Let's talk brakes...

[mikeo]

The new front brakes for the 135i referred to in the press release sound like they will definitely get the job done. Anyone know anything about this setup?

When people ride in my E36 M3 the first thing they comment on are the great brakes.

[imported_MPower]

We wont know anything until people start taking a look at the car in detail. All I know is that the setup is definitely unique to the 135i. I cant remember the last time BMW offered more than 2 pistons on their brakes.

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by MPower

We wont know anything until people start taking a look at the car in detail. All I know is that the setup is definitely unique to the 135i. I cant remember the last time BMW offered more than 2 pistons on their brakes.

Were the E46 M3 Comp package front brakes 6-piston?

[335i=:)]

I bet we can just replace the rotors and brake lines/fluid and get some serious results.

[strtfghtr]

Originally Posted by 335ito135i

I bet we can just replace the rotors and brake lines/fluid and get some serious results.

How will we know what needs to be replaced/why replace if the stock is asskicking...

Until specs are released on the 135i replacing the braking components makes no sense.

[mikeo]

It looks like we'll get serious results from the OE setup to me. if you track it just upgrade the fluid and swap pads at the track.

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by mikeo

Were the E46 M3 Comp package front brakes 6-piston?

If I remember correctly, the M3 CS got the CSL's brakes which were nothing more than enlarged, cross-dilled rotors. Which means that it retained the M3's single-piston actuation. Take a look at this picture, and it is clear that those arent even close to 6-piston brakes:

[Wiggum]

I'm pretty sure it's going to out brake anything in it's class, and is going to set some record with 6 piston calipers and 3200LBs...

Realistically, with the M package, i don't even know if i'll modify the suspension, and I'll modify anything

[Drillslinger]

Another thing to take note of is that the Press release said 6 piston fixed calipers :thumbup:

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

Another thing to take note of is that the Press release said 6 piston fixed calipers :thumbup:

As opposed to floating? Ed-u-ma-cate me.

[Drillslinger]

I'm no expert but a quick, off-the-top-of-my-head comparison would be... Floating = OEM Design, Fixed = BREMBO BBK's :biggrin:

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by mikeo

As opposed to floating? Ed-u-ma-cate me.

From Wikipedia:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

A fixed caliper does not move relative to the disc. It uses one or more pairs of pistons to clamp from each side of the disc, and is more complex and expensive than a floating caliper. A floating caliper (also called a "sliding caliper") moves with respect to the disc; a piston on one side of the disc pushes the inner brake pad until it makes contact with the braking surface, then pulls the caliper body with the outer brake pad so pressure is applied to both sides of the disc.

[Drillslinger]

OK, quick look at How Stuff Works leads me to believe that a floating caliper has the piston on the inboard side and as pressure is applied, the inner pad meets the disc first, as the piston extends further, the caliper shifts inboard and the outboard pad "floats" inward and meets the disc.
A fixed caliper is (I think) unmoving and has a piston (or in this case 3) inboard and outboard which presses the pads in towards the disc.

Did that make any sense??

[Drillslinger]

Crap! All that typing (OK, all that Babble) and MPower beats me to it (and with a better explanation I might add)

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

OK, quick look at How Stuff Works leads me to believe that a floating caliper has the piston on the inboard side and as pressure is applied, the inner pad meets the disc first, as the piston extends further, the caliper shifts inboard and the outboard pad "floats" inward and meets the disc.
A fixed caliper is (I think) unmoving and has a piston (or in this case 3) inboard and outboard which presses the pads in towards the disc.

Did that make any sense??

Actually, that was great description.

[Drillslinger]

Flattery will get you everywhere Sir

[mikeo]

They were both very helpful. Thanks, gentlemen.

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

I'd just like to see the 60-0 distance with the 6 piston calipers. Also, Don't forget the rear is twin piston calipers. Mercedes-Benz had a C-class recently that had a 108 foot stopping distance, and I've seen Porsches at 99 feet. I've seen the 335i listed at 114 feet.

Here's hoping that brake setup will be offered on a 128i M-sport.

[eMINI]

Nobody appreciates the value of great brakes more than I do, but if they'd just shave a few more pounds off this baby... the trick brakes wouldn't be needed. Or, they could do both! $35K supercar:roundel:

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

I'd just like to see the 60-0 distance with the 6 piston calipers. Also, Don't forget the rear is twin piston calipers. Mercedes-Benz had a C-class recently that had a 108 foot stopping distance, and I've seen Porsches at 99 feet. I've seen the 335i listed at 114 feet.

With any decent brakes on new cars today, 60-0 distance times are limited by tire traction. Think about it, as soon as antilock brakes kick in, the tires are at their maximum traction limit. The car will only stop as fast as the tires can provide traction. Six piston calipers will most useful during hot laps on road courses, where heat will be a factor.

[imported_tdc]

The M-Sport 6-piston brakes are indeed Brembo. This was made clear to us that were in attendance at a BMW employee event in the middle of June.

[eMINI]

Originally Posted by alex2364

With any decent brakes on new cars today, 60-0 distance times are limited by tire traction. Think about it, as soon as antilock brakes kick in, the tires are at their maximum traction limit. The car will only stop as fast as the tires can provide traction. Six piston calipers will most useful during hot laps on road courses, where heat will be a factor.

Good point! I'll go 90% with you on this one. I agree that the tires are crucial (being the interface to the pavement and all that). I'd also agree that big brake kits often don't provide any significant improvement on a single stop over a simple pad upgrade. But their ability to handle more heat, as in a track session or other repeated hard use, is where they really shine.

I guess I only take issue with the idea that engaging the ABS is the shortest stopping technique. For many people it may well be, but if the driver can modulate the brakes effectively, keeping the tires right at the threshold of lockup, stopping distances are measurably shorter than what ABS can accomplish. Threshold braking may be more easily and consistently acheived with the multi-piston, fixed caliper system on the 135 coupe. If so, this is a worthwhile improvement and not a marketing gimmick.

I think, if nothing else, I've convinced myself.