BBK (Appropriate), Fit, Brands

[winstontj]

bigger MC.

I should have re-read your first post Lee. Are these MC's marked (like the 2002) showing the MC size on the outside of the unit? A lot of work has been done on my car - some top notch some mickey mouse/half assed. I'd like to know what I have before I start purchasing upgrades. If I can't tell what MC I have I'll just replace it with a known 750iL part.

[Massive Lee]

See the above reply. New pads, Ate calipers, properly bled system, bigger MC.

[winstontj]

Brakes are fine - ABS has been disconnected (wish it was working) but what I'm really after is a little firmer pedal feel. Initially it's a little soft, then gets firmer when you use it a bit. There are SS flex lines installed so I'd bet a good fluid flush would make a world of difference. Other than that is there anything else you guys do to get better pedal feel & improve stock setup braking?

[Mike325]

Yep. A good pad and rotor set-up will make a world of difference.

[Massive Lee]

For street, you will not need any BBK. Simply make sure you have the ATE calipers/carriers and not the wimpy Girling ones. Check that your pads are not more than 50% worn at the front and back (that is because the more the pads are worn, the further the caliper is on the guiding pins, which leads to extra flex), and that the system is properly bled. You can remove the front heatshield if you experience a bit of overheating. And that's it.

If you feel your brakes are not powefull enough, even when not abused, then change your brakepad compound. That means get a pad with a compound designed to operate at low and mid temps. What brand of pad do you currently use? believe me or not, the pads that came OEM on e30s is quite a good and cheap pad. Try a set of OEM Jurid. To save a bit of $, buy the ones for the 190 Mercedes as they are a bit cheaper than BMW fitment. If you want a firm pedal with limited travel, then go to a 25.4mm master cylinder from 750iL. It sells for under $150 at FlyingBrickPerformance. 135% stiffer and 65% pedal travel.

[winstontj]

I suppose I could email Lee directly but I put this out here to ask about the appropriateness (if that's a word) of a BBK on a street car. Car is 97.5% street only use. I go for long spirited drives, will attend some driving schools & really push the car but this will not (in current form) be an autox car or track car. With that said I have stumbled on a set of 5 very nice, recently refurbished, 15" basket weave rims.

What is the next step up from stock that many of you guys run? (Lee or others - Similar to the Volvo/Girling upgrade or vented front / 250mm rear upgrade on a 2002) I would like a little better heat disbursement for spirited driving and a little firmer pedal feel. The car already has SS brake lines. Perhaps could I just upgrade the brake ducts?

Finally - will a "one up from stock" BBK fit under either 14" or 15" basket weaves? I'd like to use the 14"ers for winter studded snows and the 15"ers for summer driving. I would be open to purchasing a second set of 15" wheels for winter driving as well but would like to know about fitment ASAP because I need tires and am about to decide on the purchase of new tires for the 14" or 15" wheels and tires.....

Thanks for any advice or suggestions!