M2/M3/M4 (F8x) Brake Caliper Upgrade for Z4 M

RvsBmw

Member
Hi all,

Anyone have thoughts or experience with the swap from OEM calipers/rotors to M2/M3/M4 brake calipers and rotors?
I've to change the pads and rotors because the're done.
On the M3 e46 they its done before, but i havent seen it on the Z4 M e86/85.

Curious if:
- the brake balans is wrong, or not;
- It will fit with an e46 adapter but will fit on the z4, by my knowledge the use the same parts so it should ;).

Thanks for reply's with thoughts/experiences or advice :)!

Greetz
 

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its doable from a hardware point of view.....

what you need to do is find out the piston diameter so you can do the calculations to check the master cylinder is well matched.. if not you could end up with worse brakes than stock that are actually very good with the right hardware changes.
 
Beedub said:
what you need to do is find out the piston diameter so you can do the calculations to check the master cylinder is well matched.. if not you could end up with worse brakes than stock that are actually very good with the right hardware changes.

Dont want to be ended up with worse brakes..
Other wise will upgrade the brake lines, pads, cooling...
But if its a nice refresh with performance/looks, why not!
I've found the diameter of the fronts and rear.

Front:
OEM: 60mm;
M3 F8X front (4 pistons): 2x 36,5mm
M2C F8X front (6 pistons): 30/34/36mm

Rear:
OEM: 46mm
M3 F8X rear (2 pistons): 40mm
M2C F8x (4 pistons): 28/28mm

Anyone knows if it will work out, the f8x or the M2C kit?
 
Maybe a daft question but why not buy a bbk that's been designed for the car?

A full set of M2C brakes can't be that much cheaper?

I'd tend to think they'd be a better choice anyway as its probably a similar weight, chassis size etc
 
RedUn said:
Maybe a daft question but why not buy a bbk that's been designed for the car?

A full set of M2C brakes can't be that much cheaper?

I'd tend to think they'd be a better choice anyway as its probably a similar weight, chassis size etc

Thanks for reply RedUn and Vanne.

I've read that a lot of people are quit happy with the me F8x brakes (not comp).
That ones go for cheap (around 2k for a set) and looks "original".
Perhaps it should be a relatively "cheap" upgrade and get much better brakes.
Indeed the M2C kit (shared with the M5 on some smal differences) is more expensive.
A set of M2C is going for 3k - 5k euro.
Compaired with BBK kit from brembo/stoptech/... is starting for 3k for fronts only.

Was looking around for different options.
Don't want to mess it up and ending up with less performance or dangerous situation.
 
I have just ordered the below. I think they will give a small upgrade in performance and look a lot better. My front are due a rebuild anyway so i thought i would give these a try.
https://freakyparts.co.uk/collections/bmw-e46-m3-brakes/products/bmw-e46-m3-brembo-4-pot-big-brake-kit
 
Matt.13 said:
I have just ordered the below. I think they will give a small upgrade in performance and look a lot better. My front are due a rebuild anyway so i thought i would give these a try.
https://freakyparts.co.uk/collections/bmw-e46-m3-brakes/products/bmw-e46-m3-brembo-4-pot-big-brake-kit
I'm sure the offset is slightly different on the front hub between the E46 and the zed, you may need modified brackets, keep an eye out for that :thumbsup:
 
Matt.13 said:
I have just ordered the below. I think they will give a small upgrade in performance and look a lot better. My front are due a rebuild anyway so i thought i would give these a try.

Hi Matt,

Thanks for rreply.
Lookslike the Porsche 996 calipers if im right ;).
Did you bought for front or for front and rear?
I think this setup (all around) isnt in line with the brake bias, but im not sure..
 
They are megan r.s calipers. I think they are quite common and are used on alot of car tbh. Yer bias will shift a little forward. I have only ordered the front as they dont make a rear kit yet. Loads of info on m3 cutters about them. For £700 i dont think they are a bad option tbh
 
RedUn said:
Matt.13 said:
I have just ordered the below. I think they will give a small upgrade in performance and look a lot better. My front are due a rebuild anyway so i thought i would give these a try.
https://freakyparts.co.uk/collections/bmw-e46-m3-brakes/products/bmw-e46-m3-brembo-4-pot-big-brake-kit
I'm sure the offset is slightly different on the front hub between the E46 and the zed, you may need modified brackets, keep an eye out for that :thumbsup:

Thanks. Ill have to wait and see if the brackets need modifying. Im hoping not.
 
I just test fitted the Freaky Parts kit with e92 M3 discs on my Z4M, the dust shield will need to go, and it looks like the disc will be very close to the lower wishbone. I ran out of time so I’ve not checked to see if there will be enough clearance once the dust shield is removed though.
 

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Martyn said:
No dice with the e92 M3 discs unfortunately :| 86E2D9AD-27D6-4ED5-B8E3-056D0E57A24C.jpeg
Fair play for having a go! :thumbsup:

You could probably buy some after market discs with the right offsets to fit your calipers?
 
I spoke to FreakyParts earlier in the week and they've agreed to swap the caliper brackets so I can just run the same setup but with the CSL discs.
 
Got the replacement brackets so I can use the stock discs, and everything fits fine, except for my CSL reps. A 3mm spacer provides just enough clearance, but a 5mm would be better tbh.
 
Good stuff . My kit arrived today . Will get it fitted over the winter. What size hex keys did you use on the bolts martyn ?
 
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