Stock 2012 128i brake upgrade

[j128id]

Hello! I’ve been reading about brake upgrades and wanted to see the opinion here. So far I’ve learned I can grab some front calipers from a 335i and rear calipers from a 328i, which then will require updated rotors. Im on stock rims with plans to upgrade to 18” rims soon so this is why I’ve started looking at my brakes I’m just looking for increased street performance. This is a daily driver.

I’m thinking used 335/328 calipers from eBay and then Zimmermann performance rotors (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...n-34116786392)

For brake pads I’m thinking Akebono but have learned many people like BMW OEM pads.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Overall I will just need pads and rotors however see that for not too much more this would give me a pretty solid upgrade, without having to spend $800+ on performance/big brake set up

[amg6975]

Your plan is definitely the best upgrade short of a BBK but skip the used calipers and just buy remanufactured calipers from Napa, Autozone, etc.

[j128id]

Originally Posted by amg6975

Your plan is definitely the best upgrade short of a BBK.

Nice, thank you! Do you have any tips on buying used calipers? That seems to be my biggest worry. I’m under the idea that any calipers from a 335 would workout.

Also, Do you have an opinion on OEM pads vs. Akebono or any other brands?

[amg6975]

Originally Posted by j128id

Nice, thank you! Do you have any tips on buying used calipers? That seems to be my biggest worry. I’m under the idea that any calipers from a 335 would workout.

Also, Do you have an opinion on OEM pads vs. Akebono or any other brands?

You snagged my quote before I edited it. Don't buy used, buy remanufactured. You can get them at any chain parts store super cheap.

OEM pads are really good, you can find the OEM pads under the brand Textar a bit cheaper and they're the same thing. Akebono is good if you want less dust, but for street driving I think OEM/Textar is better.

For performance pads look at Hawk HPS or similar but they won't be as comfy day-to-day.

[Yvrbmw]

I’ve seen so many remanufactured 328 calipers — are they all the lightweight aluminum ones or steel?

[MAMSport]

I am not entirely sure about this, but with the different calipers, you may need different mounting brackets. My 128i has the BMW Perf brake kit, which has the yellow, 6-piston front calipers and 2 piece, slotted/drilled rotors (essentially right out of the 135i with different color pistons) and single piston rear calipers (from the E9x 328i/ix). The rear rotor is the same as the stock 128i piece although I found a drilled piece so that the visual look is similar front and rear.

For brake pads, I used EBC red stuff. This is marginal for more than performance street use as they will overheat and are NOT a track option. They are very good for street use, though!