Brakes

kav · 04-10-2016, 11:32 AM

I'm in the process of deciding between replacing the pads and rotors on my z4m or going with the Stoptech setup.

The OEM brakes have been so good, even at the track, it has been a hard decision.

I've been reading about remanufactured and rebuilding oem calipers.

In figuring out my options, is rebuilding or replacing the calipers needed? I've got 25,000 miles including about 5-7 track days.

dschultz · 04-10-2016, 11:58 AM

Make sure there are no leaks, the dust boots aren't cracked or torn, and the guide pins are in good shape. Unless you suspect the caliper bore itself is damaged there's not much reason to go reman. That's unlikely unless there's serious rust. If you take a caliper apart once you'll see how simple they are. I replaced o-rings and dust boots at around 60k miles. I suspect they had never been touched before that.

Imo, The OEM brakes are pretty bulletproof. Weakest link on track are the pads. Stock and "street performance" pads aren't up to hard track use. Needless to say, I don't have a bbk, and lots of people love them, but I don't think reliability is a reason to switch.

Shipkiller · 04-11-2016, 05:24 PM

With over 75 track days on my ///M, I still run stock brakes... and I can slow down as fast or faster than the guys with a BBK... Of course I run brass caliper bushings and I have a set of Zimmerman 'track only' rotors, and depending on the track I run either PFC08's or PFC11's for pads.

At 60K, this year, I pulled the calipers and replaced the caliper seals and dust boots, more for preventive maintenance than anything else. I had some tearing in the front dust boots, most likely due to heat. The front caliper seals are a breeze to replace. The rears not so much, until I found a little $2.00 tool at HomeDepo, and then it was a snap.

There was absolutely no corrosion on the caliper pucks. I feel this is because the entire brake system is flushed at least once a year, due to track prep and maintenance.

04-10-2016, 11:32 AM	#1
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Brakes - rebuilding I'm in the process of deciding between replacing the pads and rotors on my z4m or going with the Stoptech setup. The OEM brakes have been so good, even at the track, it has been a hard decision. I've been reading about remanufactured and rebuilding oem calipers. In figuring out my options, is rebuilding or replacing the calipers needed? I've got 25,000 miles including about 5-7 track days.
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04-10-2016, 11:58 AM	#2
dschultz Private First Class 26 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Make sure there are no leaks, the dust boots aren't cracked or torn, and the guide pins are in good shape. Unless you suspect the caliper bore itself is damaged there's not much reason to go reman. That's unlikely unless there's serious rust. If you take a caliper apart once you'll see how simple they are. I replaced o-rings and dust boots at around 60k miles. I suspect they had never been touched before that. Imo, The OEM brakes are pretty bulletproof. Weakest link on track are the pads. Stock and "street performance" pads aren't up to hard track use. Needless to say, I don't have a bbk, and lots of people love them, but I don't think reliability is a reason to switch.
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04-11-2016, 05:24 PM	#3
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	With over 75 track days on my ///M, I still run stock brakes... and I can slow down as fast or faster than the guys with a BBK... Of course I run brass caliper bushings and I have a set of Zimmerman 'track only' rotors, and depending on the track I run either PFC08's or PFC11's for pads. At 60K, this year, I pulled the calipers and replaced the caliper seals and dust boots, more for preventive maintenance than anything else. I had some tearing in the front dust boots, most likely due to heat. The front caliper seals are a breeze to replace. The rears not so much, until I found a little $2.00 tool at HomeDepo, and then it was a snap. There was absolutely no corrosion on the caliper pucks. I feel this is because the entire brake system is flushed at least once a year, due to track prep and maintenance.
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