[addy27]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Realistically, these cars are just too heavy for serious track use.

Agreed, however, one thing on my bucket list would be the ring taxi ride..which shows the capability of the bigger Ms. (Also..may Sabine Rest In Peace..what an amazing driver she was)

[Bozman52]

Originally Posted by OppositeLock72

This is awesome information, thanks Bozman52! Its so helpful to the rest of us when someone takes the time.
Track days in my 550i are hamstrung by my open diff and my brakes! And here i thought when I bought the car the brakes were huge - they're still too small! I guess these cars are no Caterham.
I haven't heard anyone mention brake balance yet - changing the caliper diameter ratio and changing rotor diameter ratio can do wonky things with the brake bias - anyone have comments on this?

I appreciate the kind words! Your question on brake bias is a fair one, but as I didn't put my 530d around a track either before or after my upgrade, I can't personally say. On the street, I've not noticed any strange or sketchy behavior from my brake set up, but I'm only doing very light brake work. However, at face value it would seem that the bias would have to be affected.

[addy27]

Originally Posted by OppositeLock72

This is awesome information, thanks Bozman52! Its so helpful to the rest of us when someone takes the time.
Track days in my 550i are hamstrung by my open diff and my brakes! And here i thought when I bought the car the brakes were huge - they're still too small! I guess these cars are no Caterham.
I haven't heard anyone mention brake balance yet - changing the caliper diameter ratio and changing rotor diameter ratio can do wonky things with the brake bias - anyone have comments on this?

My comment on this would be that the Alpina B5/B6 edition 50 with 600hp runs these same 4 piston Brembo calipers/395x36 rotors up front, and the F01 750i rear rotors. I'd think they've done a good job of using the components to keep bias under control.

[Unspec]

Bozman, could you measure the distance from the center of the hub to the edge of the caliper? I'm wondering if these would fit under 19" wheels.

[Bozman52]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Bozman, could you measure the distance from the center of the hub to the edge of the caliper? I'm wondering if these would fit under 19" wheels.

I'm really sorry for the delay in responding. I'm still not getting notified of additions to this thread, even though I'm subscribed- so irritating! Anyway, I took some measurements, so hopefully this gives you what you need. My gut feeling is that 19s will be a VERY tight fit for this mod.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by Bozman52

I'm really sorry for the delay in responding. I'm still not getting notified of additions to this thread, even though I'm subscribed- so irritating! Anyway, I took some measurements, so hopefully this gives you what you need. My gut feeling is that 19s will be a VERY tight fit for this mod.

Appreciate it!

[Bozman52]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Appreciate it!

You're very welcome. If you need anything else and I don't respond to this thread within a day, then PM me instead, as I do get notified about those (I think &#128580.

[addy27]

So for those who do want to order a spacer instead of custom making one, there is an off the shelf part that will do.

CNH Washer 896-15012 OR Part#: 86625256 (newer part number)

https://www.minnpar.com/product.aspx...uctcode=550901

Specs that should work: 13.5MM ID X 28MM OD X 4MM THICK. (FLAT, Metal)

[Bozman52]

Originally Posted by addy27

So for those who do want to order a spacer instead of custom making one, there is an off the shelf part that will do.

CNH Washer 896-15012 OR Part#: 86625256 (newer part number)

https://www.minnpar.com/product.aspx...uctcode=550901

Specs that should work: 13.5MM ID X 28MM OD X 4MM THICK. (FLAT, Metal)

Yes, FINALLY an off the shelf solution for this! Well done! You should also post this in the other brake thread if you haven't already.

[Buddys550]

Thank you Bozman52 for this awesome write-up! My rears (2015 550i) are in dire shape and will need to do something soon. Has 81k miles so will do the fronts at the same time. You info is perfect...thanks again!

[addy27]

Transformation complete, thanks for the inspiration.. although i'm wondering if I should paint the calipers in a different color that pops...

Here are the specs

Rears:
Bolt on F10 M5 Brackets and Calipers (No adapter needed)
Rotors are 370mm from the rear of the F01/F02/F07. (ECS had a good deal on Myles)

Fronts:
X5m Calipers (or if you can get a good deal, same as RR calipers)
X5m Rotors (these are el cheap from RockAuto)
4mm spacers I've specified above.

Using EBC Yellow stuff pads on all 4 corners.

Everything is bolt on, nothing besides the 4mm spacers is unique. No cutting of brake shields or anything.

JUST Bear in mind, you need the correct wheel offsets for these to work. My stock Alpina 20" rubbed the edge of the caliper so I added 3mm spacers and now I think the gap is exactly 3mm or maybe 2.5mm. So you CANNOT use smaller wheels than 20 and even then, your offset needs to be checked to ensure your spokes clear the caliper

[Bozman52]

addy27, congrats on completing the upgrade! You're the only one I'm aware of with the M5 rears, as I didn't know about the larger rotor option when I did mine. Great info on not being able to clear 20" Alpina wheels out of the box, but I'm glad you found a solution for this. I think everyone who has done the X5M front caliper mod has had the 343M wheels from an M5 . . . and I can tell you there isn't much caliper clearance even with those!

Since you went with the Yellowstuff pads, I think your brake feel will be better than mine. There are times that I wish I stuck with a metallic pad, but honestly, I just couldn't deal with the brake dust any longer, so I'm still on the ceramic train.

The color choice is always a tough one. I don't think we can pull off bright red/yellow/green like a 911 or other supercar, but you also want people to know you modified your brakes. For me, it was always a debate between the standard M blue color or something that matched my car. Since my car is silver, my calipers pop a bit more, especially against black wheels. If I had a black car, I'm not sure what I'd do. You could have considered a mid-dark grey, that would still be subtle, but might "pop" a bit. In any case, just enjoy the mod for now!

[Blue Angel]

addy, looks great!!! Congratulations on the upgrade!

Just to clarify, are the front brakes from the E70 or F85? Sorry if I missed that from a previous post. I know Bozman used the E70 parts, I didn't know if you took the same route?

Also, how do you find the pedal feel after the upgrade? With those pads I'm sure the bite will be good, but wondering how firm the pedal is otherwise. Thanks!

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

addy, looks great!!! Congratulations on the upgrade!

Just to clarify, are the front brakes from the E70 or F85? Sorry if I missed that from a previous post. I know Bozman used the E70 parts, I didn't know if you took the same route?

Also, how do you find the pedal feel after the upgrade? With those pads I'm sure the bite will be good, but wondering how firm the pedal is otherwise. Thanks!

E70 X5M. F85 I believe use the 6 pot calipers

[addy27]

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

addy, looks great!!! Congratulations on the upgrade!

Just to clarify, are the front brakes from the E70 or F85? Sorry if I missed that from a previous post. I know Bozman used the E70 parts, I didn't know if you took the same route?

Also, how do you find the pedal feel after the upgrade? With those pads I'm sure the bite will be good, but wondering how firm the pedal is otherwise. Thanks!

Regarding comparison, I've yet to bed them in, so taking it light and slow for now. During pre bedding period.

But I have to say, I was a bit less happy since I realize the actual brake surface width is the same as the 374mm rotors from the B7/B6/760li which I had previously. Those brakes were phenomenal but since I had already invested in this kit, I figured I'd put them on when I was due for a change and so I did. I am hoping to at least match what I had previously but also realize bigger rotors means more rotating mass and these things are heavy. The pads however are much bigger than the ones on the single piston calipers that come with the B7/B6/760i so I am expecting some improvement still.

Will update here once bedded and am actually using them for hard braking.

Also, unspec is right, These are x5m e70 4 pots.

[addy27]

Originally Posted by Bozman52

addy27, congrats on completing the upgrade! You're the only one I'm aware of with the M5 rears, as I didn't know about the larger rotor option when I did mine. Great info on not being able to clear 20" Alpina wheels out of the box, but I'm glad you found a solution for this. I think everyone who has done the X5M front caliper mod has had the 343M wheels from an M5 . . . and I can tell you there isn't much caliper clearance even with those!

Since you went with the Yellowstuff pads, I think your brake feel will be better than mine. There are times that I wish I stuck with a metallic pad, but honestly, I just couldn't deal with the brake dust any longer, so I'm still on the ceramic train.

The color choice is always a tough one. I don't think we can pull off bright red/yellow/green like a 911 or other supercar, but you also want people to know you modified your brakes. For me, it was always a debate between the standard M blue color or something that matched my car. Since my car is silver, my calipers pop a bit more, especially against black wheels. If I had a black car, I'm not sure what I'd do. You could have considered a mid-dark grey, that would still be subtle, but might "pop" a bit. In any case, just enjoy the mod for now!

Was thinking maybe go this route to be totally stock Alpina :

https://www.bramley.com/carsales/det...n-50/12050.htm

[asian]

Thanks for the detailed thread everyone. BBKs make me moist so I'm seriously considering getting the fronts done. F you guys for making it so simple lol

My biggest issue is my wheels... 437s 19" won't cut it huh..? I don't think I want to change my wheels but I'll keep an eye out for some 343s

Sigh I hate u guys

[addy27]

The 760Li/Alpina B7/B6 Front Calipers that I had WILL fit 19" wheels since that was a stock offering along with 19" winter wheels.

Don't hate the players...hate the game!!

[Blue Angel]

Originally Posted by asian

I'll keep an eye out for some 343s

Be sure to verify fitment. Despite their popularity, it seems rear 343s (10" wide ET34) with anything bigger than a 275/30 on a regular F10 is a recipe for rubbing if lowered. No need to discuss here as this thread is about brakes.

[KOC]

Would you mind mention a bit more regarding where to put those 4mm spacer？ Two per side？Thanks a lot!

[Bozman52]

Originally Posted by KOC

Would you mind mention a bit more regarding where to put those 4mm spacer？ Two per side？Thanks a lot!

There are some photos in my first post that show the spacers and their placement. You will need one spacer per calliper bolt, so 2 per side, 4 spacers in total. Let me know if it's still not clear.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by KOC

Would you mind mention a bit more regarding where to put those 4mm spacer？ Two per side？Thanks a lot!

Spacer need to be between the caliper and the wheel carrier.

So in order, it'll be:

Bolt head | caliper | 4mm spacer | wheel carrier

It's a bit annoying to line up the washers since it's pretty tight so I recommend using a dab of super glue to secure them to the caliper.