bekker 7 Report post Posted December 19, 2005 Hi, Does anyone know if there is a simply yet effective ugrade for the brakes on a E28 525e. My rotors will need replaceing soon, so I was wandering if there is a worthwhile upgrade. Do parts from other models fit, say E23 or E24 or are the brakes on other E28's (528, 535, M535) any better. I will also replace the pads - any suggestions for these? Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmwsparkle 3 Report post Posted December 19, 2005 best upgrade for price is E34 535i stuff, bolts straight on, no modifications, depends how much you wanna spend tho, how about $10g worth of calipers thru the dealer and u'll have E34 M5 brakes heres some good info, remember to upgrade ur brake master cylinder to something bigger! Brake Upgrades - E28 The brakes listed below bolt on without any modification. This requires calipers, carriers, guide bolts, rotors and pads. You need the carrier for each brake system, usually included if you buy used. Front brake assemblies that will fit any E28: (some numbers may be slightly wrong, I misplaced my table) E28 535 282mm x 25mm vented or E28 M5 300mm x 30mm E34 535 302mm x 22mm vented E34 540 302mm x 28mm vented E34 M5 315mm x 28mm vented E34 M5 345mm x 32mm vented from 6/94 E32 735 302mm x 28mm vented E32 750 302mm x 28mm vented E31 840 324mm x 30mm Rear brake assemblies that fit any E28: E28 535 284mm x 10mm solid E34 535 300mm x 10mm solid E34 540 300mm x 20mm vented E34 M5 300mm x 20mm vented E34 M5 328mm x 20mm vented from 6/94 Unfortunately these don't work, but are here as a size reference E32 735 300mm x 12mm solid E32 750 300mm x 20mm vented "...E32 calipers need the E32 master cylinder to work properly. An increase in pedal firmness will also result by installing the master cylinder from the E-32, 750i that has a 25mm cylinder bore." "...The 540i calipers, carriers and rotors - both front and rear - are a bolt-on for the E28/E24." "...My recommendation is to go with the 540i brakes, new Balo rotors and good quality stainless steel brake lines. Don't forget to upgrade to the 750i brake master cylinder." info from here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cainchapman 0 Report post Posted December 19, 2005 Good info Sparkle I'd go down the E34 540 route. If they stop my car in 30.92m 100-0. It will stop a light-weight E28 in no time at all. Watch your head on the steering wheel (ask Andrew). Mintex 1166 pads complete the package I have. I have Brembo rear vented & slotted discs. I honestly don't think they are significantly better than the OEM discs. See Steve at www.racebrakes.co.nz Conrod might have some input int this also. Pads and discs all round cost me about $1500, I think, it was a while ago now. Good tires make an even better addition. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bekker 7 Report post Posted December 20, 2005 Thanks guys, I would very much like to do the 540 or e32 upgrade but is there really any point for a 525e that is mostly driven around town. Should I consider just better pads on stock rotors or maybe better pads and rotors. I dont know what the 540 upgrade would cost, but replacing the master cylinder and other brake components sounds like it might be a little OTT for what the car is used for. Has anybody had any experience with EBC pads or rotors? Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmwsparkle 3 Report post Posted December 20, 2005 i havnt heard a good thing about EBC yet, other than the "rice market" i would personally go for the E34 535i upgrade, even if its just a round town car, apparently is a huge difference and worth it, and it dosent really cost that much id go for either more ferodo pads or try mintex next time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bekker 7 Report post Posted December 20, 2005 Thanks, I guess the other issue is would the e34 setup fit in the stock 14 inch alloys? Would you bother upgrading the rear brakes at the same time? If I go for the e34 535 setup, do I need to replace the master cylinder? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cainchapman 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2005 Just buy some new OEM discs (if they are not more expensive than seeing Steve @ racebrakes) and get the Mintex or Ferodo pads and buy some good tyres. In theory, the E34 discs would fit. Don't know about the calipers inside a 14" though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmwsparkle 3 Report post Posted December 21, 2005 i think will have to be under 15" wheels. you can pick 15x7 E34 wheels up fairly cheaply. and they look a lot better than the standard 14" caps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
