Euro spec brakes - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

steve adams · 20th May 2002, 23:13

there was an earlier metnion of Eiro spec M5's using floating rotors ...

what are "floating rotors" and how are they different than US spec M5 brakes...?

I've had problems with vibration in my brakes (cementite buildup or warp-age according to previous posts) ... I dont track the car, but do not baby it either ...

Korman (tuner in Greensboro NC) suggested "aluminum" core rotors that have remedied problems in the M3 series ...

I have requested the dealer to determine if the aluminum rotors are an option for the M5 ... how does this tie into "Floating rotors"?

Thanks for your help,

DZeckhausen · 21st May 2002, 00:16

Quote:

Originally posted by steve adams
there was an earlier metnion of Eiro spec M5's using floating rotors ...

what are "floating rotors" and how are they different than US spec M5 brakes...?

I've had problems with vibration in my brakes (cementite buildup or warp-age according to previous posts) ... I dont track the car, but do not baby it either ...

Korman (tuner in Greensboro NC) suggested "aluminum" core rotors that have remedied problems in the M3 series ...

I have requested the dealer to determine if the aluminum rotors are an option for the M5 ... how does this tie into "Floating rotors"?

Thanks for your help,

Korman is probably referring to the European M5 "floating" rotors which use steel pins
sticking out of an aluminum center hat to hold the iron rotor in place. The pins allow radial
expansion of the rotor relative to the hat (since aluminum and iron expand and contract
with temperature at different rates). They also reduce the amount of heat transferred to
the wheel bearings.

Photos courtesy StopTech, LLC

In the real world, the Euro rotors have had problems with pins seizing up in the iron rotor,
causing uneven stress, cracking of hats, or warping of rotors. European M5s have been
known to suffer from vibration problems following high speed driving on the Autobahn,
let alone the race track. Recently, BMW AG recommended that European drivers with rotor
problems switch to the American 1-piece rotor design.

In other words, the Euro rotor may not be an "upgrade" for you at all. If you are interested
in increasing the capacity of your braking system, you should consider an aftermarket kit
such as StopTech.

Harold Chang's brakes

RaveM5's brakes prior to the StopTech caliper bridge being bolted in. Note stock caliper on floor below

steve adams · 21st May 2002, 06:16

Thanks D, this info is very helpful ... I am seriously considering the stoptechs

stever · 22nd May 2002, 23:14

we've got a fair amount of info on brakes now if you search thru the old threads

a) if you're not going to track your car don't worry about the brakes

b) if you go on track you need high temp fluid eg Superblue and Pagid Oranges or Carbotech Panther (+?)

c) the Euro rotors are probably a waste of money as Dave says -- they are lighter and will keep some heat from the wheel bearings but there's no reason to expect them do to diddly about stopping the car repeatedly

d) StopTech or Brembos have 4-piston calipers and enough bigger rotors to make a difference, but to really get a benefit on track you'll still have to run track pads -- i've got StopTechs and think they're the best bang for the buck and the company gives great service

atomic80 · 23rd May 2002, 00:07

I agree with stever's sentiments on the Stoptech's. I can't stop raving about them. They really did make a difference for me! If you do decide to go this route then I would highly suggest that you also replace the stock brake lines for the rear brakes too. This will ensure that you have a firm brake pedal. I always experienced a bit of fade with the stock brakes but not with the new setup, I experience ZERO fade even after repeated hard braking. That's how good they are.

One thing that really got to me was the fact that the stock calipers in the front only has ONE piston! Hardly a good move for such a heavy car!

AsianE39M5 · 23rd May 2002, 03:34

hey if you dont mind me asking how much do they cost installed?

atomic80 · 23rd May 2002, 03:43

Well...I got a really good price. About $2505 for the stoptech kit, stainless steel lines for the rear calipers, labor and painted rear calipers.

slief · 23rd May 2002, 03:50

Steve,
Is this the AlpahTronix Steve Adams

?

steve adams · 23rd May 2002, 04:05

Jason,

Thanks very much for the info on the stoptechs .. $2500 does sound like a very good deal, esp, if it includes installation ...

who did you have install the whole system?

Scott Leif - the Steve Adams you know must be my long lost cousin ... thanks for asking tho...

Steve
'02 Titanium/Silverstone

atomic80 · 23rd May 2002, 04:15

steve a: It was a heck of a deal. I just couldn't pass it up. I had it done by a local tuner shop.