325is brake upgrade?

[Den]

Originally Posted by 96cali

So do I understand correctly that my 1999 vented brakes are the same as the 325/8 vented brakes so there is no e36 upgrade except for M3? I would have to go e46 325 to get a larger rotor? Will e46 330 brakes fit a 16" wheel?

There is a link to a great web page comparing all these otions but dang it all I can't find it!

You understand correctly. The Ti got 325/328 brakes starting 04/1998.
E46 325 setup will get you ~5% larger rotor with the exact same caliper + pads as the E36, which means no additional stopping power. You would gain nothing but extra weight and a bit more heat capacity in the rotor, which would be a factor only on the track. . .or maybe in the mountains.


This might be the thread you're looking for:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=531881

. . .want to put 330 front brakes on your car, be aware that you'll also have to switch to 17" (minimum) wheels and tires, which also increases the amount of unsprung weight.

My question is:
What is the weight of the E36 vented rotor vs. solid rotor?

[AutoM3otives]

about a 2.65lb increase from solid to vented...

[naustin]

For you guys that have upgraded to Stainless Steel brake lines: Have you noticed a difference in feel in braking solely because of that?

[DailyD]

Originally Posted by Den

My question is:
What is the weight of the E36 vented rotor vs. solid rotor?

Here is what was reported in this thread

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...ghlight=weight

[blndweasel]

Originally Posted by naustin

For you guys that have upgraded to Stainless Steel brake lines: Have you noticed a difference in feel in braking solely because of that?

Hey... I just finished my 330 brake upgrade today (finally) and also ran stainless lines throughout.

I would say that the difference isn't as noticeable as it is on most other applications. Reason being, the brake booster acts as a sort of buffer between the MC and the calipers.

On both my corvette, and on my motorcycle, I have upgraded to stainless lines, and the difference is definitely noticeable. However, both of those vehicles are manual brakes, no brake booster to dull the system's response. Very positive brake feel, and very sensitive modulation.

On the Ti, my thought is, if you need to replace the lines anyways, go with Stainless. Especially the lines from BAV auto, they have a protective plastic coating over the stainless weave to protect it from collecting grime. They're really nice. Check your fittings though, because one of my forward lines wasn't drilled at one of the fittings... effectively capped off my brakes at that caliper. Luckily I had a second set lying around.

The stainless lines don't include rubber silencers for the forward lines (the ones that clip into the strut). But you can easily cut the silencers off your old lines and install those.

Last thing, any set of 318 braided lines you buy, it seems are not specifically compatible with the Ti in this one sense: on the forward brake lines, the female thread doesn't have a wide bolster at the fitting, causing it to pop through the frame brake clip here. If you find an appropriately sized washer, you should be able to use it as a retainer clip. I just left mine slipped through the clip. Difficult to describe what I mean without a photo. Bottom line is eventually it will start squeaking once rust forms on the frame clip.

Worth $120? I dunno... Pretty sweet though.

[sculler2x]

I was at the junk yard today and could not get the calipers off. The reason was that the bolts were bigger than 15mm and smaller than 17mm. I don't have any16mm wrenches. What size are the bolts?

[Bobbak]

were you using the metric or standard

[maverick]

Originally Posted by sculler2x

I was at the junk yard today and could not get the calipers off. The reason was that the bolts were bigger than 15mm and smaller than 17mm. I don't have any16mm wrenches. What size are the bolts?

The bolts that hold the caliper brackets on these cars are 16mm head size and they are tight, so don't try and use something close. 16mm is usually not included in your average set of wrenches, especially bargin sets, but they are out there. I have a set of Hazet boxes that has one and my Ingersol-Rand impact set does as well...not sure I had one come with the Craftsman kit I have, I don't think so.

Maverick

[1996 328ti]

I usually need to use my jack handle on a breaker bar to loosen the bolt.
And that is after using some PB Blaster.

[sculler2x]

So this gives me an excuse to buy some more tools. I used my 1/2" drive working on my 5 series cars and know how hard I have to pull to get them off.

[ranster]

Hi Guys,

Just a short question!

Can i use the original 318ti brake reservoir tank with an E36 M3 master cylinder?
What about the pipes from the Master cylinders to the ABS pump?

Thanks !!
Ran

[jnande4176]

You know, you can keep from having to beat the snot out of your old rotors to release them from the hubs by cleaning the crap off the hubs with a wire brush and brake cleaner, then applying a high-heat pure copper anti-seize lubricant to the hubs. A little goes a long way with this stuff. You should be able to find it at your local autoparts store, like auto zone, etc. Makes life easier if you do your own brakes.
-Josh

[cali_guy_559]

Wait, I just need the caliper and the carrier right? Is this the carrier, or did I go too far and start removing the spindle out of a 325i without cause?

[1996 328ti]

That is not the carrier.
The carrier bolts onto the left facing the picture.

Fig 2 of the below.

[cali_guy_559]

Thanks. can't wait to buy some rims and put these on.