Z4 3.0i brake upgrade

J

JimExpl

Member
I've just done my first track day in the Z4 and experienced how poor the standard brakes are when asked to do a bit of work. I'm going to put uprated mintex pads and 5.1 fluid in before my next outing, but if this isn't sufficient what's the next step?
Would M3 or M3 CSL brakes fit, and would there be enough clearance behind the 17" alloys that I'm running?

I don't want to spend mega bucks as I'm not trying to turn the Z4 into a track car, but I do like to have a bit of fun, and with the standard sports suspension and balanced handling its pretty well suited for a bit of track work. At Bedford on Friday I could only manage one full on lap before the pedal went soft. Taking it easy at the two hard braking points meant that I could do about 10 laps before a soft pedal, but that's not really what you're there for!

James
 
Standard brakes are fine but they are not really track suited.

The 17" rims will be the problem and stop most upgrades.

Probably the simplest aside pads and fluid is the one I did to fit the larger calipers and rotors on the front from and E46 330 (petrol or diesel). They increase if from IIRC 294 to 330 and are a straight bolt on using the E46 carriers. Add some decent aftermarket discs and pads and job done (I used EBC grooved). You'd need to check if they fit 17" as I run 18"

There's a project write up on here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8399&hilit=e46+brake+upgrade that I followed
 
cj10jeeper said:
Standard brakes are fine but they are not really track suited.
The 17" rims will be the problem and stop most upgrades.
Probably the simplest aside pads and fluid is the one I did to fit the larger calipers and rotors on the front from and E46 330 (petrol or diesel). They increase if from IIRC 294 to 330 and are a straight bolt on using the E46 carriers. Add some decent aftermarket discs and pads and job done (I used EBC grooved). You'd need to check if they fit 17" as I run 18"
There's a project write up on here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8399&hilit=e46+brake+upgrade that I followed
Click to expand...

Thanks for that.
I'm pretty sure that they'd fit behind the 17s as that's the standard size wheel for a 330. I don't really want to put 18s on as the car spends all of its life being parked against nasty granite kerbs in London and damage is inevitable, I wouldn't want any more grip at the back from a wider tyre and I'm thinking about purchasing a second set of 17s and fitting some track day tyres to them (toyo R888 or yoko A048).
Does any one have any that they'd like a few £ for?
 
I'm sure they would fit and indeed am after a 17" spacesaver spare when I find one with the right offset.
You get closer to interference problems subject to rim style and offset so just need to check that.

I know they are well clear on 18'sm but understand the reasons not to go larger.
 
I rekon the CSL brakes might be worth looking at as there are loads around for not *that* much because alot of CSL owners move to AP racing kit and want to sell on their old stuff.

Seems to always be a few sets for sale on Pistonheads for not that much really.


No idea if they fit easily though :(

Dave
 
I have changed the pads to carbon mettallic compound and never experienced any brake issues affter. (Depend on how fast and long the track is). İf you do not want to hasle with some new brake kits changing the pads, SS lines and changing the fluid makes some significant difference.

On the other hand, my 3.0 has the M suspension. I was very happy with it until my 4th or 5th time to track. Those bushes tend to get soft and mushy very quickly, at the end my suspension top mounts are blown too. So, becareful and do not force it too much I guess I will end up purchasing a set of coilover, some thicker sways, TMS sway bars links and will change all the bushes to polyurathane. I am currently very happy with my brakes and the suspension is the weakest link :headbang:
 
Memo said:
I have changed the pads to carbon mettallic compound and never experienced any brake issues affter. (Depend on how fast and long the track is). İf you do not want to hasle with some new brake kits changing the pads, SS lines and changing the fluid makes some significant difference.
On the other hand, my 3.0 has the M suspension. I was very happy with it until my 4th or 5th time to track. Those bushes tend to get soft and mushy very quickly, at the end my suspension top mounts are blown too. So, becareful and do not force it too much I guess I will end up purchasing a set of coilover, some thicker sways, TMS sway bars links and will change all the bushes to polyurathane. I am currently very happy with my brakes and the suspension is the weakest link :headbang:
Click to expand...

The joys of trying to take something on the track that wasn't really intended to do so! If I had the time/space I wouldn't bother with the Z on the track, but at the moment it's my most suitable car.
I don't intend on going over the top with the upgrades. The front bushes were replaced with genuine items when I bought the car c. 3,000 miles ago. I will replace them with poly ones when they are tired.
How quickly do the top mounts go?
 
Sorry for the late reply

My car is a 2003 with 38000km. I am the first owner. The car has not seen any track usage until last year.
The mounts went bad 3 weeks ago during a track day ( at least that is when I have noticed it). My first exit was pretty fun and consistent, however the exit was a nightmare. The Z's handling transformed to an E class MB. So I quit the race start investigating the car, the front top mounts were gone. I still haven't replaced them so I might be able to take some pictures If you would like.

As for the symtoms I can't recall anything other than the funny handling. People asked me if they made any noise etc. To tell the truth I did not hear anything :|

Since I will be replacing these I am looking for some aftermarket parts or even a complete suspension revision. ? Any ıdeas are welcome?
 
I'd read what Simpson Motorsport did to their car, and then go to Centre of Gravity in the Midlands and get it setup really nicely :)

Dave
 
Memo said:
I have changed the pads to carbon mettallic compound and never experienced any brake issues affter.
Click to expand...

What brand/make did you go for? & where did you get these pads?

Cheers
-Matt
 
mattp85 said:
Memo said:
I have changed the pads to carbon mettallic compound and never experienced any brake issues affter.
Click to expand...

What brand/make did you go for? & where did you get these pads?

Cheers
-Matt
Click to expand...


Performance Friction Brakes. Curtis from this forum have shipped them all the way to Turkey. I assume there were supplied from UK.? Excellent pads. He might give more info about them and he works at Simpsonmotorsports.
 
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