ap racing brakes

[gaz1234]

just wondered what sort of costs are for replacement oem pads and discs on the e46 m3 are and what the ap racing one cost??

[Chessers]

OEM is far, far cheaper.

Send me a note if you are going down the OEM route and I'll send you a guy I use (at a dealers) who will give you a good discount.

[E30M3SE]

Here's and idea of the cost of various AP options, may not be the cheapest source, but give an idea of costs.

[Chessers]

I don't know what set up you already have mate.

But I went for CSL discs (slightly larger), performance friction pads, ATE Super Blue fluid and Goodridge braided hoses and the difference was noticeable.

I don't track mine so couldn't tell you if that set up would be any good on the track but for fast road it is fine.

[mat205125]

Are you comparing OEM replacement to an AP conversion, or after a longer term view in terms of replacement pads and rotors for AP equipped cars?

If it's the latter, then AP could work out cheaper than OEM when the cost / frequency calcs are done.

[Nords]

Two Performance Friction discs for the front APs on the CSL is about 500 quid. A set of RS29s all round is again about 500 quid...

[mat205125]

I've used BG for my AP needs in the past, and their value is very competetive.

http://www.bgdevelopments.co.uk/

[gaz1234]

ouch
http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/prod...

[mat205125]

gaz1234 said:

ouch
http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/prod...

Even more "ouch" if you don't instantly clock the Exc VAT script.

I love that my car already has these fitted, and that every nut and bolt on the car is 100% bought and paid for ..... it's been many many years since I were last debt free with my cars.

[RLK500]

To be honest. I found the running costs of tracking a car with AP's signifcantly less than, staying with the OEM stuff. Disks and pads last longer, I am still on the same set of disks 3 years after going to AP's. Coupled to the fact that I haven't knocked out any track rod ends, steering components due to disk warpage/vibration, or lost track time fiddling with the OEM stuff, it's a no brainer for serious track use. Best/cheapest(long term) upgrade I have ever done.

[Beedub]

RLK500 said:

To be honest. I found the running costs of tracking a car with AP's signifcantly less than, staying with the OEM stuff. Disks and pads last longer, I am still on the same set of disks 3 years after going to AP's. Coupled to the fact that I haven't knocked out any track rod ends, steering components due to disk warpage/vibration, or lost track time fiddling with the OEM stuff, it's a no brainer for serious track use. Best/cheapest(long term) upgrade I have ever done.

absolutly agree with you.

[mat205125]

Beedub said:

absolutly agree with you.

Of all the wise or foolish money that I have spent on aftermarket equipment in my life, my APs are beyond doubt the best thing I've bought.

[dadofbud]

Nords said:

Two Performance Friction discs for the front APs on the CSL is about 500 quid. A set of RS29s all round is again about 500 quid...

Yes this is an excellent upgrade discs wise.

The OP should consider fitting the Performance Friction discs from the outset, far superior and longer lasting than the AP discs

[gaz1234]

dadofbud said:

Yes this is an excellent upgrade discs wise.

The OP should consider fitting the Performance Friction discs from the outset, far superior and longer lasting than the AP discs

thanks very much, will certainly look at these when they need replacig.

[Franzino]

RLK500 said:

To be honest. I found the running costs of tracking a car with AP's signifcantly less than, staying with the OEM stuff. Disks and pads last longer, I am still on the same set of disks 3 years after going to AP's. Coupled to the fact that I haven't knocked out any track rod ends, steering components due to disk warpage/vibration, or lost track time fiddling with the OEM stuff, it's a no brainer for serious track use. Best/cheapest(long term) upgrade I have ever done.

Good to hear! My OEM Z4M discs, pads need replacement. For normal street use; the oem Z4M – CSL set up is ok. But with original pads and brake hoses they are not great on a track with some dangerous fading as a result. After months of research; this week I have ordered a AP racing BBK (CP5575-1010BK.G8 + CP5144-1004.G8)....I went for the full kit. I'm planning to keep the Z4M for a very long time and do 5-10 track days a year, so for me it's worth the investment. Can't wait to get them on my car and do a trip to the NS again.

[Franzino]

Someone on another forum kept telling me that AP calipers don't have enough seals to keep dirt, salt (at wintertime) and other stuff outside the internals of the brake caliper... What he means; AP racing calipers don't have dust boots (only dust scraper seals) so in his opinion they are not intended for daily street use in every weather condition... And after every “salty” winter your AP racing caliper must be cleaned and reconditioned like a race caliper...otherwise you they will malfunction. WTF?

Any opinions on what they are saying about the daily use of AP racing calipers...?

[RLK500]

I heard that too before I purchased, and considered it for about a nanosecond. Just consider how much ste and crud is flying around on a track with marbles, dust and grit from gravel traps etc. or on a special stage, Coupled with extreme heat, maybe wet/dry, seriously there is nothing wrong with the seals at all. The only calipers I have ever had fail due to seal problems were stock calipers on my E46 Tourer, the AP's on the M3 have so far been problem free, with extensive track and road use.

[DMT84]

Just out of interest, do insurance companies need informing of a brake upgrade and does it have any effect on the premium?

[dan5oclocksmith]

Franzino said:

Someone on another forum kept telling me that AP calipers don't have enough seals to keep dirt, salt (at wintertime) and other stuff outside the internals of the brake caliper... What he means; AP racing calipers don't have dust boots (only dust scraper seals) so in his opinion they are not intended for daily street use in every weather condition... And after every “salty” winter your AP racing caliper must be cleaned and reconditioned like a race caliper...otherwise you they will malfunction. WTF?

Any opinions on what they are saying about the daily use of AP racing calipers...?

The AP kits designed for race use don't have dust seals, as apparently they'll melt at the high temps you get on track.

The AP kits designed as road upgrades do have the seals.

If in doubt, ask the supplying dealer.

[winshent]

DMT84 said:

Just out of interest, do insurance companies need informing of a brake upgrade and does it have any effect on the premium?

You should inform them as it is a performance modifcation to the car..

FYI, I added AP's and H&R's to my Focus RS and all I had to pay was £25 admin fee for the change on the insurace policy..