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How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
- Toe-side
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2078
- Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2012 7:31 pm
- Location: In the 'Borders'
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
For me I identified the models that shared the correct calipers and carriers and searched 'Breaking' and 'dismantling' of those models on the interweb. Searched a lot under 'E46' rather than 330
The carriers do have markings on them but you would not be able to see what the markings were fitted on a scrap car.
I made the judgement that if I found a car being dismantled that had those parts fitted as standard then........... 'bingo'
The carriers do have markings on them but you would not be able to see what the markings were fitted on a scrap car.
I made the judgement that if I found a car being dismantled that had those parts fitted as standard then........... 'bingo'
Before: 2003 3.0 Roadster, Porsche Boxster 987S Now 981S
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
- Toe-side
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2078
- Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2012 7:31 pm
- Location: In the 'Borders'
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Just saw these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci ... SwHMJYHy23
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci ... SwHMJYHy23
Before: 2003 3.0 Roadster, Porsche Boxster 987S Now 981S
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
- hopz121
- Lifer
- Posts: 3712
- Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:33 pm
- Location: Guildford Surrey
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Mega cheap!Toe-side wrote:Just saw these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci ... SwHMJYHy23
2004 BMW E46 M3 Coupe - Manual - Silver Grey
2017 BMW F31 318d M-Sport - Auto - Glacier Silver
2007 Porsche Cayman 2.7 - Manual - Arctic Silver
2003 Renault Clio 172 Cup - Blue
2003 BMW E85 Z4 3.0i - Gone
2008 BMW E90 330i SE - Gone
2017 BMW F31 318d M-Sport - Auto - Glacier Silver
2007 Porsche Cayman 2.7 - Manual - Arctic Silver
2003 Renault Clio 172 Cup - Blue
2003 BMW E85 Z4 3.0i - Gone
2008 BMW E90 330i SE - Gone
- Toe-side
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2078
- Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2012 7:31 pm
- Location: In the 'Borders'
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Thats what I thought! Nothing to do with me......... just browsing and I found them
Before: 2003 3.0 Roadster, Porsche Boxster 987S Now 981S
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Thanks! I had a quick look, already sold!!Toe-side wrote:Just saw these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci ... SwHMJYHy23
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Thanks for the replies mate. I've done the same, a lot of the cars that come up, once I call up requesting the part they've already sold. It's apparently a very popular mod with the old 3 Series too, the e36. The odd occasion they do have them they're asking in excess of £100. It's been mentioned a few times that they can be had for around £60. So looking at that sort of figure £60-80 ish.Toe-side wrote:For me I identified the models that shared the correct calipers and carriers and searched 'Breaking' and 'dismantling' of those models on the interweb. Searched a lot under 'E46' rather than 330
The carriers do have markings on them but you would not be able to see what the markings were fitted on a scrap car.
I made the judgement that if I found a car being dismantled that had those parts fitted as standard then........... 'bingo'
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Found a reasonable one! Link here. I'm going to see if he'll let it go for a bit cheaper tho!
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- cj10jeeper
- Lifer
- Posts: 17846
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:50 am
- Location: Lichfield, England
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Why wouldn't you just buy them and before posting? If the calipers are trashed then you can use them as cores to trade in. If not then you have a bargain.kis wrote:Found a reasonable one! Link here. I'm going to see if he'll let it go for a bit cheaper tho!
Someone is likely to see the post and just buy them
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Just bagged a set for £70 from a breaker I contacted over the weekend so all good!cj10jeeper wrote:Why wouldn't you just buy them and before posting? If the calipers are trashed then you can use them as cores to trade in. If not then you have a bargain.kis wrote:Found a reasonable one! Link here. I'm going to see if he'll let it go for a bit cheaper tho!
Someone is likely to see the post and just buy them
Also, I know some people are like that. However I'd like to think that since this is a forum, of fellow enthusiasts, I'm among friends.
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- cj10jeeper
- Lifer
- Posts: 17846
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:50 am
- Location: Lichfield, England
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Brilliant that you have got a setkis wrote:Just bagged a set for £70 from a breaker I contacted over the weekend so all good!cj10jeeper wrote:Why wouldn't you just buy them and before posting? If the calipers are trashed then you can use them as cores to trade in. If not then you have a bargain.kis wrote:Found a reasonable one! Link here. I'm going to see if he'll let it go for a bit cheaper tho!
Someone is likely to see the post and just buy them
Also, I know some people are like that. However I'd like to think that since this is a forum, of fellow enthusiasts, I'm among friends.
In terms of 'trust' I agree and in general you are right, however at any time there are up to 500 guests on the site. There are 200 now as I post this .., so it's a wide audience
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Yes, finally!cj10jeeper wrote:Brilliant that you have got a set
In terms of 'trust' I agree and in general you are right, however at any time there are up to 500 guests on the site. There are 200 now as I post this .., so it's a wide audience
Noted about the second comment! I'll be more weary about things in future
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- MrPT
- Lifer
- Posts: 4747
- Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:44 pm
- Location: Bucks/Oxon
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Someone at the Duxford meet (apologies - cannot remember your name Mr '58 plate Montego Blue owner from Bucks who's going to LM with Airtrack this year) was sporting E46 M3 front discs on his 3L coupe - identified with the help of some Rain Man action from Stu Boy.
I had a look at the specs...
So ok... stock pads won't sweep the whole disc, and fresh pads and discs will be a bit of a squeeze, but the hub fits and the diameter is perfect.
Doesn't this make new or part-worn E46 M3 discs a decent upgrade option for 3.0si owners? They are nice, 2-piece drilled rotors and supply should be plentiful (in fact, I think a stock surplus is how the aforementioned gentleman secured these discs at a bargain price).
I had a look at the specs...
So ok... stock pads won't sweep the whole disc, and fresh pads and discs will be a bit of a squeeze, but the hub fits and the diameter is perfect.
Doesn't this make new or part-worn E46 M3 discs a decent upgrade option for 3.0si owners? They are nice, 2-piece drilled rotors and supply should be plentiful (in fact, I think a stock surplus is how the aforementioned gentleman secured these discs at a bargain price).
2008 Z4MC: heavy wheels | crap suspension | skittish rear end | wobbly engine | not enough induction noise | underwhelming turn in | inconsistent braking | lardy battery | chubby steering wheel
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
- kis
- Lifer
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Interesting comment.
I think I did look into this but outlay seems to be quite a lot more than the 330, this is for parts whether new or second hand, and not sufficient gain. Also in terms of maintenance, just costs more because of the M name tag. Also I think the actual disc is the same (325mm) its just the thickness thats slightly more on the M. Obviously braking power of the M brakes themselves might be slightly more but not THAT much. Also some chatter on the 3 series forum about issues with the calipers being a direct fitment.
If it was a M3 CSL (which is 340mm or something) then this would probably be more "worth" it in terms of performance gains, provided everything fits. Wasn't too sure which is why I never pursed it myself. 330 is tried and tested...
I think I did look into this but outlay seems to be quite a lot more than the 330, this is for parts whether new or second hand, and not sufficient gain. Also in terms of maintenance, just costs more because of the M name tag. Also I think the actual disc is the same (325mm) its just the thickness thats slightly more on the M. Obviously braking power of the M brakes themselves might be slightly more but not THAT much. Also some chatter on the 3 series forum about issues with the calipers being a direct fitment.
If it was a M3 CSL (which is 340mm or something) then this would probably be more "worth" it in terms of performance gains, provided everything fits. Wasn't too sure which is why I never pursed it myself. 330 is tried and tested...
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71
- cj10jeeper
- Lifer
- Posts: 17846
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:50 am
- Location: Lichfield, England
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
The whole purpose of this thread is for a cheap, easy direct swap and bolt on conversion.
Once you start to mix and match, add pads that don't fit, ///M parts it'sa different topic altogether.
Once you start to mix and match, add pads that don't fit, ///M parts it'sa different topic altogether.
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills
- MrPT
- Lifer
- Posts: 4747
- Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:44 pm
- Location: Bucks/Oxon
How-to: Cheap brake upgrade
Fair point. I did think that "bolt on" 2 piece floating rotors and >5kg less unsprung mass for ~£200 was pretty good value, but yes - not cheap compared to the other options in this thread.cj10jeeper wrote: ↑Fri May 05, 2017 8:54 am The whole purpose of this thread is for a cheap, easy direct swap and bolt on conversion.
Once you start to mix and match, add pads that don't fit, ///M parts it'sa different topic altogether.
Point is probably moot now. Doing a little more digging, I think they were actually these OE option for the 3-series. And those definitely aren't cheap!
2008 Z4MC: heavy wheels | crap suspension | skittish rear end | wobbly engine | not enough induction noise | underwhelming turn in | inconsistent braking | lardy battery | chubby steering wheel
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone