|
|
|
01-12-2013, 04:48 PM | #1 |
Captain
61
Rep 631
Posts |
Opinions on stock 128i brakes?
I'm planning to order a 128i Coupe soon. Looking at the specs, I noted that the stock brakes are relatively small. I know rotor diameter is by no means the only measure of brake performance, but I'm interested to hear from other 128i owners about their impressions of the stock brakes. Do they feel sufficient for the occasional performance drive? Do they fade easily or lose effectiveness in hot weather? I'm not planning to track the car, but I've become used to strong stock brakes in every BMW I've ever driven.
What say you, 128i drivers? |
01-12-2013, 05:34 PM | #2 |
Brigadier General
1555
Rep 3,234
Posts |
I too am interested in knowing. I have a 128i with 5k on the clock and they decelerate the car more than sufficiently for emergency stops. But I plan to track some circuits after winter and I wonder how well the brakes hold up before they eventually fade. Just looking for a heads up
__________________
2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2013, 06:50 PM | #3 |
New Member
0
Rep 24
Posts |
Yes, the brakes are more than sufficient. I have had a 2012 128i coupe for a little over a year and have done three track (HPDE) weekends with it. The only thing I did was to change the brake fluid to Motul 600 after the first HPDE b/c of a spongy brake petal. The stock BMW pads will fad toward the end of a 20-25 session, but that is to be expected of any street brake pad...I really can't see getting to that point on public roads. I will eventually go to a "race" brake pad for the track, but for now I can't pass up BMW replacing them for free. First full brake job @ 7500 miles & 10 months for ownership...no question asked. Actually the SA thought is was pretty cool I was getting the car out and really driving it. Just ask if you have any more questions.
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2013, 07:30 PM | #4 |
Second Lieutenant
43
Rep 272
Posts
Drives: 2008 128i
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: South Jersey
|
I found that the brakes on my '08 were plenty for spirited driving, but the performance brakes looks sooo good. I couldn't help it.
__________________
Afe Scoops and CAI, PBX, BMS Paddleshift upgrade, 261M's Powder Coated Gunmetal, 225/255 Michelin PSS, (BMW Performance: BBK, Illuminated Door Sills, Shifter Knob and Boot, E-Brake Handle, Steering Wheel, Front Strut Bar), E93 FSB, E92 RSB, M3 Rear Subframe Bushings, M3 Front Control Arms, HPA coilover kit (Koni Adjustables and Swift Springs), Steel Brake Hoses, Black Kidneys, Smoked LED side markers, Blacklines, Msport lip spoiler...
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2013, 07:47 PM | #5 |
Brigadier General
298
Rep 4,040
Posts
Drives: 130i coupé ;)
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bimmerpost
|
the brakes are great, it is just repeated use in say spirited or track situations that cause loss of confidence. Switching to better fluids and pads is probably the first step before for any race/auto x
__________________
128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE
In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is |
Appreciate
0
|
01-13-2013, 09:36 PM | #6 |
Second Lieutenant
21
Rep 277
Posts |
Might want to try this: http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/73A5865A0A0.aspx
__________________
08 135 Coupe SGM/Terra
15 Porsche Macan S- Family Hauler 22 C8 Corvette 3LT HTC |
Appreciate
0
|
01-14-2013, 03:29 PM | #7 |
Captain
61
Rep 631
Posts |
Thanks for all the feedback, folks. It sounds the stock brakes will be fine for my needs. That said, please feel free to keep chiming in with your experiences.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-23-2013, 11:43 PM | #8 |
Private
14
Rep 58
Posts |
if you'll track the car replacing pads is a good idea. I run the StopTech Street Performance and there is a noticeably more solid feel. But, on the street I can't really tell any difference...just more brake dust
The prior post about replacing the brake fluid is a good idea. I didn't realize that could help with mushiness. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 01:46 AM | #9 |
I want to drive a Zamboni
1131
Rep 5,557
Posts
Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Monte Sereno, CA
|
Thinking about upgrade my 128 with BMW performance brake kit and so far the lowest price I can get is $1700, any one getting a better deal than this price?
__________________
18 F80 Imola Red 6MT
16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni |
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 07:52 AM | #10 |
Brigadier General
298
Rep 4,040
Posts
Drives: 130i coupé ;)
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bimmerpost
|
Look at Ebay for 135i brakes or calipers. Used will save you money, I've seen grey 135i take off parts for less than 1.5k. The performance pads I believe share the same number as stock 135i pads. The rotors are the only difference.
I would also call local dealerships and ask if they "upgraded/updated" any of their lot 135i cars to BMP brakes, they might have the gently used stock 135i brakes. Also, understand that the kit will add weight to the car, and many 128i guys think its just bling since the 135i brakes have let people down on the track(the pistons & dustboots crumbled under extreme heat, needing rebuilds using better parts).
__________________
128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE
In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is Last edited by andrey_gta; 03-24-2013 at 08:35 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 11:18 AM | #11 | |
I want to drive a Zamboni
1131
Rep 5,557
Posts
Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Monte Sereno, CA
|
Quote:
__________________
18 F80 Imola Red 6MT
16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 11:41 AM | #12 |
European Editor
10539
Rep 22,992
Posts |
IF you have a spare $1,900 maybe try bmw's performance brake kit p/n 34110444772 http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...14&startrow=26 You also need to re-code the ABS system for the larger brakes when installing the Perf brake kit on a 128i. You can also order it thru BMW when you order the car. BMW NA installs all Performance parts when the car hits the port. Then it arrives at your dealership. AND you have the same four year warranty on these parts.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 03:04 PM | #13 | |
I want to drive a Zamboni
1131
Rep 5,557
Posts
Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Monte Sereno, CA
|
Quote:
__________________
18 F80 Imola Red 6MT
16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 04:16 PM | #14 |
Brigadier General
460
Rep 4,531
Posts |
SO MUCH misinformation in this thread.
135i brakes WILL NOT give you any better performance, FACT. I have not and will not track the 128, but I do for my Z4M. Stock pads are just not good. They are not meant to be driven hard. I had trouble stopping during Autocross and refused to take them to the track. I swapped to Super Blue and HP+ pads and I couldn't be happier. The car stops on itself. Replace the pads and you'll be fine. If not, have fun wasting money and finding out there is no difference. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-24-2013, 07:05 PM | #15 | ||
Brigadier General
298
Rep 4,040
Posts
Drives: 130i coupé ;)
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bimmerpost
|
Quote:
Sometime next month I will be able to compare the brakes as I found a steal for a full 135i stock set. It was just in time for my brake service and the price was right. Quote:
Because you can try selling the 135i rears and that may save some cash. Otherwise keep looking for a used 135i caliper set.
__________________
128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE
In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is |
||
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 01:18 AM | #16 | |
I want to drive a Zamboni
1131
Rep 5,557
Posts
Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Monte Sereno, CA
|
Quote:
__________________
18 F80 Imola Red 6MT
16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 11:37 AM | #17 | |
Colonel
115
Rep 1,998
Posts |
Quote:
By experience after tracking ( lime rock park i believe) with stock calipers and pads and BBK calipers and bmw pads, i found the braking to be AMAZING.. a much more harder pedal and definietly confidence building enough to brake a little deeper. If i recall my times were almost 2 seconds faster with the BBK on . I have tracked my 128 for over 2 years...(even have won class champion !!) with the upgrades listed stock pads will not survive long at the track.. ...
__________________
X1, R58 JCW, M2 in my future if planets align
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 11:56 AM | #18 |
Banned
1518
Rep 4,744
Posts
Drives: S65 1M Clone & E92 M3 4.6L
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Francisco
|
I will be selling my full 135i stock brake kit in a few weeks. I'm upgrading to stoptechs. If anyone is interested in them PM me.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 12:11 PM | #19 | |
Brigadier General
460
Rep 4,531
Posts |
Quote:
Pads have a heat limit, no matter what the size. Once you overcook that limit you're done. Doesn't matter if you have stock calipers or BBKs. BBK is mental, it makes you have confidence and the thought that you can brake deeper, when in reality you can do the same with OEM calipers. Tires will make you stop faster, brakes will not. Going to BBK performance brakes will only add more rotational inertia (because they are indeed heavier), which in turn will only make you stop less effectively ,and longer than OEM. Why can Grand-Am racecars stop effectively with non-BBKs? Think about that. Tires rule all. Get a pad that can dissipate heat, and run the stock rotor/pad size. You can't argue against science. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 12:14 PM | #20 | |
Colonel
115
Rep 1,998
Posts |
Quote:
(For the record, I have probably inspected my calipers over 25 times, and espically after every track day, and have not had any seal / piston issues) The Heat issue / crumbling piston is a complex, multi-faceted issue which i think most of us will never experience. Most of thoses that had the issues had: a)poor cooling to the brakes / no cooling to the brakes b) aftermarket pads which did not fit correctly ( and the rocking motion of the pads which added in my opinion to damaging the pistons ) c) incorrect fluid d) no backing plates ( Titanimum really works ) e) agressive suspension / tires ( r-comps / slicks ) f) increased performance ( overwhelming the brakes at the track ) Everything has its limits... and for the "regular" guy with not much more better than regular car should have no problems with theses brakes as long as you take some simple percautions. Like i said, ill be begining my 3 season of Time Trials in April..... With my pretty yellow calipers that have yet to let me down... On the street... NO PROBLEM ever....... me at watkins glen with a Miata up my arse.. ( little buggers carry amazing speed thru the corners ) and a picture of said brakes with my "f30" backing plates installed )
__________________
X1, R58 JCW, M2 in my future if planets align
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 12:41 PM | #21 |
Brigadier General
298
Rep 4,040
Posts
Drives: 130i coupé ;)
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Bimmerpost
|
@zamboni Its okay about the handbrake. I lived with out a hand brake in few VW's
@DriveHard I will be getting the same F30 backing plates since the kit i got didn't have them. Are these the same ones from that thread? Are they from 328i or 335i
__________________
128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE
In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is |
Appreciate
0
|
03-25-2013, 12:54 PM | #22 | |
Colonel
115
Rep 1,998
Posts |
Quote:
Regards,
__________________
X1, R58 JCW, M2 in my future if planets align
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|