Best retrofit for M3 brakes?

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Space Fox

Is there really still no bracket for the front F8x to E9x caliper conversion?

There really isn't an easy way to make a bracket for the standard 4piston front and 2 piston rear f8x calipers because the mounting bracket is cast into the caliper and is all 1pc. It would involve machining the calipers.

Where as the 6piston calipers (CCB & M2 Comp) have a removable bracket on the calipers that a custom bracket can replace.

Look at a picture of the calipers and you'll understand.

[Space Fox]

Originally Posted by tdott

There really isn't an easy way to make a bracket for the standard 4piston front and 2 piston rear f8x calipers because the mounting bracket is cast into the caliper and is all 1pc. It would involve machining the calipers.

Where as the 6piston calipers (CCB & M2 Comp) have a removable bracket on the calipers that a custom bracket can replace.

Look at a picture of the calipers and you'll understand.

Thank you, does make sense now. I have already secured a set of spindles, was just hoping for a simpler solution. Thank you for your contributions on this brake swap though, has been/will be very helpful as I attempt to tackle this.

[rod.bearings]

Just did the c63 caliper + freak parts adapter for 380mm. Install went smooth but the pedal feel isn't as firm as I would like. Time to do stainless lines and reflush the system. But overall looks great and stops good

[UnicornM]

Originally Posted by krazi3azn

Just did the c63 caliper + freak parts adapter for 380mm. Install went smooth but the pedal feel isn't as firm as I would like. Time to do stainless lines and reflush the system. But overall looks great and stops good

Much bigger pad sweep with that caliper vs the Alfa.

I've done about 600 miles since installing my setup, followed the bedding in procedure EBC recommends and they are performing great. I'm considering switching the textar F80 rear pads on EBC Yellows too. Only down side is the dust from the Yellows

[tdott]

Originally Posted by krazi3azn

Just did the c63 caliper + freak parts adapter for 380mm. Install went smooth but the pedal feel isn't as firm as I would like. Time to do stainless lines and reflush the system. But overall looks great and stops good

Did you do the DSC/ABS activation while bleeding the brakes?

[rod.bearings]

Originally Posted by tdott

Did you do the DSC/ABS activation while bleeding the brakes?

I did not. I'll give it a try, I just power bled it then did it a few times manually

[tdott]

Originally Posted by krazi3azn

I did not. I'll give it a try, I just power bled it then did it a few times manually

That is likely your issue.

Air is still trapped in the system, I've had that happen when opening the system.

[leftfootbr8king]

New lines won't change really anything. It's new fluid and a proper bed in that will make the difference

[Space Fox]

Does anyone know if the CTS V calipers are an option? Seem to be plentiful and a great price point for a 6/4 caliper set.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...pers&_osacat=0

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by Space Fox

Does anyone know if the CTS V calipers are an option? Seem to be plentiful and a great price point for a 6/4 caliper set.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...&_osacat=0

It would be awesome if these fit the freaky parts brackets.

[Torgus]

I am sure this has already been said but the chance of not messing up your brake bias is basically impossible slapping on random calipers. Extremely unlikely you are going to have the same diameter pistons and the same number. Brake Bias is very important. I never understand why more people aren't concerned about this?

I would just buy a used BBK. They also hold their resale value so when you part out you can probably get back what you paid for them. Street pads work with them just fine. Just as large and shiny as any of the calipers you are going to take off any other vehicle and then slap on. But most importantly designed for your vehicle.

edit: A used BBK can be 3-4k vs sourcing 4 calipers from another vehicle, getting the correct mounting brackets etc, SS lines, spending all that money, time, and cash to knowingly throw off your brake bias and not being able to stop any better just for looks? I don't get it. A used BBK makes much more sense for only a little more money and again, great resale value.

[Space Fox]

So it looks like the C63 front calipers are the ticket w/ a better pad sweep on the F8x rotors

[SilverSlug]

Originally Posted by Space Fox

So it looks like the C63 front calipers are the ticket w/ a better pad sweep on the F8x rotors

And I'm pretty sure the front C63 calipers are the same as the front E63 calipers and the C63S calipers, all of which should fit the Freaky brackets.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Space Fox

So it looks like the C63 front calipers are the ticket w/ a better pad sweep on the F8x rotors

too bad the piston area is so far off and will throw off the brake bias.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by tdott

too bad the piston area is so far off and will throw off the brake bias.

Too bad people never worry about it. But hey big flashy calipers, at least they look like they should stop faster.

[edsonreds]

Hi! Has someone been able to fit Maserati Ghibli 6 piston calipers on the E92 M3? Can you post some pictures of the adapters? Heard that it is an easy fitment. All the best!

[ygoz]

Originally Posted by Torgus

I am sure this has already been said but the chance of not messing up your brake bias is basically impossible slapping on random calipers. Extremely unlikely you are going to have the same diameter pistons and the same number. Brake Bias is very important. I never understand why more people aren't concerned about this?

I would just buy a used BBK. They also hold their resale value so when you part out you can probably get back what you paid for them. Street pads work with them just fine. Just as large and shiny as any of the calipers you are going to take off any other vehicle and then slap on. But most importantly designed for your vehicle.

edit: A used BBK can be 3-4k vs sourcing 4 calipers from another vehicle, getting the correct mounting brackets etc, SS lines, spending all that money, time, and cash to knowingly throw off your brake bias and not being able to stop any better just for looks? I don't get it. A used BBK makes much more sense for only a little more money and again, great resale value.

But this thread deals with exactly that.

There are options like the Alfa/Ghibli calipers with similar piston area that affect the brake bias no more than BBK kits do.

It is beyond me why people slap on big calipers that do throw off this bias and make their cars brake worse.
But there is valuable information in this thread and cost effective ways to get a decent BBK with calipers from another vehicle.

[therealtk]

Originally Posted by Space Fox

Does anyone know if the CTS V calipers are an option? Seem to be plentiful and a great price point for a 6/4 caliper set.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...pers&_osacat=0

it's likely they will not fit as they have the caliper mounting points cast into the caliper body similar the F8X calipers (which is why the front F8X knuckle needs to be retrofitted for the calipers to work on E9X).

[ygoz]

Originally Posted by edsonreds

Hi! Has someone been able to fit Maserati Ghibli 6 piston calipers on the E92 M3? Can you post some pictures of the adapters? Heard that it is an easy fitment. All the best!

I am just in the process of fitting them on my E90.
They are nearly identical to the alfa calipers, and can work with the freakyparts bracket, but require some machining. I'll post photos when I'm done

[edsonreds]

Originally Posted by Torgus

I am sure this has already been said but the chance of not messing up your brake bias is basically impossible slapping on random calipers. Extremely unlikely you are going to have the same diameter pistons and the same number. Brake Bias is very important. I never understand why more people aren't concerned about this?

I would just buy a used BBK. They also hold their resale value so when you part out you can probably get back what you paid for them. Street pads work with them just fine. Just as large and shiny as any of the calipers you are going to take off any other vehicle and then slap on. But most importantly designed for your vehicle.

edit: A used BBK can be 3-4k vs sourcing 4 calipers from another vehicle, getting the correct mounting brackets etc, SS lines, spending all that money, time, and cash to knowingly throw off your brake bias and not being able to stop any better just for looks? I don't get it. A used BBK makes much more sense for only a little more money and again, great resale value.

Well I get you points. I think brake bias is important if you depart way from OEM specs. That is why you have to look at contact patch areas. Having said that +/- 5% difference is within normal tolerance.

In my case (speaking for myself, not looking for anybody's approval of course, just sharing why I choose to do it), I am looking for stopping consistency. Big brake kits will not make you brake faster. But during track or extensive braking, stock calipers do fade. This is the main reason why I am looking for an upgrade.

Your point is valid, which means you wouldnt do it. Nonetheless other points are valid as well. Personally, I dont give a *** for looks, but I do feel that (havin taking care of tires and pad compounds) under repeated braking, I do feel brake fading.

all the best!

[edsonreds]

Originally Posted by gozmanyoni

I am just in the process of fitting them on my E90.
They are nearly identical to the alfa calipers, and can work with the freakyparts bracket, but require some machining. I'll post photos when I'm done

Thanks! Hope everything goes well. I was tempted to go for the AMG calipers but read some posts that they needed master cylinder upgrade (due to a noticeable contact patch -bigger pistons-).

So, you are fitting the Ghibli ones? Good stuff... leaning towards that route!

[Space Fox]

Originally Posted by tdott

too bad the piston area is so far off and will throw off the brake bias.

How far off are we talking? Would paired w f8x rear calipers help bring the bias back in to an acceptable range?