[mblaucoupe135]

I have done some research on the m performance brakes and it seems the general consensus is that they aren't worth the money at least for regular street driving. However, I do track my car several times per year and so I'm wondering if they might be worth the money for someone like me? Any thoughts?

[Hasser]

all you get is a bigger diameter front disc. basically that's it. 370mm Vs 340mm and then obviously the bigger caliper to accept the disc. but that is it.

the disc supplied is t even fully drilled so you get some squeal noise from trapped air.

not worth it. just use the money to invest in discs, pads, lines and fluid

[nelsdvn]

I installed them on my 228i. With the recent fire sale prices on the kits I found them to be a good value. The upgrade from the base 228i is significant. I autocross infrequently and get to the track about once every two years. I'm quite happy with my choice to install the M Performance Brakes.

[BarryJI]

They are very good brakes. But mine squeal like billy-o when first used cold.

[Hasser]

Originally Posted by nelsdvn

I installed them on my 228i. With the recent fire sale prices on the kits I found them to be a good value. The upgrade from the base 228i is significant. I autocross infrequently and get to the track about once every two years. I'm quite happy with my choice to install the M Performance Brakes.

that's worth it if you don't have the m brakes on the first place.

bit on a 235/240 it ain't worth it.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Hasser

all you get is a bigger diameter front disc. basically that's it. 370mm Vs 340mm and then obviously the bigger caliper to accept the disc. but that is it.

the disc supplied is t even fully drilled so you get some squeal noise from trapped air.

not worth it. just use the money to invest in discs, pads, lines and fluid

You probably can't use 17" wheels anymore i guess with the extra diameter

[Hasser]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

You probably can't use 17" wheels anymore i guess with the extra diameter

no you need min. 18" wheels

[Maynard]

An extra 30mm of diameter is pretty significant - remember that braking force acts via leverage, so a bigger disc gives an advantage (like when you put the pipe on the end of that lug wrench). Also a lot more metal to help dissipate the heat. Probably no real advantage on the street (perhaps even disadvantages from noise, dust, etc.), but it can be a big deal on track.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Hasser

no you need min. 18" wheels

Right so the most cost effective upgrade to maintain use of 17" wheels is when rotors are due for replacement get the slotted drilled ones in stock size, and keep the stock calipers.

[Hasser]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Right so the most cost effective upgrade to maintain use of 17" wheels is when rotors are due for replacement get the slotted drilled ones in stock size, and keep the stock calipers.

I would say so.

To run 17" wheels you need to keep 340mm front disc. So spend on upgrading discs and pads.

Also lines and fluid.

[happyjack]

i have OEM 18' wheels on my 228i...i'm already considering the m-perf brake kit when i need to do brakes & rotors during my regular maintenance schedule. any reason to look at other non-OEM brake kits to upgrade? other recommendations that may provide a better value?

[Ron Jeffries]

Unless you can't get into the ABS, or you track the car, the M Perf brakes seem to me to offer little. And they are likely less effective when cold.

[bryan_G01]

no, they are not worth the upgrade...

That being said, if you are running the OEM sized mperf rotors and need to replace, it makes more sense to buy the kit because it comes with pads, rotors, and new calipers for little difference in price.

A set of front and rear mperf rotors are over $1k. They now have some aftermarket rotors that a dimpled and slotted that cost less, i haven't tried them yet.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by Hasser

that's worth it if you don't have the m brakes on the first place.

bit on a 235/240 it ain't worth it.

thanks all for the thoughts so far. I should have mentioned that I currently have an m235i so I have the m sport brakes.

related question for those of you with the m performance brakes. how is the brake dust because the dust on the m sport ones are horrible? in fact I can clean my wheels and by the next day and after only driving a short distance I am already seeing buildup of brake dust.

[bryan_G01]

brakes are dusty...

powder coat ur wheels black.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

brakes are dusty...

powder coat ur wheels black.

Mine are powder coated "brake dust" color

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

thanks all for the thoughts so far. I should have mentioned that I currently have an m235i so I have the m sport brakes.

related question for those of you with the m performance brakes. how is the brake dust because the dust on the m sport ones are horrible? in fact I can clean my wheels and by the next day and after only driving a short distance I am already seeing buildup of brake dust.

Now you tell us.

So no, the M brakes aren’t worth it. Definitely take them back and get
a refund.

[bryan_G01]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Mine are powder coated "brake dust" color

same here

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

same here

I meant mine are powder coated with brake dust

[Dylan86]

Originally Posted by Maynard

An extra 30mm of diameter is pretty significant - remember that braking force acts via leverage, so a bigger disc gives an advantage (like when you put the pipe on the end of that lug wrench). Also a lot more metal to help dissipate the heat. Probably no real advantage on the street (perhaps even disadvantages from noise, dust, etc.), but it can be a big deal on track.

This is the reasoning behind my decision to go with the 370mm front M Sport brakes from the 335/435. I'll most likely use StopTech slotted rotors, or just OEM blanks.

I've done 345 --> 370mm rotor upgrades on my prior VAG cars and it really seemed to help at the track, definitely unnoticeable during regular driving. It really helps with the 200+km/h hard braking sections where they experience the most heat. Now these BMW's do have better brake cooling features and more ducting than the VAG cars I've owned, but you can't get away from the simple fact that the larger surface area and increased rotor mass will aid in cooling. Maybe on a minimal level, but still an aid. To me, for the small upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment, for the right end user. A full on MP BBK, not really worth it, unless heavily discounted.

Just my $.02

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

brakes are dusty...

powder coat ur wheels black.

actually I did that already, but once enough brake dust builds up on them, they turn a dull grayish black color.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

This is the reasoning behind my decision to go with the 370mm front M Sport brakes from the 335/435. I'll most likely use StopTech slotted rotors, or just OEM blanks.

I've done 345 --> 370mm rotor upgrades on my prior VAG cars and it really seemed to help at the track, definitely unnoticeable during regular driving. It really helps with the 200+km/h hard braking sections where they experience the most heat. Now these BMW's do have better brake cooling features and more ducting than the VAG cars I've owned, but you can't get away from the simple fact that the larger surface area and increased rotor mass will aid in cooling. Maybe on a minimal level, but still an aid. To me, for the small upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment, for the right end user. A full on MP BBK, not really worth it, unless heavily discounted.

Just my $.02

thanks for the input! I agree that it's probably not worth considering the m performance brake kit unless they can be had for a nice discount.