New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST > BMW Z4 Forum (E89) > Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-27-2019, 04:05 AM   #133
Asbjorn
Captain
Asbjorn's Avatar
China
89
Rep
833
Posts

Drives: Z4 N54 DCT (VTT GC lites)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: European in China

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by engine killer View Post
Dear All,
I am wondering has anyone here ever installed a bigger bore brake master cylinder to their Z4 E89? The reason I am asking is that I am looking for a much firmer feel and shorter pedal travel.
I appreciate if anyone can shed me light on this.

Regards,
Elvis
I tried installing M3 brake cylinder on my 35i. Didn't fit.

For shorter pedal travel you want callipers with smaller pot area. EUR 35i is 5104mm2 (1x2552 really, but floating so 2x). As a general rule of thumb: Maintain the piston area sizing to +/-5%. Do not increase torque by increasing brake calliper piston area. Pedal travel will be long and spongy.

For firmer feel you want different brake pads with higher coefficient of friction and/or a better bed in. I have experienced the best bite with properly bedded in high friction semi-metallic pads. Currently using EBC yellow, and while they don't bite super hard, they are still better than oem pads in terms of feel.
Appreciate 0
      12-24-2019, 09:11 AM   #134
KennyP
Lieutenant
KennyP's Avatar
Estonia
127
Rep
429
Posts

Drives: 2009 Havana E89 Z4 Sdrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Estonia

iTrader: (0)

Have never changed calipers on a car but... on 2 of my cars that preceded my Z4 i ran the same simple setup to firm up my brakes:

Ferodo Racing DS2500 pads (Better bite )
HEL Braided Brake Lines (More direct pedal and braking force to caliper, no mushiness)
Motul RBF 660 racing brake fluid. ( Higher boiling point to take the heat from continous beating)

These 3 simple things are all you need to try as a first modification. after that if you still need more then feel free to go BBK etc.

Racing brake fluids are good but in my opinion they have a drawback... Longevity. They need to be changed more often. They take in moisture more easily and are not designed to have long service intervals in years like bmw has marked in idrive. I would change the fluid every spring even if street use only. Stock fluids seem to be better in that regard.
__________________
2009 35i DCT Havana brown with ivory white interior. Mods: Cobb stage 1+FMIC, Wagner EVO1 FMIC, BMS DCI, KW V3 suspension, M3 front control arms, Hardrace RTAB, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Appreciate 0
      12-26-2019, 12:04 AM   #135
Asbjorn
Captain
Asbjorn's Avatar
China
89
Rep
833
Posts

Drives: Z4 N54 DCT (VTT GC lites)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: European in China

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyP View Post
Have never changed calipers on a car but... on 2 of my cars that preceded my Z4 i ran the same simple setup to firm up my brakes:

Ferodo Racing DS2500 pads (Better bite )
HEL Braided Brake Lines (More direct pedal and braking force to caliper, no mushiness)
Motul RBF 660 racing brake fluid. ( Higher boiling point to take the heat from continous beating)

These 3 simple things are all you need to try as a first modification. after that if you still need more then feel free to go BBK etc.

Racing brake fluids are good but in my opinion they have a drawback... Longevity. They need to be changed more often. They take in moisture more easily and are not designed to have long service intervals in years like bmw has marked in idrive. I would change the fluid every spring even if street use only. Stock fluids seem to be better in that regard.
I still believe it is a myth that upgraded brake lines improve braking feel. For daily driving, the brake feel is determined by the the pads and bed in imho. The better bite from the DS2500 also reduces mushiness, ie the amount you have to push the brake pedal. Ie it is the same thing.
Appreciate 0
      12-26-2019, 10:01 PM   #136
engine killer
New Member
engine killer's Avatar
China
6
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: BMW E89 Z4 sDrive 35i
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Hong Kong, CHINA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
thanks for all the advice. the reason i want a super firm pedal feel is because my peugeot has a pedal box installed (brake servo deleted, one master cylinder for front and one for the rear) and it is very very firm/hard. i got used to it especially for spirit driving.

i now have the ap racing 6 pot installed. before the installation i was worrying the much increased total piston area will soften/worsen the pedal feel. i was wrong and it is just the opposite. the much stronger calipers don't flex so it gives a slightly firmer feel. also with the braided hoses, they won't expand so i believe it improves a bit too.

considering getting the ap racing 4 pot for the rear mating with the pb brakes' electronic line lock for the handbrake soon
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2020, 06:28 PM   #137
Eracer76
First Lieutenant
Eracer76's Avatar
United_States
62
Rep
370
Posts

Drives: 2009 E89 Z4 35i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: IL

iTrader: (5)

Has anyone successfully deleted the rear parking brake in favor of a different p&p caliper and rotor? I see its been asked many times before, but no one ever answered.
__________________
2009 Z4 35i 6mt, SpeedTech 6266 Gen2 turbo kit, Tial WG, VRSF 7.5 race IC, ER charge pipe, Tial BOV, Radium Fuel cell w/ surge tank and twin Walbro 525 pumps, Radium FPR and return line, Bluetooth ethanol sensor, Phoenix intake manifold w/PI, JB4 tuner, PR coil packs, Custom oil cooler, ECS Radiator, Spec 3+clutch, Mfactory flywheel, single 3.5" into dual 3" exhaust, H&R springs, 19" TSW wheels, 235/19 & 275/19 RE11 tires
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2020, 04:58 AM   #138
Neg89
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: e89 3,5i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: LV

iTrader: (0)

Hello.

I managad to put up front M2/M4 380mm floating rotors(outer diameter corrected to 375mm), M2/m4 4piston calipers (big ones)

On the rear 34216763827

Brake disc, lightweight, ventilated

345X24
+ calipers from BMW 5 series (f10) 550 (4.4 twin turbo)

Caliper Type: TRW

Years: 2010 > 2017


In front made adapter plate spacers, 10mm.On the back adapter plates+cut new caliper bracket to fix it to adapter bracket.


Working exelent on Alps,no overheet,no vibrations,total confidence even if riding very agressive.

Last edited by Neg89; 03-23-2020 at 05:09 AM..
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2020, 05:07 AM   #139
Neg89
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: e89 3,5i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: LV

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Neg89 View Post
Hello.

I managad to put up front M2/M4 380mm floating rotors(auter diameter coŗected to 375mm), M2/m4 4piston calipers (big ones)

On the rear 34216763827

Brake disc, lightweight, ventilated

345X24 + calipers from BMW 5 series (f10) 550 (4.4 twin turbo)

Caliper Type: TRW

Years: 2010 > 2017


In front made adapter plate spacers, 10mm.On the back adapter plates+cut new caliper brakcet to fix it to bracket.


Working exelent on Alps,no overheet,no vibrations,total confidence even if riding very agressive.









Appreciate 1
mittu27.50
      03-23-2020, 10:40 AM   #140
Eracer76
First Lieutenant
Eracer76's Avatar
United_States
62
Rep
370
Posts

Drives: 2009 E89 Z4 35i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: IL

iTrader: (5)

My brake kit showed up a few days ago...

The front is supposedly a direct bolt on, but the rear may need some work. I have an idea that I've seen done before, so hopefully I can make them work.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...o/34112450468/


__________________
2009 Z4 35i 6mt, SpeedTech 6266 Gen2 turbo kit, Tial WG, VRSF 7.5 race IC, ER charge pipe, Tial BOV, Radium Fuel cell w/ surge tank and twin Walbro 525 pumps, Radium FPR and return line, Bluetooth ethanol sensor, Phoenix intake manifold w/PI, JB4 tuner, PR coil packs, Custom oil cooler, ECS Radiator, Spec 3+clutch, Mfactory flywheel, single 3.5" into dual 3" exhaust, H&R springs, 19" TSW wheels, 235/19 & 275/19 RE11 tires

Last edited by Eracer76; 03-23-2020 at 10:49 AM..
Appreciate 1
stormlv928.00
      04-16-2020, 07:26 PM   #141
Z4LOVER
Registered
United_States
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 Z4 35i
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Motor City

iTrader: (0)

ERacer76,

I'm as excited to see your conversion as you are! Especially your results on the rear brakes. I bought a pair of calipers off of a 335i for the front (getting painted), but not sure if I should go with the rear ones that you have if they require some bracket fabrication. Good Luck & Godspeed !
Appreciate 0
      05-02-2020, 12:33 AM   #142
Z4LOVER
Registered
United_States
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 Z4 35i
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Motor City

iTrader: (0)

ERacer76 asked, "Has anyone successfully deleted the rear parking brake in favor of a different p&p caliper and rotor? I see its been asked many times before, but no one ever answered".

Please be the guy who answers this question! I'm so impressed with all of the mods you have done so far, yet this brake upgrade is the one that I can afford! Thanks, Joe
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2020, 05:21 PM   #143
e89z4gt3
New Member
United_States
4
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: bmw z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: new york

iTrader: (0)

BMW Z4 brake upgrade

estoril blue paint, hight temperature primer and clear coat.[IMG][/IMG]
Attached Images
     
__________________
Nelson Tineo
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2020, 10:46 PM   #144
sumotan
Registered
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: E89 Sdrive 28i
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by e89z4gt3 View Post
estoril blue paint, hight temperature primer and clear coat.
Very nice work, may I ask which front calipers disc size are you using & are they plug & play ?

Many thks & Merry Xmas
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2021, 10:23 PM   #145
e89z4gt3
New Member
United_States
4
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: bmw z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: new york

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sumotan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by e89z4gt3 View Post
estoril blue paint, hight temperature primer and clear coat.
Very nice work, may I ask which front calipers disc size are you using & are they plug & play ?

Many thks & Merry Xmas
340mm
__________________
Nelson Tineo
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2021, 02:50 AM   #146
KennyP
Lieutenant
KennyP's Avatar
Estonia
127
Rep
429
Posts

Drives: 2009 Havana E89 Z4 Sdrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Estonia

iTrader: (0)

Wierd that all those BMW brake kits are smaller:

Like:
Yellow BMW Performance 325x25 disk
Blue M brakes 340mm disk
Z4 35is brakes 348x30mm disk

When i looked at these i didnt really see the point as i already have 348mm brakes. Shouldnt upgrade have bigger rotors? Around 360-380mm like in e92M3, M2 , even 340i M sport brakes are 370mm??

I do understand why there are these long brake upgrade threads on this forum. US spec 35i brakes probably dont cut it, especially when you can add 100hp to the car with a few simple parts. Like 2007 160kw 325i with tow pack has 330mm rotors at the front??

For US 35i owners. I saw ECS selling 35is 348mm front kit on their website for like 900 USD and same stuff but with drilled nicer discs, performance pads and stainless lines was like under 1300 usd.

Links:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...4116773201kt1/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...4116773201kt2/

To add to these: Find 35is rear 325mm brakes and swap out the 300mm ones.

Relatively cheap upgrade and actually bigger?
__________________
2009 35i DCT Havana brown with ivory white interior. Mods: Cobb stage 1+FMIC, Wagner EVO1 FMIC, BMS DCI, KW V3 suspension, M3 front control arms, Hardrace RTAB, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2021, 05:18 AM   #147
sumotan
Registered
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: E89 Sdrive 28i
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyP View Post
Wierd that all those BMW brake kits are smaller:

Like:
Yellow BMW Performance 325x25 disk
Blue M brakes 340mm disk
Z4 35is brakes 348x30mm disk

When i looked at these i didnt really see the point as i already have 348mm brakes. Shouldnt upgrade have bigger rotors? Around 360-380mm like in e92M3, M2 , even 340i M sport brakes are 370mm??

I do understand why there are these long brake upgrade threads on this forum. US spec 35i brakes probably dont cut it, especially when you can add 100hp to the car with a few simple parts. Like 2007 160kw 325i with tow pack has 330mm rotors at the front??

For US 35i owners. I saw ECS selling 35is 348mm front kit on their website for like 900 USD and same stuff but with drilled nicer discs, performance pads and stainless lines was like under 1300 usd.

Links:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...4116773201kt1/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...4116773201kt2/

To add to these: Find 35is rear 325mm brakes and swap out the 300mm ones.

Relatively cheap upgrade and actually bigger?
Twin pistons should already make a world of diff against single piston.
I've been researching on upgrades as well. Biggest issue at hand is the DSC cause we don't know what's in the program. To me it's not about just putting BBK at the front it has to achieve a balance with the rears as well. Mine isn't a 35is hence have been hunting for 35is rear calipers for my next upgrade. I do think this M caliper BBK is a good choice.

Cheers
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2021, 03:52 PM   #148
Neg89
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: e89 3,5i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: LV

iTrader: (0)

If someone wants to know how tobput m4 brakes front and also keep the parking brake working and upgrade rear brakes PM.
Appreciate 0
      06-17-2021, 11:26 PM   #149
cheahcl
New Member
0
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: Z4
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Msia

iTrader: (0)

would going from the 348mm front disc single pot to the 325 or 340mm four pot make sense? or should i just get better pads/disc? any brands to recommend? don't see much options for the 35is
Appreciate 0
      08-09-2021, 02:05 PM   #150
jbuzatti
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: BMW Z4 E89
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Derby, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by e89z4gt3 View Post
estoril blue paint, hight temperature primer and clear coat.
NICE!!!!!!
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2022, 10:22 AM   #151
dbfinlay
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW Z4 35i Stick MSport
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Rexford, NY USA

iTrader: (0)

NEW e89 Rear Brake options?

2018+ G20/G21/G22 M340i M440i MSport Rear Calipers with electric parking brake and 345/24 Rotors. Has anyone tried these? Are they bolt-on for E89? Does the electric parking brake work with E89?





Appreciate 0
      12-11-2022, 04:20 AM   #152
B21
Lieutenant
B21's Avatar
137
Rep
580
Posts

Drives: E89 Atacama Yellow 35is
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Scotland..God’s own country

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbfinlay View Post
2018+ G20/G21/G22 M340i M440i MSport Rear Calipers with electric parking brake and 345/24 Rotors. Has anyone tried these? Are they bolt-on for E89? Does the electric parking brake work with E89?





I think it was done but required a lot of machining/ fabrication..
__________________
Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport
Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0
Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
Appreciate 0
      05-18-2023, 11:51 AM   #153
vadonchez
Private
32
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: z4 35IS
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: FRANCE

iTrader: (0)

Hi guys

Did you know if it's possible to put M235i 4 spots caliper on front 35is 348x30 rotors?

I know that M235i rotor are 340x30 but the idee is to keep my oem rotors but upgrade single spot caliper...

Thanks a lot!

Last edited by vadonchez; 05-18-2023 at 01:01 PM..
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2023, 03:42 AM   #154
vadonchez
Private
32
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: z4 35IS
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: FRANCE

iTrader: (0)

Still trying to found answer about the possibility to put 4 spot brembo caliper from F30 M sport car on my Z4 35is 348x30 rotors

Idea is to keep unsprung mass as low as possible but improve calipers.

From what I can read from realoem, 4 spot F30 caliper are 1.5kg lighter than Z4 35is one spot oem caliper.
Add some ECStuning lightweight rotor wich add 1.2kg gain per side and i could expect to gain up to 2.5kg of unsprung weight per side!!
That could make a difference in ride quality.

Please if someone has the answer, let me know.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:54 PM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST