My StopTech BBK Install at Dave Z. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

cosioboy · 8th November 2005, 18:41

Well, I finally got to installing my front StopTech 335x32mm BBK, at no place other, than at our brake resident guru - Dave Zeckhausen. Had a wonderful experience dealing with him and absorbing a generous amount of knowledge in the area, thanks for everything, Dave!

The beautiful autumn day began with a very nice lunch at Panevino’s, little did we know we needed the extra calorie intake for later on when we had to drill through all 4 of the rotor retaining screws, which were just about baked into the hats. That was the only ‘unplanned’ action item, all else was smooth and according to plan.

I opted for the cross-drilled zinc plated rotors coupled with the red calipers shod with Axxis Ultimates pads (stainless steel lines of course included in the kit). Love the look (already received several compliments), and of course the improved brake feel. On that subject, here are my thoughts:

The brake pedal is certainly firmer than stock, but perhaps not as much as I originally anticipated. Not that I find it fading, on the contrary, but for some reason I thought it would be even firmer. I know once I upgrade the rears (to the two-piston rear that fits over the factory rims) with the stainless steel brake lines, it will be further improved. Perhaps I still have the ‘bias’ left of when I upgraded my (really horrible) stock front breaks on my CLK 430 with a 355mm Brembo Gran Turismo BBK - that's when I felt a night-and-day difference. Obviously, the stock M5 brakes are fairly good to begin with, so it was perhaps unreasonable for me to have expected the same 'wow' effect.

I also felt an improvement in overall braking, not surprising as the Axxis have a much better bite than the stock (dusty) pads. And interestingly enough, unsprung weight decreased by about 30 lbs or so. The OEM brakes are super heavy, partly because of the use of cast iron (for the hats and calipers), partly because the rotor itself is heavy given that it is single piece (hats integrated in rotor). This weight reduction upfront will nicely balance the rear weight reduction I got from installing the Supersprint X-Pipe and cans, so I am back to a factory spec 50/50 weight distribution.

Once again, thanks a bunch Dave Z. (and boardmember 01M5) for making this experience both insightful and a true pleasure.

Here are a few pics:

M Macht · 8th November 2005, 18:46

Looks great. Are those stock front wheels?

cosioboy · 8th November 2005, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Macht

Looks great. Are those stock front wheels?

Thanks. Yup, these are stock fronts.

I should mention that the zinc coating is still visible here (hence the yellowish discs) as this was immediately after install before we did the bedding in procedure. Naturally, the disks are silver in color now.

I followed Dave's recommendation on the zinc plating option, as they tend to last longer (specifically the hats are more durable and can be reused next time when replacing the rotors), look better (no rust becoming visible in the cross drilled holes), and is generally the way to go for 4-season climates where they might be salt and other elements on our roads.

01M5 · 8th November 2005, 18:59

Very nice Constantine! I'm glad all worked out for you and that you are enjoying them.

KevinM · 8th November 2005, 21:37

MT JTN · 8th November 2005, 21:52

Yes, I agree, they look great!

I'm jealous.

Habu · 8th November 2005, 23:10

cosioboy,

Nice looking conversion. I noticed some white stuff on top of your fender. What is that? Looking at it more closely, I think that a tree in the reflection. If that's correct, dang you take real good care of your car.

Bob

Stickman · 8th November 2005, 23:23

Thank you so much for sharing your great experience. The upgrade looks great - I like the cross drilled rotors too.

Congratulations!

cosioboy · 9th November 2005, 00:29

Thanks a lot, guys.

Habu, the white stuff you see on the fender is a reflection of a cloud I believe, and actually, my car wasn't washed before that, but I do tend to try and keep the shine on the Carbon Black Beastas much as possible. It is a tough color to keep in shape, but if you do regularly, it is quite rewarding.

DAD'sM5 · 9th November 2005, 01:49

Great pictures Tino.

Do you track the car as well?

They sure look sharp and I'm sure the performance with the rears converted will match the image.

Happy motoring (and stopping)