Brake Performance

[JoeyJ]

I know this subject has been covered before, but I am wondering if there are any new experieces out there.I have an 03 M45, and I love the car. I feel that it's weakest performance area are the brakes. I realize that a car weighing 3850lbs is difficult to stop, but I feel that this car is under-braked for something in this segment.Has anyone had any luck with bigger discs, or braided lines?I realize I can buy a Brembo kit, but I am looking for a less expensive alternative.

[JoeyJ]

experience has an "n" in it, doesn't it?

[THT]

A relatively cheap upgrade would be to put a set of Hawk pads on but get ready for some serious dusting.

[JoeyJ]

I know what you mean. I think this is the major reason dakrer wheels are becoming popular.

[szh]

Clean, clay bar, and then wax the wheels - periodically.

Then, you can rinse off the brake dust with a low-pressure water hose!

Z

[paperfootball]

Does someone have a link to the Brembo system that would work?

[JoeyJ]

I saw some Brembo brake kits on the Tire Rack website. You wont like the price.

[Andrew224]

I'd be very interested in a Brembo brake kit for my '03. To date I haven't found one. Went to Brembo's website but it didn't show one. Maybe there is a kit that is produced for another model but works on the first gen M45? Anyone know if the G35 kit would work for the M45?

Anyone with inside information... Please share!

Andrew

[JoeyJ]

Check http://www.autopartswarehouse.comThere was actually nothing at The Tire rack.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,The Brembo kit that will work is the F50 (2002-2006) Q45 kit. Cross indicated for the 03-04 M.Silly expensive though.Cheers,M.L

[THT]

Hello,The Brembo kit you are looking for is for the F50 (2002-2006) Q45. Cross indicated for the 03-04 M.Silly expensive though.Cheers,M.L

$3K for fronts only

[JoeyJ]

I just got a reply back from a local performance shop.They say that either EBC or Hawk Performance pads and EBC rotors would be a less costly alternative. he has yet to quote me pricing.Does anyone have experience with these products?

[THT]

I just got a reply back from a local performance shop.They say that either EBC or Hawk Performance pads and EBC rotors would be a less costly alternative. he has yet to quote me pricing.Does anyone have experience with these products?

While neither will offer the same performance as a genuine BBK, I can say from experience with my Maxima that Hawk HPS pads are awesome when it comes to bringing your car to a screeching halt. The first time after I put them on and took the car to the drag strip, I about killed myself hitting the brakes after the run...wasn't expecting them to bite so hard.

[JoeyJ]

Thanks, I will give them a try.

[Andrew224]

Ouch, that is a bit steep. Five years from now, a good condition 1st generation M will probably be retailing around $5k. I can't see spending $3k on (front) brakes. $1500 maybe. $3k, no.

Thanks for the info though.

Andrew

[JoeyJ]

I agree andrew. I think I am going with hawk pads for now.