Any issues with Carbon Ceramic Brakes?

[Silverx88x]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

When, I was looking for my M3, I've contemplated carbon ceramic versus steel rotors. Carbon ceramic rotors are often touted as the ultimate braking solution, offering incredible initial bite, very little dust, and a sleek, high-performance look. They're designed to last the life of your vehicle under normal street driving.

However, there's a crucial caveat: they're brittle and can easily chip. If a chip occurs, you're looking at a full replacement, and the cost is astronomical. We're talking about a "mortgage your home" level of expense for a complete set. As of April 2024, a single replacement carbon ceramic disc for an F8X M3/M4 was over $4,000. Consider this: for the price of one pair of carbon ceramic rotors, you could buy a pair of assembled two-piece iron rotors and nine pairs of replacement rotor rings. This is why many, myself included, opt for big steel rotors as a far more sensible and affordable alternative, often costing around $1,500 compared to $16,000 for their carbon ceramic counterparts.

While carbon ceramic brakes do boast extended longevity, this is contingent on regular street use. Take them to the track, and that durability can evaporate quickly, leading to a very costly lesson. Carbon discs wear by shedding material as dust when they get hot. In heavy, high-performance cars, aggressive track driving generates immense heat under braking, accelerating this breakdown. If you're pushing your car hard, especially near or above the temperature limits of your brake pads, be prepared for significant carbon wear. While upgrading pad material can improve performance and reduce issues like smearing, constantly monitoring brake temperatures is paramount. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing to replace underweight carbon discs much sooner than anticipated.

As you can see from the photo, these are the carbon ceramic calipers, but with a steel 400mm rotor. These rotors are the same exact size as the carbon ceramic rotors, but at significantly reduced cost. If it is the brake dust that you're worried about, then purchase a set of Carbotech 1521 pads, and worry no more. This is the best option for both worlds, initial bite, rotor friendliness, brake dust and pad life.

When you changed to steel rotors, did you also change out the pads?

[Yuille36]

Originally Posted by Silverx88x

When you changed to steel rotors, did you also change out the pads?

Absolutely—this is non-negotiable. Carbon ceramic brake pads are specifically engineered for use with carbon ceramic rotors, and the same goes for steel rotors: they require pads designed for steel. Mixing the two can lead to poor braking performance and accelerated wear.

One of the advantages of steel rotors is the wide range of compatible brake pad options available. Personally, I’m a fan of Carbotech pads—they offer excellent performance, especially for spirited driving. That said, they’re not exactly budget-friendly—expect to pay around $600 for a full set. Still, that’s significantly more affordable than carbon ceramic pads, which can be far pricier.

[Sebbster]

Originally Posted by Sebbster

Love the CCB's for looks, performance and lack of brake dust.

But...have had problems with delaminations on both my BMW M5 F10 and M3 F80 (se picture). I don't know if the weather in Sweden makes the rotors more voulnerable and prone to failure...? I mean with switching temperatures during the year and strong/acid wheel wash (not by me)...

For the M5 I got brand new rotors + pads which was expensive...

But for the M3 I found a firm in Germany (ReBrake) that refurbish ceramic brake rotors. Cost was around $4500 for two rotors which I think is fine and I am really pleased with the result, like new!

The refurbished disc!

[M 4 FUN]

I have the ceramic brakes on my M4. My car was specced with them from BMW but when the first owner swapped in the car for an M5 they changed to steel brakes as his friend wanted the CCB's.
I have bought new CCB's. Before i did that i had the big steel brakes 400/380mm and tried them but that was the worst brakes i had on this car.
The crazy weight of these rotors destroyed both comfort and feel of the car. One front disc weighs 15 pounds more than a Ceramic disc.. so i got the ceramic discs after 100 miles of driving with the steel brakes. I have zero issues. No squealing, no dust, great feel in the car and it feels light and nimble in the chassi and steering. Just be careful when they are wet. I never had any squealing problems either.

[TimmyTurbos]

When dry, they bite..As mentioned when wet, they work like Honda brakes. My car was also ordered with CCBs. Yeah, they talk a bit here and there. It's what they do.. Nothing like pulling up to a busy intersection and your car sounds like a damn School Bus coming to a stop! Hahaha..Seriously though, I wouldn't go back..I live in Bucks County PA and there is nothing but wildlife out here at night..The CCBs have saved me a time or 2...Driving around town and all, people are right in saying CCBs are overkill. However doing 120mph and a deer decides to step out onto the road, that's when you'll thank your lucky stars..Let's be real here..We didn't buy these cars to do the speed limits. Food for thought.

[Yuille36]

I don't debate their effectiveness, and I would love to have CCB's on my M3. But their initial cost is just two dam expensive to purchase or replace, if they ever get chipped or cracked.