PDA

View Full Version : Fitted my new DBA floating brake disks



mystic sport
28-12-2006, 05:24 PM
After deciding last week that it would be today that I fiited my new floating disks (made by DBA) and Axxis Ultimate pads (front and rear) I got my tools ready and started attacking the car. I started at 11am and finished at around 2pm. Didn't want to rush it so just took my time, also the lack of a post lift and air gun does start to pee you off when doing this kind of work but my trusty old trolly jack and spider wrench ensured it wasn't too much of a chorse but my hands are aching now due to having to hammer away at a few stuck caliper carrier bolts and a stuck front disk.

Front disk fitted - excuse the old paint can but it is ideal for supporting the removed caliper so I keep it purely for that now :p .
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes1.jpg

Old disk removed and pleasingly is in excellent condition. Slight lip at the edge but certainly plenty of life in it.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes2.jpg

Old pads, again, still serviceable but getting thin - BMW will get these back when the car goes :p .
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes3.jpg

New Axxis pads about to have copper grease applied and then getting fitted into the caliper.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes4.jpg

All back together again :D .
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes5.jpg

Wheel back on now - excuse the dirt but I simply can't be arsed to wash the car for a quick photo :p .
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/330paul/m3/newbrakes6.jpg

So, after fitting the two new front disks and pads and the rear pads it was time for a roadtest and the bedding in process.

I bedded them in as best I could at 2:30pm on a rather busy bypass but managed the majority of required stops to get the heat into the disks and pads.

Let it all cool and took the car out some 30 minutes later. First impressions are that from cold they are very good, at least an equal to OEM which is good enough for me, I was fully expecting a little more braking effort to be required from cold.

They generate very little noise compared to the OEM drilled items which give the characteristic hum as you brake.

Now for warm/hot performance.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I guess that means that they are are excellent. Plenty of pedal feel, and the bite is spot on, huge improvement over stock. It takes little effort to get heat into the brakes, just normal driving for a couple of minutes and they seem to be ready for action. It is too wet and greasy for a proper loony session with them but they will get some abuse as soon as conditions allow.

In short, they blow the OEM brakes away, OEMs are not in the same league at all. This is, as far as I am concerned the perfect setup (well apart from also running the DBA rears as well) unless you have the extra folding and can stretch to a BBK but these are so good for the price.

Delighted????? You bloomin bet :D .

My thanks to Roy for suggesting these brakes, I reckon you may sell a few sets of these mate ;) .

I will be making a few notes as the miles pile on and they bed in properly over the next few thousand miles. Can't wait to try them on track to see how hard they resist prolonged/hard braking punishment.

mikem
28-12-2006, 05:37 PM
Nice one Mystic :cool:
I`m on the look out for mine but not many options beside a full BBK for the E90 yet. :(

peppernick
28-12-2006, 09:43 PM
Good stuff Paul! Another excellent product available for the M3.

I thoroughly recommend Goodridge hoses, the difference is even more marked.

Raj
28-12-2006, 09:49 PM
Nice one Paul. Good little write up too. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Tin
28-12-2006, 09:50 PM
nice one paul.. cool write up, wheels look good too! :)

Doc Matt
28-12-2006, 09:55 PM
Paul youv'e been waiting ages for a bbk, now your'e sorted pal. Well done :)

Black Sabbath
28-12-2006, 11:48 PM
Top job,and excellent pictures as well :cool: .Should be even better when they are really bedded in :D

Nickleback
29-12-2006, 06:20 AM
Looking good Paul, it will be interesting to see how well they work when really bedded in. Another great option to improve std brakes with :cool:

arkenphel
29-12-2006, 09:29 AM
Well donw Paul. I look forward to scrutnising and feeling your handiwork at the next Ring Run:p :D

CA Automotive UK
29-12-2006, 03:40 PM
nice write up paul ! DBA is a new range for CA so I am glad they worked out as well as expected :)

Nick is right about the braided steel hoses, worth the money for sure, front and rear .

mystic sport
29-12-2006, 05:08 PM
Thanks for the compliments guys :D .

Roy, the car will be needing new fluid soon so I will probably get a set from you and get it done at the same time ;) .

I will add a few comments onto this thread as they get more use in the hope that they may benefit others thinking of doing this upgrade seeing as they are a very new product for the M3.

Going to take it lan bashing for an hour or so tomorrow. This can usually promote a bit of brake fade and smoke from the front brakes when at rest so if they pass that little test then we are doing well.

All indications are very favourable at the moment :D - and even though I am a function over form person I do think they look rather nice :p .

peppernick
29-12-2006, 06:35 PM
Just FYI Paul, if later you wish to upgrade the calipers, you have a choice of these :D :D

http://www.custom-performance.net/pictures/kit5.jpg

Rotora caliper upgrade for the E46 M3, direct replacement for stock calipers and uses stock discs. Since your DBA discs are the same size as OEM discs, these calipers will go right on. Then you'll have one complete set of BBK, with performance discs :cool: :cool:

Don't say I'm not helping you spend your moollah :D :p

CLICKY (https://www.custom-performance.net/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=120)

(Revised link) ;)

Black Sabbath
30-12-2006, 07:01 AM
Very interesting Nick,Teddy is trying to find some info for me regarding BBK for mine,got anything in your parts catalogue?:rolleyes:

imu
30-12-2006, 08:10 AM
Nice one Paul - am sure that this upgrade will prove much better than OEM when you're next on a track :cool:

mystic sport
30-12-2006, 11:46 AM
Oh Nick, why do you do this to me. Stuff dropping it, I'm gonna save for these puppies next :D .

The brakes are getting better and better. Had to really use them today and wow, they really pull the car up hard. Best money I have spent for a long time.

m3cslboy
30-12-2006, 12:50 PM
Top Work Paul !

I love the mods you have done Paul ! all by yourself + on a budget :cool: :) what modding is all about !

These brakes look swish , hope they stop great too !

looking good :cool:

So Paul next track meet we gotta see if you can out brake me !! :D :p ;)

take care

Raj

Jazz
30-12-2006, 03:38 PM
Good write up Paul, like your wheels:)

sjj84
30-12-2006, 03:42 PM
Looking good, now get those calipers on there aswell!

CA Automotive UK
30-12-2006, 03:45 PM
Very interesting Nick,Teddy is trying to find some info for me regarding BBK for mine,got anything in your parts catalogue?:rolleyes:


IF teddy has no luck then give me a shout on this Mark,I think we can help ...but only if teddy cannot :)

BeemerBoy888
30-12-2006, 03:54 PM
Good Job! A few interesting options for brake upgrade for the M3 now

mystic sport
30-12-2006, 05:10 PM
So Paul next track meet we gotta see if you can out brake me !! :D :p ;)

take care

Raj

I'll hold you to that you nutter :p . I love modding without spending loads. My money has to go alot further now as my wife has nigh on packed up work and what with running her BMW as well I have to be a bit thrifty ;) . Still doesn't mean that the upgrades are crap though, you just have to look around more, ask more questions and you will always find something out there that works well :D . Now to find some calipers for £50 :p .

Black Sabbath
30-12-2006, 07:43 PM
IF teddy has no luck then give me a shout on this Mark,I think we can help ...but only if teddy cannot :)
Cool will do Roy,thanks for that ;)

Imola
30-12-2006, 08:14 PM
Now to find some calipers for £50

If only :D
nice mod BTY don't wear them out too quickly :D