THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics Suspension | Chassis | Brakes Are M Sport brakes worth it?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-30-2014, 05:15 AM   #1
moldcad
Major
moldcad's Avatar
Poland
258
Rep
1,095
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Poland

iTrader: (0)

Are M Sport brakes worth it?

Well - in the perfect world I'd know the answer as I am a spirited driver, but with todays lowered BMW standards my question is this:

- what exactly is the difference between the regular brakes as available in 228i (or 220i and diesel models in EU), and the nice blue ones (standard in M235i or optional in the others)? Is it only the nice blue color of the calipers, or do we get a truly upgraded braking system with this option?

PS. In my F10, the regular brake calipers are rusting so I guess having them painted blue (or whatever) from the factory would have been nice, but of course the painting alone I can do myself in my future 2-series, and from the M-Sport brakes I would expect more for all these $$$
__________________
previous: 2003 E46 330i SMG
just sold: 2013 F10 528i xDrive
my AWD beater: 2015 Golf R mk7 DSG
my RWD pirate & long-distance cruiser: 2015 M235i AT8, LSD

Last edited by moldcad; 08-30-2014 at 05:29 AM..
Appreciate 0
      08-30-2014, 07:54 AM   #2
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
M Sport brakes: fixed calipers, four-piston front, two-piston rear, large brake discs. Made by Brembo.

The regular bmw brakes are floating calipers with 1 large piston.

Is it worth it..yes, its a bargain to upgrade thru options. In real world street driving, the msport brakes are alot smoother. On track, more resistant to fade. Another benefit is that the floating caliper has a sliding pin (to float the caliper) and if not lubricated correctly will make sqeak noise.

Some Info on Fix vs Floating Calipers (im just copy/paste from someone)

The more even the pressure on the pads, the smaller the risk of the pads chattering and the better control you have over the pads.

Most brakes today are floating caliper, single-piston designs, though a few use floating caliper dual piston designs.

On a floating caliper setup, the piston is on only one side of the caliper and the caliper itself slides slightly side to side on pins. Fixed caliper setups have pistons on both sides of the caliper and the caliper does not slide at all. Fixed caliper setups provide more even brake pad wear than floating calipers and also provide more consistent pressure between the two sides of the caliper because this setup does not rely on the caliper's sliding.

Fixed caliper designs, of course, require at least two pistons; one for each side.

Larger pads provide a greater swept area which means a greater area over which heat is generated. Because the total heat for a given stopping force is always the same, greater swept area means better heat dissipation and less brake fade. Having multiple pistons per side helps apply more consistent pressure over the entire surface of the pad which not only allows the larger pads, but also reduces chatter and flex, both of which generate additional heat as well as reducing overall brake feel.

So, while a one-time emergency stop will not show much difference between a single piston sliding caliper and a 6-piston fixed caliper, the multi-piston fixed-caliper design will be more resistant to fade over several hard stops in quick succession.
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      08-30-2014, 08:29 AM   #3
mike@tpc
Second Lieutenant
51
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: white M235i
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

for street use, the only benefit is visual. For tracking, it would be a big worthwhile upgrade.
Appreciate 0
      08-30-2014, 09:05 AM   #4
Ian_Mark
Private
United Kingdom
14
Rep
86
Posts

Drives: '14 228i MSport
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW 228i  [0.00]
2005 Subaru Sti  [0.00]
IMO very worth it . Coming from subaru sti ( still owned) saved me many times. In different weather conditions . For safety it's a must for me. Didn't hesitate when I added it to my 2014 build
Appreciate 0
      08-31-2014, 04:43 AM   #5
moldcad
Major
moldcad's Avatar
Poland
258
Rep
1,095
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Poland

iTrader: (0)

Thanks guys - no more speculation, just hard facts:

2-pistons front
all fixed calipers
elegant looks and color

- these certainly make this option a no-brainer for me, should I ever configure any 2-series other than M235i (or M2, for that matter)
__________________
previous: 2003 E46 330i SMG
just sold: 2013 F10 528i xDrive
my AWD beater: 2015 Golf R mk7 DSG
my RWD pirate & long-distance cruiser: 2015 M235i AT8, LSD
Appreciate 0
      08-31-2014, 11:09 AM   #6
pikcachu
Major General
pikcachu's Avatar
1398
Rep
5,262
Posts

Drives: M235i (F22 Red angel)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: undisclosed

iTrader: (1)

It's actually 4 piston front. There are 2 pistons on each side of the caliper and 2 piston total on the rear, 1 on each side
Appreciate 0
      08-31-2014, 08:29 PM   #7
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
How much sooner will the M Sport brakes need to be replaced compared to standard ones under normal driving?
Appreciate 0
      08-31-2014, 08:49 PM   #8
mike@tpc
Second Lieutenant
51
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: white M235i
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

since there is more pad material, they should last a little longer
Appreciate 1
BM235iW97.00
      08-31-2014, 08:53 PM   #9
2msport
Captain
United_States
204
Rep
757
Posts

Drives: '14 228 MT
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NY

iTrader: (1)

I would think they would last longer. Larger pads and discs, dissipate heat better and stay cooler. They are more powerful brakes therefore less wear for a given stop. Just a guess though..
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2014, 02:58 PM   #10
daisy16905
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
246
Posts

Drives: 2014 M235i
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Olympia, WA

iTrader: (1)

My feedback - M Sport brakes with much higher boiling point DOT 4 brake fluid = TRACK READY!!!!
__________________
M235i (Black) Auto, JB 4 (Stage 2 / Map 7 with EWG & FF wires) ER DP, resonator delete, running E35, BMW Performance LSD, Hankook Ventus R-S3's (255/35/18 & 235/40/18) ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid, 35% tint, black grills!
Appreciate 0
      09-24-2014, 06:01 PM   #11
tbc417
Private First Class
11
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston, MA

iTrader: (0)

I'm assuming they wouldn't be covered for replacement rotate/pads under the 4 year warrantee...?
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2014, 01:11 AM   #12
BMW13x
New Member
BMW13x's Avatar
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 1, 3, X3
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

The supposed M-Sport brakes on my M235 are a complete disappointment with less performance than standard BMW brakes on my 335i.

one of the selling points of the M235 was is comes standard with M-Sport brakes. However, I'm not sure what that really is. since the car is different than the 3 series, BMW most likely designed a total different brake system and called it M-Sport. they are no way a comparable brake system to Brembo.

Performance. The pedal travel is very mushy. there are several reviews stating the brakes are mushy. What is really disappointing is the Brake Fade when I step on the brakes hard. The car is very fast and brakes (stopping a fast car) are so important. When the car can't stop, it is scary.

my 335i normal brakes out performs the M235 hands down. the pedal pressure required is low compared to M235. I have even compared it to M3 brake testing that is superior to both.

if you are considering the M235, test the brakes and test them hard from at least 80 mph to 10 mph or so. you will be amazed at how poorly it slows.
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2014, 09:21 AM   #13
mike@tpc
Second Lieutenant
51
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: white M235i
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M235xi_EB View Post
BMW most likely designed a total different brake system and called it M-Sport. they are no way a comparable brake system to Brembo.
They are brembo brakes. better brake fluid and better pads are all they need if you want more performance out of them. They worked really great for me at the track until they got hot, but I was running the stock brake fluid
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2014, 10:17 AM   #14
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by M235xi_EB
The supposed M-Sport brakes on my M235 are a complete disappointment with less performance than standard BMW brakes on my 335i.

one of the selling points of the M235 was is comes standard with M-Sport brakes. However, I'm not sure what that really is. since the car is different than the 3 series, BMW most likely designed a total different brake system and called it M-Sport. they are no way a comparable brake system to Brembo.

Performance. The pedal travel is very mushy. there are several reviews stating the brakes are mushy. What is really disappointing is the Brake Fade when I step on the brakes hard. The car is very fast and brakes (stopping a fast car) are so important. When the car can't stop, it is scary.

my 335i normal brakes out performs the M235 hands down. the pedal pressure required is low compared to M235. I have even compared it to M3 brake testing that is superior to both.

if you are considering the M235, test the brakes and test them hard from at least 80 mph to 10 mph or so. you will be amazed at how poorly it slows.
Break feel and brake performance is two different things, the msport (rebrand brembos) does have a soft feel but they perform well, the 335 floating caliper does have a faster bite feel but is not smooth
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2014, 06:02 PM   #15
david.orr
Lieutenant Colonel
Australia
123
Rep
1,852
Posts

Drives: Cars
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

according to Chris Harris who was provided with all MP bits and pieces, the MP brakes are basically the same as stock but slotted and not worth the $$
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2014, 06:44 PM   #16
overcoil
Major General
3069
Rep
5,577
Posts

Drives: M235i 6spd
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic

iTrader: (0)

Haven't driven the upgraded MP brakes, I think even small increments in braking performance have large benefits on the road. I do like the initial bite of slotted brakes. 235 really pulls above 80-mph and the standard brakes (Michelin PSS) can give you a scare when you really need to scrub off triple-digit speeds.
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 12:44 AM   #17
Bee Pee
Brigadier General
United Kingdom
1738
Rep
4,496
Posts

Drives: AW M2 DCT
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW London

iTrader: (3)

Get your brakes checked.

I have m135i f20 as my DD in the UK. Same m sport brakes as m235i. Had n54 3 series before this for 5 years.

Have tracked both and f2x m sport brakes are on par or better than the n54 335i brakes.
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 04:30 AM   #18
overcoil
Major General
3069
Rep
5,577
Posts

Drives: M235i 6spd
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic

iTrader: (0)

Pave Dew - I'm sure my brakes are fine at 2500 miles.
I do think the 235 is very fast and with those very high speeds any amount of brake improvement is something to consider.
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 03:09 PM   #19
Bee Pee
Brigadier General
United Kingdom
1738
Rep
4,496
Posts

Drives: AW M2 DCT
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW London

iTrader: (3)

Do the cheap stuff first then rather than mpbbk

Dot 4 fluid and steel hoses
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 07:45 PM   #20
pikcachu
Major General
pikcachu's Avatar
1398
Rep
5,262
Posts

Drives: M235i (F22 Red angel)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: undisclosed

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaffa12 View Post
according to Chris Harris who was provided with all MP bits and pieces, the MP brakes are basically the same as stock but slotted and not worth the $$
yes, they are the same brakes just painted red, orange or yellow with slight bigger rotor with slots and dimples

I suppose the pads are the same too..
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 08:10 PM   #21
tbc417
Private First Class
11
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston, MA

iTrader: (0)

Can we get a confirmation on this, it's pretty rediculous if they are essentially the same brakes given that they cost a couple thousand.
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2014, 09:21 PM   #22
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
Bigger better rotor and better pads
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:23 PM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST