01-04-2018, 08:01 AM | #1 |
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Opinion on Big Brake Kits & Tracking
Hey guys,
I'm still breaking in my 2018 M3 ZCP but I'm starting to plan for the 2018 track season. Last year, I shared a 2016 M3 with my wife and I drove 17 days on track and my wife did another 8 days split pretty even between COTA and MSR Cresson with a random 1-day event at TWS. Track Setup: Stock 2016 M3 except:
I drove with MDM off after the first few events, but my wife still uses it. After the first 7-8 track days the front calipers started turning colors, a few track days later the rears started to change, and eventually, I ended up with black front and blue/green rear calipers. The stock front rotors started to show stress cracks about half way through the year and by the last few events the stress cracks started getting a little worrisome and I wouldn't push it any further. The rear rotors were fine. I never had any issues with the stock braking system in terms of fade or performance, but I was thoroughly annoyed by the discoloration of the calipers. I find it embarrassing the BMW chose a color/paint that can't keep up with high temperatures and makes the car look ridiculous. Since I am planning on selling the 2016 M3 soon, I just freshened up the entire braking system by buying low-mileage used calipers and new front rotors. Overall, the total in brake related expenses for 25 track days comes out to be somewhere around $3300:
Obviously, if I were planning on keeping the car longer, I could have postponed the caliper refinish or replacement and then the total would be around $2500 in brake expenses, however, as bad as the calipers looked, I would have probably done it anyway. On to the topic at hand: I am considering upgrading the braking system of the new M3 before tracking it. My main reasons to upgrade would be:
I would like to hear some opinions and insight from people that have gone this route and track their cars regularly:
Thanks in advance, Ali |
01-04-2018, 09:17 AM | #2 |
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Yes, you should get the BBK and then sell me you like new stock brake components. Mine turned dark olive green and look like crap.
All kidding aside, I almost wonder if BMW put the heat sensitive paint on their calipers on purpose so that they could easily identify which cars have been tracked when they come in for service or traded in?
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01-04-2018, 01:40 PM | #3 |
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I run an identical setup and feel the same way. I'm going through a set of RS29's in around 2-3 days (5-6 20 minute sessions) depending upon the tracks I'm at and although I'm somewhat happy with the performance, there's always room for improvement. My main reasons for considering the upgrade is the expense of pads/rotors and then also wanting to switch over to slicks at some point. How many track days is everyone getting out of their pads with a BBK setup? I run with DSC off so just thinking about doing a front BBK and calling it a day.
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01-04-2018, 02:40 PM | #5 |
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I upgraded to a BBK on day 1 for the added confidence they give me at the end of straightaways at 150+. Can the stock setup with race pads do the job? For sure, but the added thermal capacity and their intended purpose make me feel more confidence on the track, and that makes me a safer driver. In that sense, it's worth it for me.
Put cost comparison, including running costs? I don't think BBK is necessary nor a "better deal" imho. |
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01-04-2018, 04:42 PM | #6 | |
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01-04-2018, 04:48 PM | #7 | |
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01-04-2018, 04:53 PM | #8 |
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I searched the forums for this caliper discoloration issue when it first started happening and if I remember correctly everyone that has complained has pretty much been blown off. I asked my service advisor and the GM and they both said that BMW wouldn't replace it since the brakes still function normally and there is no defect. My argument that the defect is in the paint or finish didn't go anywhere. I'm sure BMW is aware of this issue but seeing how they keep painting brake calipers Blue I don't think its a large enough issue for them to care.
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01-04-2018, 05:11 PM | #9 | |
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01-04-2018, 05:50 PM | #11 |
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It is my understanding that OEM calipers are painted because powder coating creates a thicker coating that can retain more heat. It might not be a big deal for street driven cars, but for track cars it could be very dangerous. I could be wrong but I looked into powder coating my the original calipers that changed color and ultimately decided it would be simpler to just replace them with used calipers since they would probably need to be rebuilt at the same time.
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01-04-2018, 06:34 PM | #12 | |
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01-04-2018, 06:40 PM | #13 |
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01-04-2018, 07:03 PM | #14 | |
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The BBK gives me incredible pedal feel and consistency, way more swept area which I would think helps with modulation and again gives me a lot of confidence that I’m not going to face pad fade from too little thermal mass in the pad itself. The pads last a long time too. I have nothing to report in the way of rotor wear - I can feel no lip forming at the edge of the rotor, but I’ve only done about a dozen track events so far on the kit. Tracks I frequent include Summit Point, Dominion, and VIR. For calibration, I run intermediate-advanced run groups, so I’m quicker than average but not competitive with high horsepower aero cars with experienced racers. As far as the factory caliper discoloration is concerned, even BBK manufacturers warn against this and recommend black or red caliper colors if you plan on doing real track work, otherwise discoloration and fading are expected. So I wouldn’t blame BMW for using a poor paint quality, just in their color selection. -Ash Last edited by ashmostro; 01-04-2018 at 07:09 PM.. |
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01-04-2018, 07:54 PM | #16 |
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Does a BBK require 19” rims? If so what is a good track setup for tires?
I’m running 275/305 Nittos on 18” Apex right now.
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01-04-2018, 08:11 PM | #17 |
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01-04-2018, 08:48 PM | #18 |
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Maybe try PFC 08 pads, they last a long time and don't fade.
Also try and have them professionally powder coated with high temp material that will help. I did that with my stop tech st40 kit and they hold the silver color well.
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01-04-2018, 09:18 PM | #19 |
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Any reports of the CCB calipers (gold ones) changing colors? All of the M Performance school cars have them and I can’t imagine them changing to an ugly color. Have you considered upgrading to the CCB calipers and F10 M5 steel front rotors? Priced out it’s much cheaper than going aftermarket BBK on all 4 corners.
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01-04-2018, 10:24 PM | #20 | |
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01-05-2018, 01:47 AM | #21 | |
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01-05-2018, 12:50 PM | #22 |
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