Apex 693 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 How are the brakes on the E39 M5? I have read mixed reviews on their effectiveness when the car is being tracked? I am looking at buying one and plan on driving it around Europe with a week at the Nurburgring and want to know if it will handle the jandel. I have seen something called the "cooling" mod mentioned, curious to hear if anyone had done this. I am trying to figure if its worth fitting an aftermarket "big brake kit" or simply fitting new OEM disks, some better pads and fluid... I am relatively easy on brakes in my driving, i.e., I am not a driver who brakes late and hard, more smooth and fast. Appreciate an feedback as I am trying to construct a plan of attack and would like to have a list ready for when I am in England, as in where to shop etc. Seeing the car will be imported to NZ for me to keep, I don't mind spending money in the right places. And from what I have seen its often necessary to replace these parts to get compliance anyway. Also plan of fitting KW Suspension as well. Will follow with more E39 related questions in time. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BreakMyWindow 1874 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 The 'cooling mod' is suited to the US spec cars which don't have the Euro 2 piece type floating rotors which have better cooling ability. US spec rotors : Euro spec rotors : I think on the Ring, stock brakes in good nick will be ok for a couple of enthusiastic laps. BBK would be mandatory if you're planning on visiting Hockenheim or any tracks over here in NZ. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 Thanks. So maybe fit new disks and pads and some decent fluid. It won't be tracked over here, well maybe a trackday here and there for some drifting. Have you or anyone else had any dealings with UK BMW tuners and part suppliers? Is there any E39 M5 forums worth checking out? Looking at a 2002-2003 car, wanting to find a few options regarding the factory entertainment system upgrades. Would like the ability to plug my I-Phone/I-Pad into the OEM stereo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 OK. Thanks for the pointers. Valid point on the track vs Blind road situation. Have done Targa a few times, and that is essentially blind, and we will get many days out of both tyres and pads. I only know the track from the video games.. and I would be taking it easy as I do not want to stack my M5, together with the track, its two things in my bucket list. Was more asking because I do not want to turn up and find the brakes are so bad they expire straight away. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeffbebe 1559 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 This is a pretty good dedicated M5 board: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/ 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BreakMyWindow 1874 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 (edited) Watch out for rust around the jacking points on uk examples. Evolve automotive have a lot of experience with the e39 m5. They're in Luton, Bedfordshire. Edited June 8, 2015 by BreakMyWindow 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
str8_6 275 Report post Posted June 8, 2015 Funnily enough the e39 m5 wasn't fitted with brake duct cooling from factory (may be different for the U.S. cars with different rotors). You can retrofit the 540i MSport air ducts and wheel well liners (or cut the holes yourself). There's more information on M5Board. I've never really felt the need to install them as I don't track the car and it leads a pretty easy life. In saying this, the brakes are probably its weakest point and I have overheated the front disks during some spirited driving... 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
