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!