Brake Pads/Lines/Fluid Upgrade

[Charlie Brown]

Does anyone know off hand the specs for the factory installed brake fluid? Does anyone know if BMW (or warranty compatible) offers "upgraded" fluid for racing?

I'm also looking for more reviews/suggestions on brake pads and hard lines for track use.

Thanks!

[JNoSol]

BMW OEM DOT 4 Boiling Point (Dry) 446*F / (Wet) 311*F

A good upgrade for the street and light track would be ATE TYP200 - Dry 536°F / Wet 392°F. I ran that on my F80 M3 for street and track. I believe BMW uses ATE brand fluid for OEM, no warranty issues. You dealer can even replace the fluid for you if you bring your own fluids.

As for brake lines, the OEM brake lines are more than adequate for street and light track use. SS lines don't fit as well as OEM. As for pads, you'll have to decide if you want more street friendly or track aggressiveness. Like tires, you can't pick something that's the Jack of all trades.

Track friendly pads are squeaky for the street. Street friendly pads are too mellow for the track. Breaking in track pads is a pain in the ass.

It seems like a good upgrade from OEM pads is Carbotech 1521. Less brake dust compared to stock for the street.

[johntomferg]

I have the Challenge SS brake lines, Castrol SRF fluid (590 F Dry / 518 F Wet), and Cool Carbon brakes up front. I'm pretty happy with the combination.

Note: Tried the XP8 Carbotechs as a street solution (they are the lowest entry track track pad) and they were not an option I would recommend. Simply too noisy as they eventually glazed.

Just offering another data point.

[Charlie Brown]

Thanks for the information!

[ketema]

I always use this brake fluid.

http://torquebrakefluid.com

Pagid pads. They squeal like crazy but I never cared cause M5 has great sound insulation.