Brakes....

B

Ben.

Active member
 East Midlands
I know :roll: , this has been covered time and time again...

I have been looking at getting some better brakes as the last track day destroyed the pads and the front discs are nearly done.
I was so surprised at how bad the standard brakes were on the track. There wern't many cars at the track day that had the standard ones on...

I am really interested to see what you guys have gone for (I'm not going to upgrage the actual brake system)

So, this is what I have found today:

Standard Brakes:
Front: 300mm Vented
Rear: 294mm Vented

Disk Upgrades Available for FRONT:

EBC Standard Brake Disc
Diameter: 300mm
Part Number: D932
Price Each: £41.31 http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com

EBC Turbo Groove Brake Disc
Diameter: 300mm
Part Number: GD932
Price Each: £70.33 http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com

BLACK DIAMOND
Part Number: KBD976-CD-F
Part No.KBD976-CD-F
Disc Type Vented
Surface Cross-Drilled
Diameter 300
Depth 22
Width 20.4
Price: £143.15 (Pair) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

BLACK DIAMOND
Part No.KBD976-COM-F
Disc Type Vented
Surface Grooved/Drilled
Diameter 300
Depth 22
Width 20.4
Price: £157.88 (Pair) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

Brembo Discs –
Drilled - Front
BDF - BMW
Product Code: BR.FD.091.000
Cost: £238.94 (Pair) http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk

Pads Upgrade Available for FRONT:

EBC
Part No.DP21211
Car3.0 '03 on
Compound Green
Front
Price: £52.52 (Per Axle) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

Disk Upgrades Available for REAR:

EBC Standard Brake Disc
Diameter: 294mm
Part Number: D7196
Price Each: £70.37 http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com

EBC Turbo Groove Brake Disc
Diameter: 294mm
Part Number: GD7196
Price Each: £92.78 http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com

BLACK DIAMOND
Part No.KBD977-COM-R
Disc Type Vented
Surface Grooved/Drilled
Diameter 294
Depth 19
Width 17
Price: £171.28 (Pair) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

BLACK DIAMOND
Part No.KBD977-G12-R
Type Vented
Surface Grooved
Diameter 294
Depth 19
Width 17
Price: 157.39 (Pair) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

EBC Brakes
Turbo Groove Discs - Rear
EBC TGR - BMW
Product Code: GD7196
Vented discs: 5 bolt holes.
294mm diameter.
75mm height.
19mm thick.
Price: £185.55 (Pair) http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk

Pads Upgrade Available for REAR:

EBC
Part No. DP21289
Car 3.0 '03 on
Compound Green
Rear
Price £41.98 (Per Axle) http://www.performancecentre.co.uk

Summary: :D

EBC Turbo Groove Brake Disc FRONT
£140.66

EBC Green Stuff Set FRONT
Price: £52.52

EBC Turbo Groove Brake Disc REAR
£185.56

EBC Green Stuff Set REAR
Price: £41.98

Total Upgrade Cost: : £420.72 :o
 
Are EBC Green Stuff the best pads for improving braking whilst also reducing brake dust? I've seen them mentioned elsewhere and my fronts are due for replacement in the next month or two.
 
Spud said:
Are EBC Green Stuff the best pads for improving braking whilst also reducing brake dust? I've seen them mentioned elsewhere and my fronts are due for replacement in the next month or two.
Click to expand...

Spud i had them on my last car and yes they do reduce dust which was a bonus for me driving an Auto but would not say the braking was any better and they were not good from cold so when i change my pads on Saturday gonna stick with OEM
 
if your going to track again dont bother with greenstuff pads, i did and whilst they did a decent job they did limit my track time, after my first run one of the rear pads was giving off some smoke :lol: after a couple of laps they get a bit spongey, but i did manage to work out how best to break and turn off dsc to make them last a bit longer. i have the ultimax discs rather that the turbo and they have been fine so far, i went for those as they are suppose to be quieter plus i like the design a bit more.

ive got this link bookmarked for the ebc part number for yellow stuff pads http://www.ruderacing.co.uk/m60/Yellowstuff/p440970/Yellowstuff_Pads_for_BMW_Z4_(2003+)/product_info.html

i took the view to upgrade and see how i go rather than diving in and buying something like brembo, i think all i need is better pads.

if your not looking to do trackdays then the greenstuff pads are fine, much less dust and cleaning the wheels is easier. ive posted a thred asking for people opinions on the greenstuff pads, might be worth looking at if it gets any replies
 
GAZA62 said:
Spud said:
Are EBC Green Stuff the best pads for improving braking whilst also reducing brake dust? I've seen them mentioned elsewhere and my fronts are due for replacement in the next month or two.
Click to expand...

Spud i had them on my last car and yes they do reduce dust which was a bonus for me driving an Auto but would not say the braking were any better and they were not good from cold so when i change my pads on Saturday gonna stick with OEM
Click to expand...
 
IIRC the green stuff pads are direct OEM replacement, so you'll be experiencing brake fad from over heated pads at about the same time as the OEM. The Red & Yellow stuff are a higher temp pad,, though I think they will produce more dust as well. That said, I have no direct experience with EBC pads, just relating info from the little research I've done plus what other people on this forum have said. Getting some slotted rotors would help with the heating. Drilled are ok, but track people have told me that drilled are more prone to cracking.

For track days your best bet is a better pad, some higher quality brake fluid like Motel RBF 600 or ATE super blue. If you want more stopping power consider bigger brakes.

I've been considering (and will probably do it) getting a set of rotors and pads specifically for the track. It's easy enough to swap pads and rotors prior to the track day, my only problem would be getting to and from the track as race pads don't do too well when they are cold.
 
klarky said:
if your going to track again dont bother with greenstuff pads, i did and whilst they did a decent job they did limit my track time, after my first run one of the rear pads was giving off some smoke :lol: after a couple of laps they get a bit spongey, but i did manage to work out how best to break and turn off dsc to make them last a bit longer. i have the ultimax discs rather that the turbo and they have been fine so far, i went for those as they are suppose to be quieter plus i like the design a bit more.

ive got this link bookmarked for the ebc part number for yellow stuff pads http://www.ruderacing.co.uk/m60/Yellowstuff/p440970/Yellowstuff_Pads_for_BMW_Z4_(2003+)/product_info.html

i took the view to upgrade and see how i go rather than diving in and buying something like brembo, i think all i need is better pads.

if your not looking to do trackdays then the greenstuff pads are fine, much less dust and cleaning the wheels is easier. ive posted a thred asking for people opinions on the greenstuff pads, might be worth looking at if it gets any replies
Click to expand...

Thanks Klarky

Now I look again I see what you mean about the EBC Ultimax Sport Slotted Brake Disc, they look really good - and the same price.
I will be doing more track days without a doubt, I will take your advice and look at Yellow not Green.
:thumbsup:
 
I have been recommended PAGID or Mintex pads as being very good. The PAGID are expensive though and can squeal when warm but apparently they are excellent and good for track days & everyday use. Not had them myself though :D (not sure they make them for Z4 not checked)
 
pagid are ones ive seen mentioned too, but price wise a bit much for me. it looks like it will be about £100 for a set of yellowstuff pads that ill try in the new year as ive got a good bit of like left in my current pads.
 
Ben,

Shame you have decided not to upgrade any part of the system as the conversion to E46 330 front set up makes a huge difference (all to do with sizre of caliper, mechanical legerage of greater dimaeter, etc.) and all you will be spending is an extra £100 or so ont he new calipers (and a bit of time sourcing them). There's nothing else needed and the balance remaisn the same as this is the facelift conversion sizes.

Next EBC- the turbo discs are very noisy. I opted for the Ultimax and they can still drone under certain conditions but are good.

EBC Green stuff. I run these and they are great pads, but since you focus is track go up a stage. Guys above have posted good suggestions.
 
I havn't found any Yellow Stuff yet... Just Red and Green?

Here is how I see it at the moment... :o

Part No: USR932 FRONT
EBC Ultimax Brake Discs (Pair)

Part No: USR7196 REAR
EBC Ultimax Brake Discs (Pair)

Redstuff Ceramic Pad
Part No: DP31211C
EBC Brake Pads FRONT Set

Redstuff Ceramic Pad
Part No: DP31289C
EBC Brake Pads REAR Set


www.brakes4u.co.uk
Total Cost: £436.25
Shipping is Free

www.ebcbrakesdirect.com
Total Cost: £436.25
Shipping is Included

www.ebcbrakes.biz
Total Cost: £414.44
 
cj10jeeper said:
Ben,

Shame you have decided not to upgrade any part of the system as the conversion to E46 330 front set up makes a huge difference (all to do with sizre of caliper, mechanical legerage of greater dimaeter, etc.) and all you will be spending is an extra £100 or so ont he new calipers (and a bit of time sourcing them). There's nothing else needed and the balance remaisn the same as this is the facelift conversion sizes.

Next EBC- the turbo discs are very noisy. I opted for the Ultimax and they can still drone under certain conditions but are good.

EBC Green stuff. I run these and they are great pads, but since you focus is track go up a stage. Guys above have posted good suggestions.
Click to expand...

Cheers CJ
I have read your write up a couple of times and if I'm honest, just can't be bothered with the work required. (I have a very busy and expensive year comong up).
Ultimax look like the way forward then :thumbsup:
 
Ben,
I've gone for EBC turbo groove discs all round with yellow stuff pads as I want to do more track days. Can't give you feedback as have been too busy to fit them.If I still find them wanting, I shall have a go at cj10jeeper's 330 disc upgrade.Marcus.
 
bigshurv said:
Ben,
I've gone for EBC turbo groove discs all round with yellow stuff pads as I want to do more track days. Can't give you feedback as have been too busy to fit them.If I still find them wanting, I shall have a go at cj10jeeper's 330 disc upgrade.Marcus.
Click to expand...

I can't take credit for the concept. I just followed a well trodden upgrade path to get the prefacelift up to a higher spec. :)
 
My 2.5i has solid rear discs. Can I have OEM vented discs without modifying the calipers? But I think the thickness of solid disc may be thinner vented discs. Are the rear brakes apart from discs same as the ones on 2.5si?
 
there was a group buy a while back and a fellow member found the following contact that would provide EBC pads and disc for around £300 (probably going to be more as it's just you, but doubt it'll be £120 more).

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12704&hilit=brakes+group&start=45#p192290
 
ksher said:
My 2.5i has solid rear discs. Can I have OEM vented discs without modifying the calipers? But I think the thickness of solid disc may be thinner vented discs. Are the rear brakes apart from discs same as the ones on 2.5si?
Click to expand...

Can't help you on the rears as the 3.0i has ventilated rears as standard that are the same as the facelift, so I made no changes. For sure you would need different calipers to as the disk will be around 50% thicker, so unlikley to take new pads and wider disk.

Have a search because I'm sure on the forum someone posted all the relative disc sizes by model.

Back to Bens post now ....
 
cj10jeeper said:
bigshurv said:
Ben,
I've gone for EBC turbo groove discs all round with yellow stuff pads as I want to do more track days. Can't give you feedback as have been too busy to fit them.If I still find them wanting, I shall have a go at cj10jeeper's 330 disc upgrade.Marcus.
Click to expand...

I can't take credit for the concept. I just followed a well trodden upgrade path to get the prefacelift up to a higher spec. :)
Click to expand...

I can't really justify £400 to be honest!
I will probably go for just the Discs and Pads - if that doesn't work.... get an "M" :thumbsup:
 
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