E46 M3 Big Brake Kit compatibility with Z4M

[GQM]

Hey fellas,

I'm posting to see if someone can weigh in on what exactly is different with the big brake kits that are specifically made for the E46 M3 but use the CSL/ZCP sized brake rotors. The one in question is the BMW M Performance caliper kit that uses the 135i 6 piston calipers. I've seen folks mention E46 M3 BBK's can be used on the Z4M but mention there were some minor part differences though it wasn't specified what was different and what was needed to make it work.

Just trying to confirm what I else I would need to be able to use an E46 M3 brake kit on my Z4 M.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...UaAvTDEALw_wcB

Thank you in advance!

[3002 tii]

I would stay away from anything developed by ECS. If they can’t get a drain plug right, I sure as hell would not use their rotors.

[Michael9218]

IIRC, the only difference is in the rear hoses.

[GQM]

Originally Posted by Michael9218

IIRC, the only difference is in the rear hoses.

Thank you! I didn't suspect it was much.

Anything different about the front kits though? Both ECS and Turner do not show compatibility of that kit for the Z4M. Though it is possible they just do not know. I bought a CPI e46 M3 resonated section 1 thinking I only have to cut and rotate the rear flanges per their website but rather I had to cut and reweld the entire thing to make it fit. When I spoke with Bimmerworld they said they never tried it on the Z4M because of how little of these cars there are floating around out there.

[3002 tii]

When I fitted the 996 m3 kit, everything bolted up and per Michael9218, I just had to get a shorter rear brake hose. Everything else bolted up fine. You’ll be fine with the fronts.

Re exhaust that sounds about right. Section 1 is definitely model specific which is why most just modify the OEM or look for the OEM Euro.

[maupineda]

I have those calipers on my M, the knuckle is different, and so there is a slight interference that require filing a bit of the upper ear for the caliper mount. the brackets are aluminum, which is a soft metal, so if you torque them down you will force them to sit flush. that is the only difference I can think off.

I used "Reboot Engineering" brackets, search them up. I bought the calipers new from BMW, and used exact fit braided lines from ECS.

price things up separate as you may save some money if you dont have to renew your rotors.

[GQM]

Originally Posted by maupineda

I have those calipers on my M, the knuckle is different, and so there is a slight interference that require filing a bit of the upper ear for the caliper mount. the brackets are aluminum, which is a soft metal, so if you torque them down you will force them to sit flush. that is the only difference I can think off.

I used "Reboot Engineering" brackets, search them up. I bought the calipers new from BMW, and used exact fit braided lines from ECS.

price things up separate as you may save some money if you dont have to renew your rotors.

Thank you!

[vt100]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I would stay away from anything developed by ECS. If they can’t get a drain plug right, I sure as hell would not use their rotors.

Thanks for mentioning that 3002 tii! I ordered those ECS plugs a while ago but didn't have opportunity to install them. Now they go straight to the garbage bin

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by vt100

Thanks for mentioning that 3002 tii! I ordered those ECS plugs a while ago but didn't have opportunity to install them. Now they go straight to the garbage bin

Just google ECS drain plug failure and you’ll see multiple hits. Not worth the risk imo.

[onebluemcm]

I recently looked into BBK options, beyond cobbling together Porsche or other parts that are known to work.

Turns out Wilwood makes a front and rear set for E46 M3 that will fit Z4 M very easily. Sine the rear is identical to the M3 I have no doubt there. The rear works with ebrake too, bonus.

With the front a tad different compared to M3, mainly the knuckle and strut mount, I made a jig to the dimensions of the Wilwood rotor and it clears everything perfectly, maybe better than on the M3 (have to cut less of the splash shield). Caliper mounts are identical.

https://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Br...=M3&option=All

https://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Br...=M3&option=All