M3 brakes?

[veryDisco]

I just picked up my ZHP and love it. However, the brakes could stand to be "more M like".
Has anyone fitted M3 brakes to their ZHP?
I like the idea of using all oem parts for a brake upgrade.


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[anandoc]

I don't think the M3 brakes are much of an upgrade over the stock 330i ones. The stock caliper carrier needs modification in order for the M3 calipers to fit.

Maybe you want to consider a CSL brake upgrade - you get bigger rotors
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Braking/Performance/ES2842149/

BP might chime in and help you since he has done a lot of research on brakes.

[UdubBadger]

CSL brakes is the upgrade, standard M3 brakes aren't. You can also retrofit the 6 piston 135i brakes.

[cakM3]

There are a few members here who have retrofitted 135i brake calipers to their ZHPs and they look awesome :thumbsup

[johnrando]

Curious, for street driving or track?

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[cakM3]

Curious, for street driving or track?

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Very good questions John! :thumbsup

[BADCLOWN]

Just link the BMWP thread in brakes lol

[terraphantm]

Maybe just get some more aggressive brake pads, I wouldn't bother with the rest. M3 brakes are considerably more expensive (especially the CSL/ZCP setup) without much advantage.

[BADCLOWN]

I agree, good set of pads will help. Possibly a brake fluid flush/bleed????

[az3579]

M3 brakes are a waste of money and provide no real upgrade. They're also a pain in the butt to retrofit.
A more aggressive pad with stainless brake hoses would do all that you seek.


If a pad upgrade isn't enough for you and you want even better pedal feel, then invest in a proper set of Wilwoods or Stoptech calipers with good pads. Unless you track, this is a waste of money as well.

[veryDisco]

Curious, for street driving or track?

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Just street. I loved the brakes in my e36 M3.


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[veryDisco]

Don't get me wrong. The brakes are good, just not like my M3




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[derbo]

M3 brakes are a waste of money and provide no real upgrade. They're also a pain in the butt to retrofit.
A more aggressive pad with stainless brake hoses would do all that you seek.


If a pad upgrade isn't enough for you and you want even better pedal feel, then invest in a proper set of Wilwoods or Stoptech calipers with good pads. Unless you track, this is a waste of money as well.

pretty much.

330i Front brakes are 325mmx25 Rotors
STD M3 front brakes are 325mmx28 Rotors
ZCP M3 front brakes are 345mmx Rotors

The pad size is the same on all 3.

The position of the caliper is different on the M3s and will require some modifications to the caliper bracket to install the STD M3 caliper. The work alone is not worth the gains from a 3mm wider rotor. ZCP rotors are far more expensive and heavier.

Rears

330i rear brakes is 320mmx22
M3 rear brakes is 328mmx20

This requires a lot modification and ultimately would be useful only if you did a M3 rear end swap.

Like BP said, its a waste of money unless you track.

[veryDisco]

Great info gentlemen. Thanks. I just assumed M3 brakes were the way to go.



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[terraphantm]

M3 (maybe even CSL) pads might be the way to go. They definitely have more bite. I know they'll fit in the front, not sure about the back.

[stephenkirsh]

Just get some good pads. I track and autox my zhp. Sonoma raceway doesn't have as big of braking zones like some east coast tracks, but the stock rotors with upgraded pads can lock up my wheels at just about any speed, even after multiple hot laps.

Also, maybe some light weight wheels. If you're on style 135s, they're crazy heavy and greatly impact stopping performance. I got some 17x8.5" apex arc-8 that are 10 pounds less each. Best single mod I've done on the car, hands down.

[wertyu78]

Echoing what's already been posted:

More aggressive pads, SS lines, and a high temp fluid - you'll be set.

/thread :)

Happy driving

[veryDisco]

Just get some good pads. I track and autox my zhp. Sonoma raceway doesn't have as big of braking zones like some east coast tracks, but the stock rotors with upgraded pads can lock up my wheels at just about any speed, even after multiple hot laps.

Also, maybe some light weight wheels. If you're on style 135s, they're crazy heavy and greatly impact stopping performance. I got some 17x8.5" apex arc-8 that are 10 pounds less each. Best single mod I've done on the car, hands down.

Wow! Got it - thanks for replying. Good info.

Thanks to all that replied. Remember - newbies are people too! ;-)

[derbo]

M3 (maybe even CSL) pads might be the way to go. They definitely have more bite. I know they'll fit in the front, not sure about the back.

From what I can tell, the pads are the same for M3 on the rear (size wise) as most aftermarket pads show the same pad for STDM3 front and back. I am using the same pad from my 330i on my m3 rear end. :)

[stephenkirsh]

Thanks to all that replied. Remember - newbies are people too! ;-)

You must be a forum member on e46fanatics lol

[BMWCurves]

You must be a forum member on e46fanatics lol

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-39502-Jim-Carrey-oh-boy-here-we-go-g-szZU.gif

Jokes aside, @veryDisco, we try and be helpful here. It makes it a better place.