Hi all. I’m trying to see if there is an alternative to a “standard” big brake kit for my e85 BMW z4. I was looking into a BMW caliper set for the F2*and F3* m-cars. It would fit my car, but my problem is that it doesn’t support the parking brake. I found the Wilwood MC4 mechanical brake, but since it doesn’t support the 24mm thick rear disc it’s not compatible. Is there any other similar option?
Short story aside, if anyone wants to read, here’s the full picture.
I bought my BMW z4 about a year ago and I’m fully enjoying it as a daily driver. It’s fantastic. I bought it thinking of partially restoring it and partially improve it. I started with the dampers which I swapped for a nice set of Bilstein B8 and now I’m fixing and upgrading the engine. I already did the m50 manifold conversion and I am now designing a custom airbox. Atm I’m waiting for the 3d printer to arrive so I can begin testing the prototypes. Next in order are the exhaust, suspension bushing all around, engine down for vanos, clutch and bearings, and probably custom carbon hood. Also, I’m doing all of this by myself. In the future I’m planning to bring my car to the track, but also buying a second car, so, although I still want it to be daily drivable, I’m looking into mods to improve track experience such as big brakes and adjustable suspensions. Regarding the latter I’m not worried, although if you have any suggestion I’m all ears, but speaking of the brakes I don’t want to spend close to what I paid for the car for a big brake kit without a handbrake and possibly the same work as a custom kit. Since the BMW brakes mentioned before are purchasable for around 1k, Wilwood handbrake included, and 2 pairs of custom floating disks is not an arm and a leg, it would cost significantly less than a big brake bolt in kit. with this I’m hoping to get a better braking control and much lesser brake fade. I’m not too worried for streetability, but there are a lot of option regarding pads and rotors that can alleviate that if it comes down to that. As already mentioned though, the available Wilwood parking brake is compatible with either 28-25mm or 20-18mm thick discs, and the BMW calipers mount 24mm thick discs. So firstly, I’m wondering if anyone knows whether a thicker disc can be mounted, maybe with slimmer pads, so that the Wilwood caliper can work, and on a second note I’m looking at any other option that can get me a cheap entry into the floating discs game while retaining the handbrake.
Thanks to anyone who will read and answer