I wanted to share a video from O’LearysGenuineBMW I came across called: “BMW E46 Big Brakes OEM Upgrade No Modification - BBK”. (First time poster, long time lurker so I can’t post links atm. Will post below.)
He retrofits calipers from an E9x 335i and E70 x5. OEM upgrades no modification needed.
I’m pleasantly surprised to see an OEM/No Mod BBK for the E46 platform be discovered. Parts are relatively easy to source and relatively inexpensive for a BBK. As E9x and E70s become more common in junkyards, it’ll become easier and cheaper to find.
Kudos to O’Learys for the ingenuity!
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I found this now after having sourced a 330i brake set, painted and rebuilt them for my 325xi 🥲.
Needed:
-E9x 335i Calipers Front + Brake Pads
-E70 x5 Calipers Rear + Brake Pads
-E46 M3 CSL (345mm) Rotors in front, 330 Rotors in rear.
-E9x Front Brake Lines (2x)
- E9x Front Carrier Bolts (4x)
Pros:
Cons:
He retrofits calipers from an E9x 335i and E70 x5. OEM upgrades no modification needed.
I’m pleasantly surprised to see an OEM/No Mod BBK for the E46 platform be discovered. Parts are relatively easy to source and relatively inexpensive for a BBK. As E9x and E70s become more common in junkyards, it’ll become easier and cheaper to find.
Kudos to O’Learys for the ingenuity!
I found this now after having sourced a 330i brake set, painted and rebuilt them for my 325xi 🥲.
Needed:
-E9x 335i Calipers Front + Brake Pads
-E70 x5 Calipers Rear + Brake Pads
-E46 M3 CSL (345mm) Rotors in front, 330 Rotors in rear.
-E9x Front Brake Lines (2x)
- E9x Front Carrier Bolts (4x)
Pros:
- Steel vs Lighter Aluminum Calipers
- Rotor increase from 325mm to 345mm
- Rear piston size increase
- Brake bias is generally maintained
- Direct Bolt On, no custom parts or milling required
Cons:
- M3 CSL Rotors are more expensive than the 330 ones and normal M3 rotors. 400+ for the front pair.
- Need at least 17 inch wheels and will require additional clearance compared to 330
