F80 M3 / F82 M4 Brake Caliper/Rotor Retrofit Guide to E9x M3 - Using OEM Parts

[tdott]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Since the original thread is too long, I figured it would be useful to combine all of the info in one place that is easier to follow:

I've been getting a lot of questions about my F8x M4/M3 brake upgrade, so I thought I'd give an overview on how it is done and what parts are required. This is not meant to be a step by step DIY but a guide on how it's done since it's really pretty simple with the right parts.

They can also be done using F8x CCB setup or M2 Comp parts as well.

Part list:

• F8x Calipers and Rotors/Pads
• F8x Spindles
  Right: 31212284002
  Left: 31212284001
• 4x M12 Flat washers, ideally around 2mm thickness.
• F8x dust shields or you can cut trim the e9x ones.
  (also not a bad time to do brake ducting with a custom backing plate if you wanted to go that route)
• Wheel bearing bolts (one time use)
  31206783065 - M12X1.5X45 - (x8 - 4 per wheel bearing)
  These bolts are required because the f8x carrier has a ball seat vs e9x which is flat
  These are not the ones from an f8x since the f8x wheel bearings are a different thread pitch, I ordered these ones new from FCP Euro.
  
• New Brake lines are recommended, I went with E9x M3 Stainless steel lines from FCP Euro

Finally, you need to decide how to handle the ABS sensors. Since the F8x sensor location is slightly different requiring you to change the orientation of the E9x ones to read correctly.
Some have cut the e9x ones and created a holder out of metal.
Using the abs live obd2 reader, I was able to get the sensor to read correctly in this position (cut portion facing towards the outside center of the hub)

Eventually I bought 2 F8x sensors and spliced them into the E9x connectors and they worked perfectly and I was happier with that solution but both will work.



Full Install notes are on my blog with more pictures, not meant to be step by step but will give you a guide, it's fairly straight forward but I do include a few tips.

https://www.tdott.me/2020/04/project...on-e92-m3.html

[tdott]

Update:

New solution for mounting the original e9x ABS sensor turned 90degrees:
Credit goes to Biginboca

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Just trim the mounting ear off the sensor.
Then make a few bends in the bracket and open the hole in it a bit:

BMW P/N: 34526787571

Before and After bends:



Sensor installed:

2024 Update:
Gareth from FCP provided a cleaner solution to use the F8x wheel speed sensor, which is to re-pin the connector to the F8x style, so no splicing or cutting needed.

Link to f8x connectors: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...or-61138365340

[6ixSpd]

Awesome post! Easy to follow and answers all the questions. Thanks for sharing dude

[RC Post]

Nice guide! Super clear.

How are they as far as performance? Same? Improved? Obviously looks way better than e9x calipers. I hate how ugly our caliper are..

[tdott]

Originally Posted by RC Post

Nice guide! Super clear.

How are they as far as performance? Same? Improved? Obviously looks way better than e9x calipers. I hate how ugly our caliper are..

Long term driving impressions are good, high speed braking feeds much more stable. You probably won't notice much change driving around at normal speeds, the pedal is slightly firmer but that could be mostly the SS lines. I got to do 1 track day before things shut down and it went well, no fade, no issue and the blue didn't fade.

Plus the rotor size, rotor hats with M stamp, and calipers all look better so that's a good improvement.

[Johnr3524]

This is great, nicely done. Would you please an estimated cost of the project versus alternatives?

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Johnr3524

This is great, nicely done. Would you please an estimated cost of the project versus alternatives?

Prices vary widely, so what I paid may not apply to everyone, my total cost was less than $1500 but that is because I was able to find a low mileage set of brakes from a friend who upgraded to a BBK and sold them to me for way below market in exchange for doing some work on his car. Then I found a set of new spindles a race team didn't use and was selling, so I bought those for less than cost of new. I'd say a more average price would be around 2k for used parts.

You can try to source used spindles, but again costs vary widely. So you are better off pricing things out yourself.

IMO, you couldn't buy a used front only bbk for the price I got this done at.

[SYT_Shadow]

super cool tdott!!

[M3_Legend]

This is great!!!!! One of my future plans now for my ///M.

[Viper4]

This is great! I just picked up the F80 brakes. Now it's time to find some spindles! Anyone have a lead on those?

[kel_m3]

Does this improve braking in any way or is it mostly for aesthetics?

[tdott]

Originally Posted by kel_m3

Does this improve braking in any way or is it mostly for aesthetics?

Originally Posted by tdott

Long term driving impressions are good, high speed braking feeds much more stable. You probably won't notice much change driving around at normal speeds, the pedal is slightly firmer but that could be mostly the SS lines. I got to do 1 track day before things shut down and it went well, no fade, no issue and the blue paint didn't fade.

Plus the rotor size, rotor hats with M stamp, and calipers all look better so that's a good improvement.

[SYT_Shadow]

Ugh now I want ceramics on my E92... 100% for aesthetics...

[tdott]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Ugh now I want ceramics on my E92... 100% for aesthetics...

That would be pretty cool

I wonder if stock zcp 359m wheels would clear?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by tdott

That would be pretty cool

I wonder if stock zcp 359m wheels would clear?

If I get a M4 GTS then that's how I'll repurpose the CCBs and give them new life!

I wonder as well about the 359s, but right now I'm using the stock F80 CS wheels which look really sweet

[Studntloan]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

If I get a M4 GTS then that's how I'll repurpose the CCBs and give them new life!

I wonder as well about the 359s, but right now I'm using the stock F80 CS wheels which look really sweet

Come drive mine

We can see if the 359 fits but its unlikely the fronts will clear.

[Kisenwether]

I have the front and rear ceramic calipers on my e92, just using steel rotors. Not baller enough for ceramic rotors yet, but who knows maybe one day ill redo it and adapter to ceramic. Would just need to figure out if the brake booster is enough for the requirements for ceramics.

[W12x]

Great guide!
For the ABS sensors, did you had to modify the cable themselves or just shove the F8x one into the E9x plastic enclosure? Does the F8x brakes work with E9x brake pad sensors?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Studntloan

Come drive mine

We can see if the 359 fits but its unlikely the fronts will clear.

Hahahah don't tempt me!

I've driven a GTS extensively on track, it's wonderful. But if I had to choose I'd prefer a third track car vs a GTS as a second track car

[Viper4]

Curious on everyone's take here. I'm almost done with the swap and I have a question about brake lines. I have a StopTech set of E92 stainless brake lines that have been waiting to go into the car. I've installed them along with this conversion. The odd thing is that the male threading is much longer than the female well on the caliper, especially in the rear. So this means the lines aren't screwed in to the top of the threading and flush with the backstop. I reason that the only thing holding the lines in place is the tension from being bottomed out and slightly torqued. Think that is sufficient? The fix could be me getting a lug nut that I tighten down on the caliper once the line is screwed in as far as it can go. BTW, I wish BMW made the caliper retaining bolts a little better haha, and maybe not an Allen head. #stripped

TIA!

[kc52ar]

Can F80 M3 / F82 M4 Carbon Cerramic Brakes Calipers/Rotors be retrofitted on E9x M3 - Using OEM Parts?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by kc52ar

Can F80 M3 / F82 M4 Carbon Cerramic Brakes Calipers/Rotors be retrofitted on E9x M3 - Using OEM Parts?

Yes for sure, identical process