to you of course, but it'll look tacky and just won't look good for an M3. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck.