Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
Zeuropa
Posts: 107
Joined: Mar 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Zeuropa »

Thanks for the prompt response. These rotors must have a lot of swept area. Most BMW rear rotors seem to have about 45-50mm of swept area. This pic suggests these rotors have more like 65mm, which is beneficial since these Brembo calipers use a tall pad.
Do you think you'll be able to get a batch of your brackets made?

Thanks again
maxpossu
Posts: 20
Joined: Mar 19, 2018 2:28 PM
Location: Lauttasaari, Fi

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by maxpossu »

Oi Zman,

Thanks. I can whip-up these anytime actually.. :cool:

But since this is a hobby and im not planning to sell these actively, it would be maybe reasonable to group up so i could get a group discount from my machininst.

Lets bundle up?

Only thing missing from this bracket is ruthless road testing. I am honestly quite many years away from finishing my build. This would need couple/few brave ones to do the field test for me. (if waiting is not an option) :D
Last edited by maxpossu on Apr 15, 2021 1:48 PM, edited 1 time in total.
charofire
Posts: 444
Joined: Dec 27, 2008 6:56 PM

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by charofire »

Outside of a solution for the rears, is it worth using the f30 calipers for the fronts which seem to be a bolt-on option? viewtopic.php?f=3&t=155399
Zeuropa
Posts: 107
Joined: Mar 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Zeuropa »

maxpossu wrote: Apr 15, 2021 2:54 AM Only thing missing from this bracket is ruthless road testing. I am honestly quite many years away from finishing my build. This would need couple/few brave ones to do the field test for me. (if waiting is not an option) :D
I'd volunteer for testing but charofire brings up a good point: upgrading the rear without upgrading the front is pretty risky. Surely someone here that has already upgraded their fronts, to even "just" the e34 540i 302x28 kit, could do some testing???

Additionally, do [all] E28's have a rear brake force limiter, like the E30's do? I haven't seen one on my 533i but I haven't looked that hard either.

Lastly, FWIW I will be constructing a nearly identical kit for the rear of my E30 and I already have a front BBK on that car, but I'm not sure comparing the E28 & E30 is valid. Better than nothing as far as collecting data goes, but the extent to which that data is transferrable between the two chassis is unclear to me. Thoughts from the group???

Thanks
Beemernut
Posts: 173
Joined: Jun 22, 2017 10:36 PM
Location: Harrisonburg, VA

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Beemernut »

So...at the risk of asking a 'stupid question'...

Can I fit 135i 6 pot front brakes on my 535i? I think awhile back I found someone saying that all it took was a machined 10mm spacer (I think?) between the caliper and the mount. I haven't been able to find that comment again. I'll be running 17x12 Style 5s...best not to ask :lol:

Or is the conventional e32 750 front/e34 540 rear setup just that good?

Call me a kid but I want those sweet, sweet BREMBOS. And there are a few yards around that aren't asking too terrible much for a pair.
SpeedracerZ Sweden
Posts: 2
Joined: Sep 23, 2021 10:26 AM
Location: Sweden

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by SpeedracerZ Sweden »

Where can we buy this adapters to Porsche calipers?
Or does anyone have any drawings i can buy?

My friend have an Haas cnc so we can produce alot if someone more need some kits 😎
lizard
Posts: 122
Joined: Mar 23, 2013 12:39 PM

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by lizard »

Beemernut wrote: May 28, 2021 2:22 PM So...at the risk of asking a 'stupid question'...

Can I fit 135i 6 pot front brakes on my 535i? I think awhile back I found someone saying that all it took was a machined 10mm spacer (I think?) between the caliper and the mount. I haven't been able to find that comment again. I'll be running 17x12 Style 5s...best not to ask :lol:


Are you radius-ing the quarterpanel lip or tubbing or______?
Beemernut
Posts: 173
Joined: Jun 22, 2017 10:36 PM
Location: Harrisonburg, VA

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Beemernut »

lizard wrote: Oct 03, 2021 3:10 PM
Beemernut wrote: May 28, 2021 2:22 PM So...at the risk of asking a 'stupid question'...

Can I fit 135i 6 pot front brakes on my 535i? I think awhile back I found someone saying that all it took was a machined 10mm spacer (I think?) between the caliper and the mount. I haven't been able to find that comment again. I'll be running 17x12 Style 5s...best not to ask :lol:


Are you radius-ing the quarterpanel lip or tubbing or______?
The car is currently on those Style 5s and 275/40r17 Contis, and 12cm fender flares. It's a bit bonkers.
Image
gaza01
Posts: 15
Joined: Dec 25, 2015 9:43 AM
Location: UK

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by gaza01 »

Guys I'm UK based so may not be worth the hassle if postage is too costly but if anyone is interested or wants to arrange a GB then let me know. Mine have been on my car for quite some time with no issues
BronzitBeauty
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 24, 2022 2:56 AM
Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

Good Evening,
I thought that maybe this would make a good addition to this thread. I am working on fitting Tesla Model S four pot brembo on my E28, I started by visually comparing the Model S calipers with the E38 brembo. They looked similar but after receiving the E28 goodies bracket for the E38 calipers, the Model S calipers mounting holes are 3/4 of inch further apart. I am having a hard time finding a bracket solution for this, in the process of modifying the brackets to bolt them on to the hub and see if they will work with the 750Il 333mm vented rotors. I'll update the post if I can figure out the bracket situation.
Image4F54E558-248F-4FD3-9E76-7F01188DFA38 by Mark Perez, on Flickr[/img]

ImageC5069430-0AD9-4A32-A542-7D0910B67662 by Mark Perez, on Flickr[/img]

Image52592BFB-A0BF-4E30-A097-A78F4CBAA687 by Mark Perez, on Flickr[/img]
Galahad
Posts: 495
Joined: Sep 06, 2016 9:08 PM
Location: Beverly/Worcester, MA
Contact:

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Galahad »

BronzitBeauty wrote: Nov 08, 2022 6:01 AM Good Evening,
I thought that maybe this would make a good addition to this thread. I am working on fitting Tesla Model S four pot brembo on my E28, I started by visually comparing the Model S calipers with the E38 brembo. They looked similar but after receiving the E28 goodies bracket for the E38 calipers, the Model S calipers mounting holes are 3/4 of inch further apart. I am having a hard time finding a bracket solution for this, in the process of modifying the brackets to bolt them on to the hub and see if they will work with the 750Il 333mm vented rotors. I'll update the post if I can figure out the bracket situation.
Image4F54E558-248F-4FD3-9E76-7F01188DFA38 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

ImageC5069430-0AD9-4A32-A542-7D0910B67662 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

Image52592BFB-A0BF-4E30-A097-A78F4CBAA687 by Mark Perez, on Flickr
What wheel size are you trying to fit?
BronzitBeauty
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 24, 2022 2:56 AM
Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

I am running style 5 right now with a 5mm spacer to clear the backspace from hitting the suspension strut. This coming weekend I am going to attempt to mount the bracket on the hub and mock up a metal plate to bolt them up and test fit the wheels on
Galahad
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Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Galahad »

Which style 5? IIRC they came in multiple diameters
BronzitBeauty
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Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

Sorry, I have the Rc090 two piece style fives 17x8 ET20
ImageC8B95E1B-9626-40E2-A959-61A7529DF799 by Mark Perez, on Flickr[/img]
Galahad
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Location: Beverly/Worcester, MA
Contact:

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Galahad »

BronzitBeauty wrote: Nov 08, 2022 10:56 PM Sorry, I have the Rc090 two piece style fives 17x8 ET20
ImageC8B95E1B-9626-40E2-A959-61A7529DF799 by Mark Perez, on Flickr
Nice wheels! You don't need the img wrapper
Last edited by Galahad on Nov 09, 2022 6:33 PM, edited 1 time in total.
BronzitBeauty
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 24, 2022 2:56 AM
Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

What does hat mean? Image wrapper? I have read the post on how to post pictures, but having a hard time
Galahad
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Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Galahad »

You were doing

Code: Select all

[img]whatever you copied from flickr[/img]
instead of just pasting in what you copied.
BronzitBeauty
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 24, 2022 2:56 AM
Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

I see, so I can just copy and paste the image link and not have to add the insert image code. Got it thank you for the clarification.
BronzitBeauty
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Location: Pasadena

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by BronzitBeauty »

I had some free time yesterday to work on the calipers, with shaving a little off of the mounting points of the calipers I was able to get the calipers to sit flush with the rotors. Need to drill out the holes for the caliper on the bracket, but they are pretty much on. They also fit within the 17" BBS RC090, I will take some pictures once they are mounted 100%
ImageE36E1B38-F6F0-4875-B357-2B49E696BF4E by Mark Perez, on Flickr

Image0320BB99-195A-4D2D-887D-154D023372C4 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

Image7A96A8A6-BF94-4F89-B480-1E030AB83ED9 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

ImageAFD54459-E0A4-4B4D-9E8E-FCFE6638941E by Mark Perez, on Flickr
Zeuropa
Posts: 107
Joined: Mar 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Zeuropa »

Not dead yet!!!!

I'd like to keep this project alive. Can someone sell/produce the rear brackets for the 986 calipers like @maxpossu designed? (Happy to buy from you maxpossu!!! Or Ben??? I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but let's get this done!) If not, I'm willing to work on finding a machinist to produce these.

Also, I'm working on a kit for the front too. I'll post more details when I've made some legit progress.

Cheers and thanks to all who have contributed to this.
szacsi72
Posts: 219
Joined: Nov 13, 2022 3:41 AM
Location: Hungary

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by szacsi72 »

BronzitBeauty wrote: Nov 24, 2022 1:08 AM I had some free time yesterday to work on the calipers, with shaving a little off of the mounting points of the calipers I was able to get the calipers to sit flush with the rotors. Need to drill out the holes for the caliper on the bracket, but they are pretty much on. They also fit within the 17" BBS RC090, I will take some pictures once they are mounted 100%
ImageE36E1B38-F6F0-4875-B357-2B49E696BF4E by Mark Perez, on Flickr

Image0320BB99-195A-4D2D-887D-154D023372C4 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

Image7A96A8A6-BF94-4F89-B480-1E030AB83ED9 by Mark Perez, on Flickr

ImageAFD54459-E0A4-4B4D-9E8E-FCFE6638941E by Mark Perez, on Flickr
Hi there!

Good work. I just wanted to let you know that - if you need it - I can help you make brake adapters.
Here are some that I've made before:
Image
Image
Image
Image
Zeuropa wrote: May 19, 2023 1:55 PM Not dead yet!!!!

I'd like to keep this project alive. Can someone sell/produce the rear brackets for the 986 calipers like @maxpossu designed? (Happy to buy from you maxpossu!!! Or Ben??? I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but let's get this done!) If not, I'm willing to work on finding a machinist to produce these.

Also, I'm working on a kit for the front too. I'll post more details when I've made some legit progress.

Cheers and thanks to all who have contributed to this.
Hi,
I don't have a finished design for Porsche Calipers, however, I'm happy to assist - IF you guys want - to design and produce them. Let me know if you need me. Let's push this platform for more cheap BBK options!
maxpossu
Posts: 20
Joined: Mar 19, 2018 2:28 PM
Location: Lauttasaari, Fi

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by maxpossu »

Zeuropa wrote: May 19, 2023 1:55 PM Not dead yet!!!!

I'd like to keep this project alive. Can someone sell/produce the rear brackets for the 986 calipers like @maxpossu designed? (Happy to buy from you maxpossu!!! Or Ben??? I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but let's get this done!) If not, I'm willing to work on finding a machinist to produce these.

Also, I'm working on a kit for the front too. I'll post more details when I've made some legit progress.

Cheers and thanks to all who have contributed to this.
Hello!

Thanks for the interest.

I still can manufacture them. But my last post still valid (about the testing)
Zeuropa
Posts: 107
Joined: Mar 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Zeuropa »

PM sent!
Lieuwegaal
Posts: 1
Joined: Jan 11, 2024 9:21 AM
Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Lieuwegaal »

Anyone still making adapters?
I am looking for E28/E34 rear adapters to 996 Turbo calipers.
Willing to pay for the model or finished part + shipping.

Please PM me if you can provide the adapters (left and right)
Zeuropa
Posts: 107
Joined: Mar 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Brembo Big Brake retrofit kits for E28/E23/E24

Post by Zeuropa »

I'm still working on this too, right now I'm focused on the REAR setup:

Last weekend I tried out the Creations Motorsport brackets designed for the E36/E46 + 996 calipers + 328mm rotors (p/n BR0038). With these, the bolt holes are all correctly spaced, but the "up & over" is not: the "up" is short by about 10mm and the over is off by about 3mm (too far inward). These issues could be overcome with the right spacers, but then you're working pretty hard to just to make something to fit that was designed for another application. These CMS brackets are nice, but they are heavy being made of steel (but probably stiffer too).

Also, on my particular hub & E38 rotor, the rotor rubbed slightly on the backing plate. This could be remedied with a thin spacer between the hub and the rotor, or lightly grinding down the backing plate ridge. Not a big deal to take a little material off the plate, but I wasn't expecting that issue.

Again - my comments above are in relation to REAR brakes, with E38 750iL rotors.

I'd still like to see someone to make some brackets! Or sell the design, so we can get them made ad hoc.

HTH
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