Brakes!

[dkrace67]

Well, I hesitate to ask this question (mainly because if I get the answer I think I will, I'll probably end up spending money) but here goes anyway. I have a 1998 323is, and I would like to upgrade the brakes. Will an M3 brake system of the same body (E36) style bolt right on? I guess I'd be looking at rotors and calipers. If so (or not) which years etc. would work so I can start my search on EBAY (and contact my bank...oooffff!)

THANKS!

 

[wood_e]

I know the thought of a bigger brake setup is tempting, but why not try a more performance oriented brake pad and some slotted rotors?

Just a thought....

 

[dkrace67]

Well, I have to admit it is not entirely based on performance that I would like to change the setup. I am contemplating upgrading to 17" rims, and my rotors already look tiny behind my 15 inchers so I assume they are gonna look like tea cup saucers behind 17 inchers...

 

[frolf]

rotors are cheap, calipers however are not. maybe junk out some old M3 calipers (e36 still) or talk to local BMW chop-shop dude, cause there will be a lot of things that fit.

just an example something like E34 M5 calipers might fit, i'm 100% not sure, but that is just an example, a friend of mine is running BIG Porsche brakes (rotors, calipers, the whole bit) under his 18" Hamann 3 piece wheels. I'm sure he paid out pretty good for those (cause porsche brakes are nuts) but you can find this stuff on ebay, or various german car forums. maybe check roadfly's classifieds section. You can make anything fit.

 

[bigdavid1001]

I say just get new Brembo rotors and good pads. This is a powerful setup without the expense of the new calipers.

 

[chief]

I put the Brembo's on my '96 328i and have discovered that the Parking Brake pads do not grab. As the Brembo rotor is for an M3 i can only assume the M3 rear rotors are configured differently from the 328i.

To get my car to pass inspection i have to replace the Brembo rotors with OEM type rotors (Orielly's actually) and cap off the rear brake lines. Once it passes the state inspection i will put the Brembo's back on.