freebie / cheap brake upgrades

quiksilver m3 · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 03:59:52 PM

Ok, there was some discussion about mods / upgrades for the m3 not to long ago, and on it I saw someone post about a freebie or cheap brake upgrade that he swore up and down made such a HUGE difference to the car and so well worth it, versus doing a BBK.

Any ideas what these could be?

I am assuming change the brake fluid, change the pads, and maybe some s.s. brake lines? is this correct?
anything else?
also, if all this and more, please tell me what you think is the best setup for a street car and also where to get all these fun parts

thanks

**amstel78** · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 04:24:28 PM

Take the brake duct covers off. Free.

silvscorp · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 07:00:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amstel78

Take the brake duct covers off. Free.

this is also the only FREE mod I can think of.. big difference? at least I didn't feel much if at all.

**Army Chief** · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 08:15:30 PM

Those plastic blocking plates aren't really "brake duct covers," since there isn't anything directly channeling air from the intake to the back of the rotor. That said, removing them WILL increase airflow behind the wheel, and there is at least some cooling benefit to be realized by doing this. Just keep in mind that it will also increase the likelihood that your brakes could become supersaturated on very wet roads if the brakes aren't applied for long periods of time. A quick tap on the brakes every so often will keep things clear.

Chief

jesusrdzc · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 08:20:28 PM

Do not remove the drivers side cover, if you notice it already has sort of two holes. This one is designed to let some air pass and to direct some air to your intake.

quiksilver m3 · Wed, Nov-29-2006, 09:30:32 PM

ok, well thats good for a freebie.
thanks all
what about the cheap upgrades that others have mentioned before to enhance performance

**Army Chief** · Thu, Nov-30-2006, 05:07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesusrdzc

Do not remove the drivers side cover, if you notice it already has sort of two holes. This one is designed to let some air pass and to direct some air to your intake.

Understand the logic, but you'll have no troubles whatsoever if you remove both sides. Most places in the world don't even get these plates.

Chief

vndkshn · Thu, Nov-30-2006, 01:22:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army Chief

Understand the logic, but you'll have no troubles whatsoever if you remove both sides. Most places in the world don't even get these plates.

Chief

I thought it was proven that this is not the case, that the cars all come with them? Not saying it isn't true, because I have heard the same before, but I thought some non-US members claimed theirs came with the plates as well.

vndkshn · Thu, Nov-30-2006, 01:25:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesusrdzc

Do not remove the drivers side cover, if you notice it already has sort of two holes. This one is designed to let some air pass and to direct some air to your intake.

I don't think this is the case, because it is just an opening into the duct, and if memory serves, the duct coming from the intake actually sticks down into the air flow, which would serve to disrupt the airflow, probably limiting or even preventing airflow into the intake.

My bet, that is not to direct air to the box, but to drain stuff pulled into the box. You know, water, dirt, leaves, cats, dogs, children, etc.

ProfBooty · Thu, Nov-30-2006, 02:07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvscorp

this is also the only FREE mod I can think of.. big difference? at least I didn't feel much if at all.

I did, but only while tracking the car.

Wed, Nov-29-2006, 03:59:52 PM	#1
quiksilver m3 "Float like a Cadillac, sting like a B'MER" Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,754 Reputation: 0	freebie / cheap brake upgrades Ok, there was some discussion about mods / upgrades for the m3 not to long ago, and on it I saw someone post about a freebie or cheap brake upgrade that he swore up and down made such a HUGE difference to the car and so well worth it, versus doing a BBK. Any ideas what these could be? I am assuming change the brake fluid, change the pads, and maybe some s.s. brake lines? is this correct? anything else? also, if all this and more, please tell me what you think is the best setup for a street car and also where to get all these fun parts thanks __________________ DECEASED : 2005 M3 - TiAg, 6 Spd, All Factory Opts. SSR GT3 wheels w/ Bridgestone RE050A 235/40-18 in front, 285/30-19 in rear. Magnaflow exhaust. SS V2 headers, Polished 4.10 diff, Baleen intake, D/A Race software, Bilstein PSS9s, V-CSL CF Trunk, Euro tray, ZHP Short Shifter, Clif Design 10" Subs in Dual BSW deck mount enclosure w/ Clif Design 1000W amp. NEW AND IMPROVED : 2004 M3 - Ag Gray, SMG. All Factory Opts. Custom Wide Body. VFE Stage 1 SC. Magnaflow Exhaust. Bilstein PSS9 C/O's. V-CSL All CF trunk, front & rear diffuser, center console, engine cover & GT hood. Iforged Essen 19x8 (Falken FK-452 235/35) in front & 19x12 (Nitto NT05 335/30) in rear. Sparco seats. Pioneer AVIC Z1 head unit w/ full custom stereo. Rotora 6 puck front & 4 puck rear brakes w/ cross drilled rotors. Strass CF rear window wing. CF gills and grills. AC Schnitzer hand brake & front strut tower brace. And more.......

Wed, Nov-29-2006, 08:15:30 PM	#4
Army Chief Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,750 Reputation: 16 Location: Fort Knox KY	Those plastic blocking plates aren't really "brake duct covers," since there isn't anything directly channeling air from the intake to the back of the rotor. That said, removing them WILL increase airflow behind the wheel, and there is at least some cooling benefit to be realized by doing this. Just keep in mind that it will also increase the likelihood that your brakes could become supersaturated on very wet roads if the brakes aren't applied for long periods of time. A quick tap on the brakes every so often will keep things clear. Chief __________________

Wed, Nov-29-2006, 08:20:28 PM	#5
jesusrdzc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Age: 34 Posts: 593 Reputation: 0 Location: El Paso Tx/Cd Juarez Mexico/Frankfurt	Do not remove the drivers side cover, if you notice it already has sort of two holes. This one is designed to let some air pass and to direct some air to your intake. __________________ Co-Founder, BMW Car Club de Mexico http://bmwclub.org.mx My ride: 04 IMOLA RED E46 M3/6spd/xenons/Hartge/sharked/AFE/ipod oem integration/cf splitters and diffuser/v1 hard wired/Dinan rear strut brace/Miltek exhaust/OEM alarm/homelink/fogxenonmatch/clutchstop/// -08 Acura MDX -07 E60 M5 cblk -00 E39 M5 cblk-00 E39 M5 imola Eurospec Armored

Wed, Nov-29-2006, 09:30:32 PM	#6
quiksilver m3 "Float like a Cadillac, sting like a B'MER" Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,754 Reputation: 0	ok, well thats good for a freebie. thanks all what about the cheap upgrades that others have mentioned before to enhance performance __________________ DECEASED : 2005 M3 - TiAg, 6 Spd, All Factory Opts. SSR GT3 wheels w/ Bridgestone RE050A 235/40-18 in front, 285/30-19 in rear. Magnaflow exhaust. SS V2 headers, Polished 4.10 diff, Baleen intake, D/A Race software, Bilstein PSS9s, V-CSL CF Trunk, Euro tray, ZHP Short Shifter, Clif Design 10" Subs in Dual BSW deck mount enclosure w/ Clif Design 1000W amp. NEW AND IMPROVED : 2004 M3 - Ag Gray, SMG. All Factory Opts. Custom Wide Body. VFE Stage 1 SC. Magnaflow Exhaust. Bilstein PSS9 C/O's. V-CSL All CF trunk, front & rear diffuser, center console, engine cover & GT hood. Iforged Essen 19x8 (Falken FK-452 235/35) in front & 19x12 (Nitto NT05 335/30) in rear. Sparco seats. Pioneer AVIC Z1 head unit w/ full custom stereo. Rotora 6 puck front & 4 puck rear brakes w/ cross drilled rotors. Strass CF rear window wing. CF gills and grills. AC Schnitzer hand brake & front strut tower brace. And more.......

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Wed, Nov-29-2006, 04:24:28 PM	#2
amstel78 I wish my lawn was emo so it would cut itself Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 15,500 Reputation: 0 Location: Manhattan	Take the brake duct covers off. Free.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Freebie..??	Charlie3	Mid Atlantic	0	Sun, Jun-03-2007 01:40:38 AM
Cheap-Ass Upgrades	Milk Run	E46 M3 (2001-2006)	1	Mon, Jul-10-2006 07:08:48 AM
E46 M3 Brake Upgrades	asimi	E46 M3 (2001-2006)	33	Sat, Apr-24-2004 06:52:14 AM
Quantifying brake upgrades	nickwild	E46 M3 (2001-2006)	4	Thu, Mar-11-2004 01:52:02 AM
E46 M3 brake upgrades?	dallasbboy	E46 M3 (2001-2006)	2	Fri, Oct-04-2002 03:32:27 AM