Dilemma: To paint calipers, or to leave alone?

Rat3d ///M · 12-02-2014, 01:02 PM

I am in the middle of a dilemma I was hoping someone could help me with.

I have some yellow DuPont caliper paint in my garage that I bought just before selling my Mercedes which I never used. I have contemplated using it on the M3, but it has pretty much been ingrained in me that painting OEM calipers (unless they are some type of OEM BBK like AMG's have) is pretty "rice" or "ghetto". What is the thought of members on here on this? I don't want to do anything to this car unless it is done "right", and I am afraid I will do this "mod" and either have it look like shit, or I will drive around and have people cringe at the thought of an M3 with painted OEM calipers.

To make it clear, I am not trying to make it look like I have a BBK. I get our brakes suck. I would love to go out and buy a Brembo BBK, but I will never track my car and it would be purely for cosmetic purposes, and I cannot justify spending $3500+ just for a cosmetic mod like this. I am just trying to give the M3 I little bit of contrasting color in the wheels to make it stand apart from the rest a little bit more. I really like the idea of the ///M decal from the other thread in this section, and wanted to put it over yellow paint, then clear coat.

So, should I go through with this, or stay away? I will base my decision 100% on the votes in the poll. If more than 50% say to do it, I will give it a try. If not, then I will skip this mod and take the advice of members on here. Worse comes to worse, if it looks like shit, I guess I could just paint them back to black

Sebringjetta · 12-02-2014, 01:43 PM

do not paint the OEM brake please!!!!!

Amirsm3 · 12-02-2014, 02:10 PM

Just stick to the OEM black color. All you're gonna do is draw attention to some shitty looking calipers.

Sebringjetta · 12-02-2014, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

Just stick to the OEM black color. All you're gonna do is draw attention to some shitty looking calipers.

exactly!!! nothing is pretty about the oem calipers

4M · 12-02-2014, 02:27 PM

Personally, I'd also pass on this mod. However, this Forum is the true test of "to each his/her own" so in the end the only vote that really matters is your own.

Haven't looked, but one factor for me would be the color of the car. If you had a green or yellow base color, that would be a closer call with yellow painted calipers.

Good luck OP!

M3 Esq · 12-02-2014, 03:02 PM

I'd skip it. I've seen painted calipers and they look terrible. Not a good thing to do. It diminishes the car and owner IMO.

1MOREMOD · 12-02-2014, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3 Esq

I'd skip it. I've seen painted calipers and they look terrible. Not a good thing to do. It diminishes the car and owner IMO.

+1

Installsplus · 12-02-2014, 06:41 PM

Leave them gloss blk!!

Krockit1 · 12-02-2014, 06:58 PM

The easiest way to tell a Porsche S from a Porsche Base model is by the red calipers on the S. Many Base owners paint their own calipers and it looks great when done properly with the correct decals. But wrong.... it's hideous.

Tracyis300 · 12-05-2014, 12:10 PM

I would rather put a caliber cover than to paint them! It looks grainy to me.
The OEM looks best. Just put the decal on them?

K.M. Tim · 12-05-2014, 12:21 PM

To each is own but I only clean and respray in black when I change out tires for the season.

Rat3d ///M · 12-05-2014, 01:12 PM

Looks like OEM black for me. I may or may not do the decal, not sure. I will play that one by ear. I am having second thoughts on the caliper paint, with or without everyones votes in this thread. Painting calipers has always seemed very cheap to me, I was only contemplating it because I had the paint and didn't want it to go to waste. Glad I changed my mind though.

JD3 · 12-05-2014, 02:38 PM

Black would be a good idea as they do start to fade to grayish after a while. Anything else is a bad idea in my opinion. No offense.
My opinion is that it's hard to pull of a look that mimics a performance mod. For example, I dig matte black roof wraps but not CF wraps. It's not nearly as bad as using the wrong badge, not even on the same planet as that, but it's like a misrepresentation even though that's clearly not your goal.
Good luck and enjoy either way.

dizx · 12-14-2014, 02:19 AM

I resprayed mine in Ferrari red. The result is so so. Not sure if I would have done it again.

Amirsm3 · 12-14-2014, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizx

I resprayed mine in Ferrari red. The result is so so. Not sure if I would have done it again.

Got any pics?

Beemdog · 12-14-2014, 12:28 PM

Non-black calipers are one more thing to clean since they quickly tend to get covered in brake dust. I like the red Brembos on my Viper, but that car is a garage queen and gets detailed every time it is driven.

dizx · 12-14-2014, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

Got any pics?

Yup!

Amirsm3 · 12-14-2014, 01:20 PM

Doesn't look *too* bad. Your black wheels tone it down a bit.

Rat3d ///M · 12-14-2014, 01:29 PM

I honestly don't think that looks bad. That is what I was hoping for when I wanted to do yellow paint. Something subtle, yet noticeable. I too have black wheels, so not sure if that would matter as it would also "tone it down a bit", but I am still probably going to go avoid this "mod" as I don't want to do anything to cheapen the look of my car.

dizx · 12-14-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

Doesn't look *too* bad. Your black wheels tone it down a bit.

Thanks! I think it looks ok, but would prefer Brembo-looking calipers :P Just cant justify the cost.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ||||||||||

I honestly don't think that looks bad. That is what I was hoping for when I wanted to do yellow paint. Something subtle, yet noticeable. I too have black wheels, so not sure if that would matter as it would also "tone it down a bit", but I am still probably going to go avoid this "mod" as I don't want to do anything to cheapen the look of my car.

I live in Thailand. Everything cheesy works here

Amirsm3 · 12-14-2014, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ||||||||||

I honestly don't think that looks bad. That is what I was hoping for when I wanted to do yellow paint. Something subtle, yet noticeable. I too have black wheels, so not sure if that would matter as it would also "tone it down a bit", but I am still probably going to go avoid this "mod" as I don't want to do anything to cheapen the look of my car.

Worst that'll happen is you paint your calipers back to black. Just try it out.

808@702 · 12-15-2014, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

Doesn't look *too* bad. Your black wheels tone it down a bit.

And with that beautiful girl in your car you can have any color of calipers you want!

View Poll Results: What are your thoughts on painting OEM alipers on an Interlagos Blue M3?
Caliper paint is for Honda's. Don't even think about it. It will look terrible even if done right	45	47.37%
If done right, it could look good, but it could also look cheap and ricey if you don't do it right.	40	42.11%
Go for it, but I would say do a different color besides yellow on an IB car (please specify)	10	10.53%
Voters: 95. You may not vote on this poll

12-02-2014, 01:02 PM	#1
Rat3d ///M 997.1TT 1009 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	Dilemma: To paint calipers, or to leave alone? I am in the middle of a dilemma I was hoping someone could help me with. I have some yellow DuPont caliper paint in my garage that I bought just before selling my Mercedes which I never used. I have contemplated using it on the M3, but it has pretty much been ingrained in me that painting OEM calipers (unless they are some type of OEM BBK like AMG's have) is pretty "rice" or "ghetto". What is the thought of members on here on this? I don't want to do anything to this car unless it is done "right", and I am afraid I will do this "mod" and either have it look like shit, or I will drive around and have people cringe at the thought of an M3 with painted OEM calipers. To make it clear, I am not trying to make it look like I have a BBK. I get our brakes suck. I would love to go out and buy a Brembo BBK, but I will never track my car and it would be purely for cosmetic purposes, and I cannot justify spending $3500+ just for a cosmetic mod like this. I am just trying to give the M3 I little bit of contrasting color in the wheels to make it stand apart from the rest a little bit more. I really like the idea of the ///M decal from the other thread in this section, and wanted to put it over yellow paint, then clear coat. So, should I go through with this, or stay away? I will base my decision 100% on the votes in the poll. If more than 50% say to do it, I will give it a try. If not, then I will skip this mod and take the advice of members on here. Worse comes to worse, if it looks like shit, I guess I could just paint them back to black Last edited by Rat3d ///M; 12-02-2014 at 01:08 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-02-2014, 01:43 PM	#2
Sebringjetta Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,675 Posts Drives: E46m3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (39)	do not paint the OEM brake please!!!!! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2014, 02:10 PM	#3
Amirsm3 Brigadier General 514 Rep 3,482 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Williams/Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (3)	Just stick to the OEM black color. All you're gonna do is draw attention to some shitty looking calipers. __________________ 2011 e90 M3 Space Grey DCT ZCP- eAs, BMW Performance, Agency Power, Macht Schnell, iND, Milltek, Volk, Challenge, Stoptech, Ohlins BMWCCA:518970
	Appreciate 2 Rochen_00349.50 JIMN9NE86.50 Quote

12-02-2014, 02:27 PM	#5
4M Second Lieutenant 142 Rep 284 Posts Drives: '13 Melbourne Red E92 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [7.60]	Personally, I'd also pass on this mod. However, this Forum is the true test of "to each his/her own" so in the end the only vote that really matters is your own. Haven't looked, but one factor for me would be the color of the car. If you had a green or yellow base color, that would be a closer call with yellow painted calipers. Good luck OP!
	Appreciate 1 E46LC0.00 Quote

12-02-2014, 03:02 PM	#6
M3 Esq Automobilist 395 Rep 2,632 Posts Drives: E70 X5, 911 GT3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (12)	I'd skip it. I've seen painted calipers and they look terrible. Not a good thing to do. It diminishes the car and owner IMO.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2014, 06:41 PM	#8
Installsplus Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual 463 Rep 2,002 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Georgetown,ON iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW E92 M3 [10.00] 2019 X5 Msport 40i ... [8.25]	Leave them gloss blk!! __________________ "The Ultimate Driving Machine" 2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625 2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2014, 06:58 PM	#9
Krockit1 First Lieutenant 51 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Dousman, WI iTrader: (0)	The easiest way to tell a Porsche S from a Porsche Base model is by the red calipers on the S. Many Base owners paint their own calipers and it looks great when done properly with the correct decals. But wrong.... it's hideous. __________________ As a matter of fact, I did steal it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2014, 12:10 PM	#10
Tracyis300 Lieutenant 108 Rep 536 Posts Drives: 09 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Los angeles iTrader: (0)	I would rather put a caliber cover than to paint them! It looks grainy to me. The OEM looks best. Just put the decal on them?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2014, 12:21 PM	#11
K.M. Tim First Lieutenant 204 Rep 391 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 ZCP 6MT Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lanaken, Belgium iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 [2.00] 2012 BMW F30 w/ M S ... [0.00]	To paint or not to paint To each is own but I only clean and respray in black when I change out tires for the season. __________________ ///MFlight Admin
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2014, 01:12 PM	#12
Rat3d ///M 997.1TT 1009 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	Looks like OEM black for me. I may or may not do the decal, not sure. I will play that one by ear. I am having second thoughts on the caliper paint, with or without everyones votes in this thread. Painting calipers has always seemed very cheap to me, I was only contemplating it because I had the paint and didn't want it to go to waste. Glad I changed my mind though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2014, 02:38 PM	#13
JD3 Major 195 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 09 e92 M3, DCT. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (3)	Black would be a good idea as they do start to fade to grayish after a while. Anything else is a bad idea in my opinion. No offense. My opinion is that it's hard to pull of a look that mimics a performance mod. For example, I dig matte black roof wraps but not CF wraps. It's not nearly as bad as using the wrong badge, not even on the same planet as that, but it's like a misrepresentation even though that's clearly not your goal. Good luck and enjoy either way.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2014, 02:19 AM	#14
dizx Second Lieutenant 69 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 2020 G20 330e Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangkok iTrader: (0)	I resprayed mine in Ferrari red. The result is so so. Not sure if I would have done it again. __________________ Current: 2018 X1 F48 & 2014 F20 116i. Before: 2009 BMW E90 320d LCI, 2008 E92 M3 &
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2014, 12:28 PM	#16
Beemdog Woof! 352 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: '11 M3 ZCP LeMans Blue Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sonoma Cownty, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Dodge Viper [9.00] 2011 BMW M3 E92 [9.50] 2009 Ducati Hypermo ... [10.00]	Non-black calipers are one more thing to clean since they quickly tend to get covered in brake dust. I like the red Brembos on my Viper, but that car is a garage queen and gets detailed every time it is driven.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2014, 01:20 PM	#18
Amirsm3 Brigadier General 514 Rep 3,482 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Williams/Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (3)	Doesn't look too bad. Your black wheels tone it down a bit. __________________ 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

12-14-2014, 01:29 PM	#19
Rat3d ///M 997.1TT 1009 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	I honestly don't think that looks bad. That is what I was hoping for when I wanted to do yellow paint. Something subtle, yet noticeable. I too have black wheels, so not sure if that would matter as it would also "tone it down a bit", but I am still probably going to go avoid this "mod" as I don't want to do anything to cheapen the look of my car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote