Brake question

[Philth]

I've scoured the search and Google but can't seem to find a definitive answer:

Will e46 calipers and rotors fit on an e34?

I know that e36 m3 calipers are the same as 3.6 M5 calipers. I know the rotors have the same diameter and thickness but it seems the only difference is the hat offset.

E46 330i brakes and calipers are a direct bolt on upgrade for e36s, therefore shouldn't the bolt patterns be the same for the e34?

Could you make up the hat offset difference with spacers?

Has anyone tried this?

Looking for budget friendly alternatives to upgrade my 525i's brakes. 540i brakes are a step up and easy to find. 3.6 M5 single pot brakes are easy to find too (due to the calipers being the same as the e36 m3) but rotors are harder to source. The 3.8 M5 and 850csi 2 pot brakes would be great but not worth the price imo.

330i brakes would be stupid easy to source and theoretically offer better braking than the single pot M5 brakes.

Anyone have any inputs on this? Anyone tried it?



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[locknload]

Did you try the brake interchange chart?

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Brakes.htm

[Philth]

Did you try the brake interchange chart?

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Brakes.htm

Yea but it has no mention of e36/46 brakes.

The e36 m3 brake calipers have the same part# as the e34 M5 3.6 brake calipers, and take the same dimension rotor.

It's a good guide but could use an update.

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[whiskychaser]

Think you might struggle to make the 330i parts fit. The rotor is 325 x 25. IIRC, the 525i ones are 302x22. The M3/M5 appear to be 'only' 315 x28 Would E34 wheels even fit over them? I have staggered 18" wheels on my 330i and a spare set in the shed if you need any measurements.

PS The 330i has brake ducts. Not sure you would need them on the 525i but I don't imagine they were fitted for show

[Philth]

Think you might struggle to make the 330i parts fit. The rotor is 325 x 25. IIRC, the 525i ones are 302x22. The M3/M5 appear to be 'only' 315 x28 Would E34 wheels even fit over them? I have staggered 18" wheels on my 330i and a spare set in the shed if you need any measurements.

PS The 330i has brake ducts. Not sure you would need them on the 525i but I don't imagine they were fitted for show

According to e36 sources you'll need an absolute minimum of 17" to fit the 330 rotor and brake setup. But since the e34 comes stock with fairly low offset 17s I gotta think it wouldn't be as much of an issue...

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and experiment with junkyard parts.

Maybe someone with more engineering knowledge can explain why the different hat offsets on the rotors will seriously affect the fitment...

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[kalevera]

Will e46 calipers and rotors fit on an e34?

I know that e36 m3 calipers are the same as 3.6 M5 calipers. I know the rotors have the same diameter and thickness but it seems the only difference is the hat offset.

E36 M3 use spindles that allow interchange of the E34 carriers.

Regular E36 use different parts that allow interchange with most E46 brake options. Hence you cannot take E46 brakes and install them on E36 M3 without a lot of work.

[Philth]

E36 M3 use spindles that allow interchange of the E34 carriers.

Regular E36 use different parts that allow interchange with most E46 brake options. Hence you cannot take E46 brakes and install them on E36 M3 without a lot of work.

The answer I was looking for! Thanks

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[M60B40Bimmer]

The brake chart is generally very good. But.. its missing some data. For instance E60 m5 calipers will bolt on in the front with larger rotors. The e60 m5 calipers do require an 18 in rim though.