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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

How-To articles are in here.
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B21
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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

Post by B21 » Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:17 pm

Given the passage of time I thought I'd refresh /update /add to the options now available.

There are a number of options

Upgrade within known E89 family eg 35is rear brake on other models

BMW family upgrades eg using F series Brembo calipers

Non BMW family ugrades eg using Ford Mustang calipers

Custom designs from Alcon, Ceika, PB brakes etc

I've created a table with a wealth of calculations looking at various aspects including brake forces, master cylinder issues and front/rear balance.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f23ccya8 ... yen0z&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rt7ceuw6 ... l74bi&dl=0

I've covered all the E89 permutations, F series Brembo 4 pot fronts in 340/370/380mm, E90 Brembo 6 pot fronts, Mustang GT350 Brembo fronts, Alcon CP8520 fronts and B21 5 series 345/370mm rear and PB Brakes 6 pot 356mm rear for E89

For the sad bunnies some very interesting data.

What the data doesn't show /can't easily show is

Thermal capacity and heat dissipation of both discs and pads
Impact of changing pad material /type

More to follow
“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”….
One of 258 Atacama Yellow 35is…165 modifications and updates…and counting.. :tumbleweed:

The.Analyst
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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

Post by The.Analyst » Wed Feb 26, 2025 5:14 pm

Do you have nothing to do with your time ?

Great piece of work

Interesting to see what you assume is not so
Spending time with a 35i, previous convictions: Fiat 20V Turbo Coupe, TVR Chimera, Jaguar XKR, Porsche 997 C4S

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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

Post by B21 » Wed Feb 26, 2025 8:13 pm

The.Analyst wrote: Wed Feb 26, 2025 5:14 pm Do you have nothing to do with your time ?

Great piece of work

Interesting to see what you assume is not so
Yes a few surprises in there when you do the maths…essentially the answer is bigger diameter discs then bigger / more pistons.. :thumbsup:
“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”….
One of 258 Atacama Yellow 35is…165 modifications and updates…and counting.. :tumbleweed:

LittleBlackHawk
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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

Post by LittleBlackHawk » Fri Apr 18, 2025 3:35 am

this is an excellent work. would it be possible to add Brembo GT6 to the chart? Thank you very much.

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The definitive guide to BMW Z4 E89 big brake kits

Post by B21 » Fri Apr 18, 2025 11:07 am

LittleBlackHawk wrote: Fri Apr 18, 2025 3:35 am this is an excellent work. would it be possible to add Brembo GT6 to the chart? Thank you very much.
Do you have a link to a 'GT6'? :tumbleweed:
“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”….
One of 258 Atacama Yellow 35is…165 modifications and updates…and counting.. :tumbleweed:

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