Opinions on stock 128i brakes?

[simianspeedster]

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?

[Gray_Panther]

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

[631twentyeighteye]

When i need rotors next i plan on going to 135i fronts/performance rear or performance all around if i somehow win the lottery. The stock brakes are certainly enough for around town and spirited driving but i feel they would lack on a track.

[JRT128i]

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.

[Southjersey128]

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.

[andrey_gta]

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

[HIPSI]

Might want to try this: http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/73A5865A0A0.aspx

[simianspeedster]

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.

[clutch128]

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.

[zamboni]

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?

[andrey_gta]

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).

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

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).

I don't track my car but other shop people told me the same story that extreme heat will destroy the rubber seals on the caliber.

[Dackelone]

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.

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Attachment 835660

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.

I was able to get the performance brake kit for $1700 and will have my dealer do the installation plus recode the car as well.

[Kgolf31]

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.

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

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.

I agree, many 128i owners who track say the same about pads.

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.

Originally Posted by zamboni

I was able to get the performance brake kit for $1700 and will have my dealer do the installation plus recode the car as well.

I would actually look for the 135i Perf brakes kit, instead of 128i perf brakes.
Because you can try selling the 135i rears and that may save some cash.
Otherwise keep looking for a used 135i caliper set.

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

I agree, many 128i owners who track say the same about pads.

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.


I would actually look for the 135i Perf brakes kit, instead of 128i perf brakes.
Because you can try selling the 135i rears and that may save some cash.
Otherwise keep looking for a used 135i caliper set.

I did my research the 135 rear would not work with the hand brake unless you modify.

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

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.

...ahhh i feel you are making too much of a general comment.

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.. ...

[ilikebmxbikes]

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.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by DriveHard

...ahhh i feel you are making too much of a general comment.

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.. ...

BBKs do not provide any extra stopping distance. They do not dissipate heat any easier than stock pads/rotors.

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.

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

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).

Although they are great looking, i actually purchased mine with tracking in mind. I have had nothing but great success with them with over 2 years of trackin (time trials)

(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 )

[andrey_gta]

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