Front brake upgrades

E

Ebt

Member
Hi has any one upgraded the front brake calipers on the e85 mine is on a 55 plate and looking to see what people have done as can not find any think thanks
 
There are a few options for the front brakes on the E85/E86 (non-M) Z4s:
  • Keep/refurb calipers and upgrade pads and discs.
  • Buy an "off the shelf" BBK such as K-Sport, Stoptech, VMaxx.
  • Create a custom system by buying some upgraded calipers (4 pot Brembos are a common upgrade) and some adapter brackets.

I personally went for the 3rd option as it worked out slightly cheaper and I could spec exactly what I wanted.

Here is my system at the fronts:

PXL_20210528_153926398 (1).jpg

I went for the following:
  • Brembo 4 pot calipers from a Megane 3 RS
  • Adapter brackets to fit these calipers to the Z4
  • MTEC grooved vented coated discs (325mm)
  • HEL braided brake lines
  • Carbotech XP8 pads

PXL_20210528_094804578.jpg
 
TheDan said:
I went for the following:
  • Brembo 4 pot calipers from a Megane 3 RS
  • Adapter brackets to fit these calipers to the Z4
  • MTEC grooved vented coated discs (325mm)
  • HEL braided brake lines
  • Carbotech XP8 pads

PXL_20210528_094804578.jpg
Click to expand...

Where did you get the brackets just out of interest? - Been considering something like this for mine. I have upgraded discs and pads at the moment OP which is definitely an improvement over stock

Cheers

James
 
its probably worth asking, what are you trying to achieve? are you actually after better braking performance (say for track work) or just something that looks better behind the wheel spokes?
 
brillomaster said:
its probably worth asking, what are you trying to achieve? are you actually after better braking performance (say for track work) or just something that looks better behind the wheel spokes?
Click to expand...

Good shout. I just assumed anyone asking for front brake upgrades is wanting better braking. It never occurs to me people are after aesthetic brake upgrades.

JamesClements said:
Where did you get the brackets just out of interest? - Been considering something like this for mine. I have upgraded discs and pads at the moment OP which is definitely an improvement over stock
Click to expand...

I actually got the calipers, brackets and bolts from this Polish company and is the same system Liam22 currently uses.
https://k-system.pro/en/product/bmw...t-conversion-kit-megane-3-rs-calipers-325x25/

If I'd known someone who works in a machine shop or a decent machine shop near me I'd have bought the calipers separately, measured everything up, CADed up a design for the brackets and got them fabricated. But this was only slightly more expensive.
 
TheDan said:
JamesClements said:
Where did you get the brackets just out of interest? - Been considering something like this for mine. I have upgraded discs and pads at the moment OP which is definitely an improvement over stock
Click to expand...

I actually got the calipers, brackets and bolts from this Polish company and is the same system Liam22 currently uses.
https://k-system.pro/en/product/bmw...t-conversion-kit-megane-3-rs-calipers-325x25/

If I'd known someone who works in a machine shop or a decent machine shop near me I'd have bought the calipers separately, measured everything up, CADed up a design for the brackets and got them fabricated. But this was only slightly more expensive.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think the price is pretty reasonable might looking into getting a some brackets made up, there's quite a few machine shops near us we use at work, cheers for the info :thumbsup:
 
Hi thank you the Dan I will looking to do the same as you the 3rd option where did you get the bracket for the calipers mate
 
TheDan said:
Here is my system at the fronts:

  • Brembo 4 pot calipers from a Megane 3 RS
  • Adapter brackets to fit these calipers to the Z4
  • MTEC grooved vented coated discs (325mm)
  • HEL braided brake lines
  • Carbotech XP8 pads
Click to expand...

I notice on the site you've referenced, that the cost Megane and Clio callipers are the same. Did you take a look into the pros and cons between the two? I'd imagine the Megane pads will be more expensive than the Clio? But do they offer better performance? i.e. why did you go for the Megane's in the end? :)
 
kis said:
I notice on the site you've referenced, that the cost Megane and Clio callipers are the same. Did you take a look into the pros and cons between the two? I'd imagine the Megane pads will be more expensive than the Clio? But do they offer better performance? i.e. why did you go for the Megane's in the end?
Click to expand...

There wasn't a huge amount in it to be honest, but in the end there were 2 main reasons I went for the Megane over the Clio:
  • The Megane 3 RS is heavier and has a slightly larger pad size. So braking performance will be slightly better than that of the Clio 3 RS.
  • Liam22 has been using the Megane 3 RS system in races, therefore I knew someone who has had experience with these "in anger" so was pretty confident they would suit my needs.
 
I like the idea of the Megane’s as there’s no need for a spacer. All other set ups need some sort of spacer afaik. @TheDan you’re not using a spacer are you?!
 
kis said:
I like the idea of the Megane’s as there’s no need for a spacer. All other set ups need some sort of spacer afaik. @TheDan you’re not using a spacer are you?!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I am mate. I had to fit a 10mm spacer to give enough clearance to the Megane's Brembos. This is with MV2s, I am not sure if you'd need more or less with other styles.
 
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