Speedreligion E46 brake kit - opinions please..
Discussion
Hi guys, my brakes are getting a little tired on my M3 and I'm considering an front upgrade kit for the car. I live in central london so don't really need a lot of extra power but do plan the odd ring trip maybe but regular trackdays are unlikely.
I've not had an real problems with fade as such but I'd have to say the 'feel' of the brakes is not ideal. I'd say there's decent power but bite and feel are a bit wooden.
I know the kits been out some time now. Any longer term reviews?
My car is completely standard as I didn't buy it to track it but I do like good brakes and the added confidence they give you.
Finally would this put off a future buyer? I know I could pull them back off and sell them on but realistically I'd leave them on and sell the car as is.
The car is still under full warranty which would be a good selling point but one of the requirements is to not modify the car. This might cause a problem.
I've not had an real problems with fade as such but I'd have to say the 'feel' of the brakes is not ideal. I'd say there's decent power but bite and feel are a bit wooden.
I know the kits been out some time now. Any longer term reviews?
My car is completely standard as I didn't buy it to track it but I do like good brakes and the added confidence they give you.
Finally would this put off a future buyer? I know I could pull them back off and sell them on but realistically I'd leave them on and sell the car as is.
The car is still under full warranty which would be a good selling point but one of the requirements is to not modify the car. This might cause a problem.
Edited by Rawhide on Monday 29th June 15:34
Hi.
Assuming you're talking about the BMW Performance kit? I dont think it would detract from the resale price at all - It is after all a BMW optional extra, though it has to be slightly modded fitting wise for the E46 as as I understand it it is design for the E-9x series.
I cant actually comment on it as I dont have one fitted, but....
I would personally certainly not think of it as a disadvantage, more that somebody has recognised one of the most well documented short-falls of the E46 M3. Those that didn't know what they were looking at would probably not notice / not think to ask...
This kit is reputed to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the occasional 'Ring trip, the Ring is not soooo hard on brakes compared with laps of a tighter circuit adding up to the same distance if that makes any sense...
At less than half the price of APs which are balls-out race brakes it makes good sense and when I get my E46 (finally) I will probably go for this.
Look at old threads started by me and you'll find one somewhere called ''E46 M3 budget brake upgrade'' or something like that. This is where my premiminary research started and this kit came up... get this kit and do the rear hoses with braided items and some FR pads and I think you will have to be pushing pretty hard to find it wanting...
HTH - Nick.
Assuming you're talking about the BMW Performance kit? I dont think it would detract from the resale price at all - It is after all a BMW optional extra, though it has to be slightly modded fitting wise for the E46 as as I understand it it is design for the E-9x series.
I cant actually comment on it as I dont have one fitted, but....
I would personally certainly not think of it as a disadvantage, more that somebody has recognised one of the most well documented short-falls of the E46 M3. Those that didn't know what they were looking at would probably not notice / not think to ask...
This kit is reputed to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the occasional 'Ring trip, the Ring is not soooo hard on brakes compared with laps of a tighter circuit adding up to the same distance if that makes any sense...
At less than half the price of APs which are balls-out race brakes it makes good sense and when I get my E46 (finally) I will probably go for this.
Look at old threads started by me and you'll find one somewhere called ''E46 M3 budget brake upgrade'' or something like that. This is where my premiminary research started and this kit came up... get this kit and do the rear hoses with braided items and some FR pads and I think you will have to be pushing pretty hard to find it wanting...
HTH - Nick.
Edited by NicoG on Monday 29th June 15:27
Is the car under BMW Insured Warranty ? If you want to keep that, I'd be wary about modifying it at all, as the brakes will be a total getout for them if anything else happens. The terms are quite specific "the car must not be modified". I don't think it's arguable like it is with the manufacturer warranty, as it's an insurance policy rather than a warranty.
Thanks guys - the car is under AUC warranty. I was lead to believe they would only exlude cover from brake parts, ABS etc.. but I could see how they could wriggle out of it. I'm hoping a pragmatic dealer would not have to point them out. I'm planning on using Cotswold BMW from this point forward.
Thanks Nico also, they do seem to fit my requirements. I know the ring is not tough but I'd rather not half do the job or have to mess about swapping pads etc on a road car.
Thanks Nico also, they do seem to fit my requirements. I know the ring is not tough but I'd rather not half do the job or have to mess about swapping pads etc on a road car.
Edited by Rawhide on Monday 29th June 15:36
I've got the kit on mine (the kit was developed on mine after I asked if they could be fitted to an M3) and I've got to say I've been really impressed. Done a few trackdays without fade, and they've hauled me down from silly speeds (on the Autobahn of course...) without complaining.
Only problem is Speed Religion are no more.
Only problem is Speed Religion are no more.
Hi,
I actually have a set on my E46 M3 Cab as well. I put them on after the front offside caliper seized and I didn't fancy paying for a new caliper that was prone to the same problem when I could get better brakes for little extra money.
It works quite well... The initial bite is better and I've definitely not had any problems with fade on them but then to be honest I've not really pushed them enough for that either. On the downside I'd say that the pad material used means that they're not as good when cold and on the odd occassion i've found they're not quite as easy to modulate when you brake hard as well but I've not had to do that often enough to pin down exactly when and why that happens. Its almost like the pushing harder on the brake peddle in the middle 1/3 of its travel doesn't do very much when that does happen.
The calipers themselves are actually made by Brembo and are a six pot monoblock so really very good quality and the discs are the BMW M3 CSL ones, so again very good too. its all bit heavy though, much more than the original brakes.
Appreciate Speed Religion have gone under now but you can still get the calipers, discs, pads etc all from BMW directly... the only thing you'll be missing is the mounting bracket... maybe you could get one made up? its a fairly simple looking bit of ally to be honest.
Alternatively a set of APs is always a good option! (but expensive)
I actually have a set on my E46 M3 Cab as well. I put them on after the front offside caliper seized and I didn't fancy paying for a new caliper that was prone to the same problem when I could get better brakes for little extra money.
It works quite well... The initial bite is better and I've definitely not had any problems with fade on them but then to be honest I've not really pushed them enough for that either. On the downside I'd say that the pad material used means that they're not as good when cold and on the odd occassion i've found they're not quite as easy to modulate when you brake hard as well but I've not had to do that often enough to pin down exactly when and why that happens. Its almost like the pushing harder on the brake peddle in the middle 1/3 of its travel doesn't do very much when that does happen.
The calipers themselves are actually made by Brembo and are a six pot monoblock so really very good quality and the discs are the BMW M3 CSL ones, so again very good too. its all bit heavy though, much more than the original brakes.
Appreciate Speed Religion have gone under now but you can still get the calipers, discs, pads etc all from BMW directly... the only thing you'll be missing is the mounting bracket... maybe you could get one made up? its a fairly simple looking bit of ally to be honest.
Alternatively a set of APs is always a good option! (but expensive)
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