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BMW Front Brakes (318ti vs 328 vs M3 vs e46)

Author : eMotors.ca Posted on : 05/11/2004
Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Brakes
 
Upgrading e36(non-M) Front Brakes



General Information:



  1. e36 318ti (up to early 1998), some 316s
    Caliper: 54mm piston
    Rotor: 286x12mm
    Rim size: 15+"


  2. All e36 3xx models (except in 1. and M3)
    Caliper: 54mm piston
    Rotor: 286x22mm
    Rim size: 15+"
    (Rear rotors: 280x10mm)


  3. e36 ///M (M3, MCoupe, MRoadster)
    Caliper: 60mm
    Rotor: 315x28mm
    Rim size: 17+" (very few 16" rims will fit)
    (Rear rotors: 312x20mm)


  4. e46 330
    Caliper: 57mm
    Rotor: 325x25mm
    Rim size: 17+"


  5. e46 32x
    Caliper: 54mm
    Rotor: 300x22mm
    Rim size: 16+"
    (Rear rotors: 294x19mm)




Parts required to upgrade to M3 or 330 front brakes



  1. Upgrading to M3 Front Brakes

    2 x M3 Front Caliper with slider (carrier)
    2 x Front US or Euro (Floating) rotor
    2 x Front M3 spindle (aka Kingpin, aka Hub)
    1 x Set of M3 brake pads

  2. Upgrading to e46 330 Front Brakes

    2 x Front 330 Caliper Carrier (34-10-6-750-158)
    1 x Left Caliper (34-11-6-750-149)
    1 x Right Caliper (34-11-6-750-150)
    2 x Spring Clips (34-11-6-750-159)
    2 x Front e46 330 rotor
    1 x Set of 330 brake pads (330 brake pads are identical to M3 brake pads

  3. Upgrading to e46 32x Front Brakes

    2 x Front e46 32x caliper slider (carrier)
    2 x Front e46 32x rotor
    1 x Set of e46 32x brake pads
    (The calipers are identical to e36 3xx models (General Information 2) )





NOTES:


M3 Front brakes require M3 front spindles. However, it is possible to machine the M3 carrier so that it bolts up to a regular e36 spindle. It has been done. It works. Do so at your own risk.

330 calipers are a DIRECT bolt-on to all regular e36s. The only parts are required is what written above.


Comparisons:


318ti vs 330 Brakes


Calipers:


Rotors:


330 Rotors Test fit:


328 vs M3 Brakes


Calipers:


Rotors:





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