How-to: Cheap brake upgrade

[hopz121]

Thanks for your help.

The site doesn't tell me which wear sensor I need though, do I get the original 3.0i one or an e46 330 one / z4 3.0si one as I'm using new callipers from those cars. Different part numbers so I'm
Guessing different connectors etc

To my knowledge no one has said so far.

Thanks

Ash

[Toe-side]

Have you tried your original sensors. I have my original sensors 3.0 connected to my ex 330 calipers and associated pads

[LukeMace]

Have you tried your original sensors. I have my original sensors 3.0 connected to my ex 330 calipers and associated pads

X1

[David-H]

Have you tried your original sensors. I have my original sensors 3.0 connected to my ex 330 calipers and associated pads

Same here.

[cj10jeeper]

No need to touch the hoses or sensors unless you damage them or they otherwise need renewing.

[hopz121]

Thanks for the help guys, i will use my existing 3.0i sensor then

I am going to put uprated hoses on though i think.

Just need to find some callipers now.

[hopz121]

Just to update, i have found some calipers and carriers which are on there way to me, i have got some front stainless hoses.

Im going to order some new disc's and pads, Brembo disc's and Textar E pads i think.

I am pretty good with hands on stuff but have never bleed car brakes before, is it easy enough to do? Is it worth buying a bleed kit or what do i need?

Any help would be great.

Thanks

Ash

[ESP]

I am pretty good with hands on stuff but have never bleed car brakes before, is it easy enough to do? Is it worth buying a bleed kit or what do i need?
Ash

Hi mate, For a couple of pounds get a bleed kit off ebay, just the basic, pipe and bottle type like bellow.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ONE-MAN-BRAKE ... 27d63d54b5

No need for fancy expensive one's, basically you just need to pump the brakes a few times to get any air out. Its easy enough if you have someone there to pump while you adjust the bleed nipple, but i found this was a handy and cheap asset to the tool kit. Doubt ill use it again for 10 years but it simple and works a treat.
Hose goes over the end of the loosened bleed nipple, into the sealed bottle. Pump the brakes, which pushes out the air any any lost brake fluid collects in the bottle.

[hopz121]

Thanks for the link mate, when bleeding the brakes do i need to just do the front two or do i need to do all 4 and the clutch at the same time?

I wont be changing any bits on the rear for a while.

Ash

[Toe-side]

Just each caliper. Fit both fronts then bleed each side. There should be no need to do the backs and the clutch is a separate system. Try and minimise the amount of fluid loss to reduce air that gets in the system. Check you tube for a video there must be one on there if you are still unsure.

[hopz121]

Thanks for all of the help guys.

One final question to any of you who run EBC Redstuff pads, what part number did you go for?

As they list the E46 330 and the Z4 3.0si are completely different part numbers and i have found one cheaper than the other!

Anyone know the right one to use.

Ash

[David-H]

I fitted EBC DP31552C RedStuff pads with E46 330 calipers and Brembo grooved 325mm rotors and am very happy with the end result on my Z4R 3.0i

[Panta Rhei]

Hello,
3.0i has got 300 mm disc. I would like to update it with Brembo calipers and rotor 325 mm. From which car I can take Those Brembo calipers for a rotor 325mm and make it p&p to 3.0i? Is there such an option?

[hopz121]

I Don't think anyone has found a suitable brembo caliper yet, you will need to make up some sort of mounting bracket i would think, as the calpier wont just be a bolt on job.

Let us know if you find anything

[cj10jeeper]

+1
Never heard of a swop in conversion from another car.
If you could find a suitable diameter rotor and caliber set with correct rotor top hat, stud pattern, etc and then machine up a carrier then in theory I'm sure it could be done.

Won't be easy which is why custom kits cost so much..