I like Big Brakes (and I cannot lie)- Total BBK pron

[PropellerHead]

Some of you might have followed that I am a total slut for big brakes. I just like 'em. I can't explain it- Well, I *can*. But it's easy enough to say I like them. How much do I like 'em?

Well, the 1975 2002 has a rear disc conversion from a 320is and ginormous brakes from a Volvo 240D on the front. It'll pull fillings out of your head on stops.

My 2000 540 has had StopTechs at all four corners for 10 years now. I love what the reduction in unsprung weight did to this car. It 'feels' so much more nimble on the uneven corners. It even rides better on bumpy roads as the KW coil overs absorb and extend with less weight to worry about. Really transformed the car.

And that brings us to the E53. I was never going to change the brakes in my 3.0. In fact, I bought that thing in 2004 pledging it as my 'beater' that I would never mod. That lasted for most of the 7 years I drove it until I got a good deal on some headrest monitors and a DVD player. Still- no perf upgrades.

But my dream X5 arrived. I spent the first year on functional cosmetics: Running boards, under ride protection, trailer hitch. I did buy an AFE intake on super duper clearance and install it. I never would have without finding it over 1/2 off. The 4.8is was starting to look sharp. I started getting used to the very loud LeMans Blue as compared to my subtle Oxford Green 3.0. I started thinking that the rotor hats were looking rusty. And that the calipers had a little film of rust, too. It just didn't look good.

But what to choose? StopTech is the incumbent. Light, pretty- Available in silver calipers. And let's be honest, less than 1/2 the cost of the ginormous Brembo 8 pistons fronts and 4 piston rears. That's a fine kit, but it's heavier than the StopTech. Reduced unsprung weight was a major goal for me after my experience in the E39. Besides, if you're in a 4.6 or 4.8, even the stock rotors are probably never going to fade on the street. They're huge- Actually a little larger than (+.1") than the Stop Techs. But, the Stop Techs are designed to dissipate heat more readily than stock, so in this case, size really doesn't matter.

After my trusted indy told me that my rears were probably done later this Spring and I found what seemed like an unlikely deal, I pulled the trigger. It took better than a month for them to ship:



But 6 weeks after I ordered them, they were here!



Then we took a family trip and I had to wait some more. See if you can guess where!





But then it was time! Picked up the 330 after new tires and dropped off the X5 for some good ole binder diddlin'! And so, without further adieu:

Rear:


Rear with rotor:


Front:


Back of front:


Yes, they cleaned the inside of my wheels bc they know I love that stuff for pics! Rears:


Fronts:


Driving impressions after initial bed in to follow. I will be heading out soon to do a second bed in. Hope you enjoyed the story!

[Green Dragon]

I'm drooling.......... very nice! I love how clean you keep your ride. You could eat off the backside of those rims. Good Job.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Green Dragon

I'm drooling.......... very nice! I love how clean you keep your ride. You could eat off the backside of those rims. Good Job.

Thanks! Though I did not clean these, the shop did bc they had seen this evidence of my OCD after a CV boot exploded inside my front wheel.

[TiAgX5]

Nice brakes.

I thought I was the only one on here who cleans the back/inside of my wheels (twice a year, even rubber condition the inner sidewall).

Looks like you were in St. Augustine, FL.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Nice brakes.

I thought I was the only one on here who cleans the back/inside of my wheels (twice a year, even rubber condition the inner sidewall).

Looks like you were in St. Augustine, FL.

+++1

[romeokc10]

Looks good! I've never liked the low tech look of the front calipers on my 4.6is, now those new calipers would really standout behind some nice, a little more open, aftermarket wheels so they can be seen for all to admire.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Looks like you were in St. Augustine, FL.

[Ricky Bobby]

Tiag, you only clean the backside of the wheels twice a year??

I clean the inside of my 168s every time it gets washed, I'm disappointed!




And Prop, mother of god. Those brakes are gorgeous.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

I hope you didn't buy any wine at the local winery in St. A.

You can use that stuff to strip paint!

[DBIII]

What do you guys use to clean the inside of your rims? I clean mine with sponge soap and water every wash, but they don't look nearly as nice as yours. Thanks in advance for any tips.....those Stoptechs look freakin sweet too!