B10 BiTurbo front brake pads and rear shock absorbers

IGT · 3rd June 2002, 12:47

Hello guys,

As a reply of a kind to B8 Guru's appeal (on low posting) I am to request your advice (actually have to do so):

1) I recall there was a lot written on possible 850 front break pads as a replacement for B10 BiTurbo (some modification was needed on BiTurbo as I remember).
Could someone give me a link to that discussion please?

2) Anybody knows the OEM mark and model or equal replacement of a rear shock-absirber for B10 BiTurbo? Mine starts to leak.

Thanks and regards,
Igor

KenT · 3rd June 2002, 17:38

Hello,

I studied the subject about the rear shocks a bit for my Biturbo. They are Fichtel Sachs. I contacted the company if it would be possible to send it to them to have it rebuilt, revalved etc. but they said that they could not. Not possible to repair. I guess the only option would be to buy direct from Alpina. I do not know the precise price. I might drop in on Thursday as I am driving by Buchloe and pick some up. The 535 and non-Nurb M5 also have Sachs self leveling rear shocks. Different BMW part numbers ofcourse for each car. I wonder if anyone has any expertise on possibly repairing?

Concerning the brakepads I believe it was SL pads and rear 850 rotors. Or could lay new material on old pad back plates. If you use the search function and insert some of these words you should find the thread I believe by richardDG.

kees · 3rd June 2002, 17:51

Here and here are the threads you refer to.

/Kees

IGT · 4th June 2002, 08:12

Hi guys,

From another owner of B10 BT I have just learned that:

1) Front brakes pads from M5 E34 AFTER 1994 fit OK front B10BT
2) Disks from 750 E38 fit also OK to the front.

Hope this might be of use for anybody.

Regards,
Igor

NRL BITURBO · 4th June 2002, 08:59

Having used my B10BT on the Nuerburgring a number of times, I too find that the standard brakes are indeed sadly lacking in the stopping department.

I am currenntly investigating the bespoke fitment of Porsche 996 Bi-Turbo calipers and discs (with unique B10BT bells & hats). I will let you know how I get on. (Note, Mov It make a similar kit for the B10BT, but I do not intend buying the Mov It brakes as they are a little pricey for all 4. I am using a Porsche Racing Specialist near where I live).

Regards,

Neil

richardDG · 5th June 2002, 10:10

I've changed my brakes and used 850 rotors with pads from a Merc 500 by EBC. I must agree with Neil that the brakes are one of the Biturbo's weakest points.

I never had that problem on my M5. Odd when Alpina have fitted theoretically higher spec brakes than a pre 94 M5. I think it must be down to higher speeds reached by the B10 and less engine braking with lower compression?

I was curious about the rear self levellers. The prices quoted by Alpina stink!! They charge more for a basic Fitchel and Sachs sport self leveller than BMW do for the stupidly dear EDC self levellers.

If mine ever go I will use bilsteins from the Hartge M5 kit or fully adjustable konis. The latter option will allow the Alpina springs to be retained and keep that soft spring/stiff damper feel Alpina like.

The front dampers are Bilstein and so fully rebuilable. Eibach do that in the UK.

NRL BITURBO · 6th June 2002, 02:51

Richard,

As far as I know, Eibach no longer have a presence in the UK, they closed shop recently. Eibach are still sold in the UK, but they do not have an engineering facility to rebuild units. They can be sent to Eibach in Germany though

Regards,

Neil