Upgrading brakes on an E85 2.0i

[rick_bubu]

Hi all,
The brakes on my E85 2.0i are coming to the end of their life and need replacing. As I have aftermarket wheels on, I'm conscious of the smaller discs, that look a little naff.

I've been thinking of upgrading my brakes to ones from a 3 litre E85 as these will give me bigger discs for aesthetic purposes. And better stopping power can never be a bad thing, right?

I previously bought painted calipers and carriers from a 3.0i in readiness for this. I've booked the job with my BMW indy for 2 weeks time. He seems to think I just need discs and pads to go with the calipers and carriers. Is that correct? Would I need to change any sensors or hoses at the same time as well? What else would I need?

As for the discs and pads, a kind forum member previously suggested this kit - https://www.mtecbrakes.com/bmw-performance-brake-kit-10.html
Unfortunately this is out of stock. As I'm on a relative budget, any suggestions for similarly priced ones that wouldn't take forever to be shipped?

Lastly will my calipers and carriers from a 3.0i work with discs meant for a 3.0si (as I note the front discs are 325mm for the si, as opposed to 300mm for the 3.0i)?

Apologies for being a noob, and thanks in advance for your help

Regards
Rick

 

[kis]

This one will help

Yes, the upgrade will mean new discs and pads required. Unfortunately the 3.0si discs or pads won't work. You will need to use 300mm discs with complementary pads.

While you're there, yes it makes sense to replace the front brake hoses and brake wear sensor (only 1x sensor). They often break as they go brittle and partially fuse to the brake pad.
And might as well do a brake fluid change as well, this will complement the new brakes for better stopping power (unless you've already had it done recently).

 

[Umfaan]

Where you situated?

 

[kis]

Where you situated?

Just posted in buy and sell. Notts.

Would ideally prefer parts in brand new or barely used condition. I live in Nottingham, but tend to travel around most of Midlands and make trips to London at the weekend, so may be able to collect.

 

[rick_bubu]

Where you situated?

Nottingham

 

[rick_bubu]

Hi Kis,
Thanks for your reply. It was your original suggestion and PMs a couple of years ago that encouraged me to pull the trigger on buying the calipers and calipers in the first place.

Theres a fellow member selling discs, pads and hoses here -
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=141495

As per your link and what you've mentioned the 325mm front discs would not be compatible with my caliper and carriers from the 3.0i. The mtec website suggests that the rear discs and hoses he's selling should work as they also apply to the 3.0i.

The hoses he's selling are here on the mtec website
https://www.mtecbrakes.com/bmw-z4-2-2-3-0-not-m-2003-zinc-plated-mtec-performance-brake-hoses.html
Would this cover all I'll need? I can get the indy to source and fit the sensors as appropriate I'm thinking.

Appreciate your help
Regards
Rick

 

[patriot66]

Hi rick_bubu. I'm fairly sure the 2.0i also only has single thickness, non-ventilated discs on the rear. My 2.5i had these as standard and if you have the option of fitting some ventilated 3.0i rear discs and calipers I would highly recommend you do so. Much better heat dissipation and stopping power

 

[rick_bubu]

Thanks! that's the idea - to go with the bigger ventilated discs meant for the 3.0i all round with the calipers and carriers from a 3.0i as well.

 

[bigwinn]

I’ve got a set of 300mm discs and pads I think

Based Lincoln

 

[patriot66]

Thanks! that's the idea - to go with the bigger ventilated discs meant for the 3.0i all round with the calipers and carriers from a 3.0i as well.

 

[rick_bubu]

I’ve got a set of 300mm discs and pads I think

Based Lincoln

I think the fronts for a 3.0i are meant to be 300mm and rears 294. Is that what you have? What make are they?
Id be happy to visit Lincoln possibly at the weekend

Regards
Rick

 

[kis]

Hi Kis,
Thanks for your reply. It was your original suggestion and PMs a couple of years ago that encouraged me to pull the trigger on buying the calipers and calipers in the first place.

Hey bud, glad I ended up talking you into it even if it took a few years?! Haha

Most hoses should work. I’d check real oem for part numbers and comparability. You’ll probably find e46 ones might be cheaper.

Good luck with the project, any extra stopping power is only a good thing IMO

 

[rick_bubu]

Thanks for the kind advice Kis. Also to Stuart for offering the front discs and pads. New brakes all fitted on the car. Sadly she also needed a brake servo, vaccum pump and handbrake mechanism, which has been an unwelcome expense!
Need to save up to get the wheels refurbed next. Will post some pics after.
Thanks again all!

Regards
Rick