E36 328i brakes - on track
Discussion
What's the latest thinking on 328i brakes for track use?
I used new Brembo oe-spec discs and EBC red stuff pads all round at Castle Combe recently. I say 'new' - they had been bedded in over 500+ road miles. Although they consistenyl performed well without noticable fade, as they heated up over increasingly fast laps there was a vibrating noise (but no vibration felt through the steering wheel) from 100+ braking. Backing off the pace got normal braking back.
But after 6 sessions or so (one of which was over 30 mins) they became noisy all the time and are now noisy under normal road braking. Performance is fine. There is barely perceptible vibration through the steering wheel under braking, but nothing like my experience of warped discs, and if it weren't for the accompanying noise I'd think nothing of it.
I suspect I've overheated and knackered the discs somehow. Maybe they've slightly warped, although I have a theory that I may have surface discontinuities causing the noise; the surface was 'blued' in patches when I returned to the pits on occasion (suggesting localised overheating?).
I've inspected all discs and done a spanner check - everything is OK under a visual inspection.
So on a fast track like Combe (my local) which is hard on the brakes, is there a standard size disc and pads package people use and can recommend?
Or am I obliged to upgrade to the e46 328 spec carriers and discs? If so, can anyone confirm that is ALL I need? ie I can retain my current calipers and use e36 328i pads?
Many thanks.
I used new Brembo oe-spec discs and EBC red stuff pads all round at Castle Combe recently. I say 'new' - they had been bedded in over 500+ road miles. Although they consistenyl performed well without noticable fade, as they heated up over increasingly fast laps there was a vibrating noise (but no vibration felt through the steering wheel) from 100+ braking. Backing off the pace got normal braking back.
But after 6 sessions or so (one of which was over 30 mins) they became noisy all the time and are now noisy under normal road braking. Performance is fine. There is barely perceptible vibration through the steering wheel under braking, but nothing like my experience of warped discs, and if it weren't for the accompanying noise I'd think nothing of it.
I suspect I've overheated and knackered the discs somehow. Maybe they've slightly warped, although I have a theory that I may have surface discontinuities causing the noise; the surface was 'blued' in patches when I returned to the pits on occasion (suggesting localised overheating?).
I've inspected all discs and done a spanner check - everything is OK under a visual inspection.
So on a fast track like Combe (my local) which is hard on the brakes, is there a standard size disc and pads package people use and can recommend?
Or am I obliged to upgrade to the e46 328 spec carriers and discs? If so, can anyone confirm that is ALL I need? ie I can retain my current calipers and use e36 328i pads?
Many thanks.
Tough question as everyone brakes differently. What's good for one isn't for another so that will vary the outcome quite a bit.
It goes without saying that you need to make sure the hydraulic system is up to muster before messing around with the friction side.
Standard E46 330 brakes are a nice, cost effective upgrade. The calipers can be had for buttons and the discs/pads are similarly priced to the E36. Brembo discsd and Jurid pads are a good combination to be fair. You'll get a nice little dollop of extra torque, pedal feel and extra cooling.
I've driven all sorts at Combe and being a very late braker, I've never had an issue with stock brakes.
It goes without saying that you need to make sure the hydraulic system is up to muster before messing around with the friction side.
Standard E46 330 brakes are a nice, cost effective upgrade. The calipers can be had for buttons and the discs/pads are similarly priced to the E36. Brembo discsd and Jurid pads are a good combination to be fair. You'll get a nice little dollop of extra torque, pedal feel and extra cooling.
I've driven all sorts at Combe and being a very late braker, I've never had an issue with stock brakes.
liquidken said:
It goes without saying that you need to make sure the hydraulic system is up to muster before messing around with the friction side.
Cheers. Yeah it's had 5.1 all the way through and I spent a long time ensuring the calipers and carriers were clean and free when refitting. I think the brakes stood up pretty well, but I suspect the red stuff overdid it for the stock discs.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff