brake caliper covers

ikslee · 04-14-2010, 10:37 PM

Hi, anyone have any experience or feedback on the plastic brake caliper covers that I see advertised on ebay (from exotic places such as China and Thailand)?

suff · 04-15-2010, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

Hi, anyone have any experience or feedback on the plastic brake caliper covers that I see advertised on ebay (from exotic places such as China and Thailand)?

No.. but PLEASE dont put these on your car.. anyone with the slightest interest in cars will spot them for what they are straight away.. save your money and spend it on something worth while!

The__J__Factor · 04-15-2010, 04:26 PM

Hahahahahhahha...

I mean yeah do it, awesome mod.

mmmmQuattro · 04-15-2010, 06:20 PM

Hey, I am thinking about these.
Believe it or not, I hate the way BMW brakes look. I also hate the fake stuff, like M3 badges on 320's etc.
But, If I am going to get some wheels where you see the brakes, the only choice is to spend $5k on a big brake kit, or $20 on covers.
The 135 six pot brake kits aren't as good as the 335's larger standard brakes with new fluid, pads and braided hoses, so BMW performance brakes aren't worth it.

The real problem is that the BMW brake engineers took no effort in making the brakes look acceptable. Have a look at standard Mercedes brakes to see what I mean, they just look better.

John_01 · 04-15-2010, 06:32 PM

Brake caliper covers - What a crazy idea! Brakes are for stopping the car, not for looking at. I think BMW already have more than enough people trying to make the cars look cool and prestigous. Probably Mercedes Benz have even more people doing that. There is too much poser factor in these cars already, without going for plastic brake covers. If you don't want the Brembo / A&P setup, please just accept the what the car has from the factory. Jeeez.. I can't believe this is a topic for discussion.

Z320i · 04-15-2010, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_01

Brake caliper covers - What a crazy idea! Brakes are for stopping the car, not for looking at. I think BMW already have more than enough people trying to make the cars look cool and prestigous. Probably Mercedes Benz have even more people doing that. There is too much poser factor in these cars already, without going for plastic brake covers. If you don't want the Brembo / A&P setup, please just accept the what the car has from the factory. Jeeez.. I can't believe this is a topic for discussion.

i second that!!

johnnydad · 04-15-2010, 08:29 PM

zerotohundred · 04-15-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jp330Cic.au

Hey, I am thinking about these.
Believe it or not, I hate the way BMW brakes look. I also hate the fake stuff, like M3 badges on 320's etc.
But, If I am going to get some wheels where you see the brakes, the only choice is to spend $5k on a big brake kit, or $20 on covers.
The 135 six pot brake kits aren't as good as the 335's larger standard brakes with new fluid, pads and braided hoses, so BMW performance brakes aren't worth it.

The real problem is that the BMW brake engineers took no effort in making the brakes look acceptable. Have a look at standard Mercedes brakes to see what I mean, they just look better.

If you want to add a splash of colour to the setup,consider changing to Cool Carbon pads. They're bright blue and add that little bit extra to the whole setup - 335i calipers are pretty big and it shows.

Plus they bite hard and last longer than OEM gear.

The__J__Factor · 04-15-2010, 10:44 PM

^ Like he said, change pads if you want a cooler look. OR paint the calipers.

Generally you dont want your brakes to be covered - making them extra hot and blocking air flow. That is a bad thing.

ikslee · 04-15-2010, 11:15 PM

thx for all the comments, all noted. I agree with the comment that unless you want to spend $5k plus on brakes, what else can you do to improve the aesthetics of otherwise ugly calipers! And just because it was designed/engineered @ bmw doesn't necessary make it the bomb, you merely have to read the posts on all that is not right.

That being said, I'd still like to customise the calipers so what do the gurus here think about painting the calipers instead?

ikslee · 04-15-2010, 11:22 PM

john-01/aka poser, firstly allow me to apologise for not being aware of the parameters of what is and is not permitted as a discussion topic - please pm me so I can run any future topic suggestions by you before posting. Is it also safe to presume that there are no modifications on your vehicle, merely what rolls off the factory?

BMW //MPOWER · 04-15-2010, 11:36 PM

Don't BMW performance offer an upgrade kit that isn't too expensive? Why not hit that up, it even has BMW Performance written on the calipers for the posers amongst us.

As for the OP, plastic covers = EPIC FAIL, but please be sure to post pics after you've driven on them for a bit, i'm keen to see the mess they make once they melt all over your wheels!

E92325i · 04-15-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Don't BMW performance offer an upgrade kit that isn't too expensive? Why not hit that up, it even has BMW Performance written on the calipers for the posers amongst us.

I was under the impression that those bmw performance calipers are just stock 135i brakes with different (slotted/grooved) discs?

John_01 · 04-16-2010, 12:55 AM

For the BMW performance calipers, I am 90% certain they are the same as the 135i front brakes. I understand they are used with 338mm front rotors. However there are some issues:

1) I read on the forums there isn't a good availability of high temp brake pads. Maybe some of the 135i owners have more experience with this.
2) For 335i, they offer lower performance than the standard brakes which have larger rotors from the factory.
3) For 320i, 323i and 325i, they are only available for the front brakes, not for the rear. I'm a bit curious to know whether the brake balance would be affected. Also it seems stange not to have a set of four from a visual point of view.

John_01 · 04-16-2010, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

john-01/aka poser, firstly allow me to apologise for not being aware of the parameters of what is and is not permitted as a discussion topic - please pm me so I can run any future topic suggestions by you before posting. Is it also safe to presume that there are no modifications on your vehicle, merely what rolls off the factory?

HI ikslee, You have the same rights as myself or anyone else to post what you like here. I realise I have a fairly strong point of view about the topic you posted about. I am not going to apologise for that. To me it seems quite pointless to fit brake caliper covers and you could end up looking like a poser. What's worse is that it could affect the performance of the brakes. If you want to upgrade the performance of the brakes in some way, I think that would be a better idea.

ikslee · 04-16-2010, 01:18 AM

thx guys, i will definitely stay clear of the covers! After spending more time searching on this forum, have read about the G2 caliper paint from the USA which looks like a pretty good finish - anyone tried it down under?

BTW this is a great site to get honest feedback so muchly appreciated.

BMW //MPOWER · 04-16-2010, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

thx guys, i will definitely stay clear of the covers! After spending more time searching on this forum, have read about the G2 caliper paint from the USA which looks like a pretty good finish - anyone tried it down under?

BTW this is a great site to get honest feedback so muchly appreciated.

There's quite a few people who have painted their calipers in aus, both here (there is a lot of people here who are inactive these days), 1addicts & over at e46fanatics.
Might be worth doing a few searches in the AU forum & seeing what you can dig up.

godenades · 07-02-2012, 03:34 PM

Well... I know that I am not, or was not a huge fan of these types of things, but lets face it, the stock caliper is ugly... there is potential for some bling in there and i had to do something.

I found a local company call Ravenus Studios that makes them from fiberglass and in some cases carbon fiber. They are a bit pricey, but definitely look sexy and last a very long time... they can be custom made, your paint color and your sticker for an additional fee, but I will tell you, they are simple and really make my rims pop out a lot...

they do other things too, but again, just my opinion...

ravenusstudios.com is the address if you want to check it out for yourself.

Marcs335 · 07-02-2012, 06:46 PM

When I was in Thailand all the cabs etc are rocking these.

They look suprisingly genuine until you go up and crouch down.

BMJ · 07-03-2012, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

Hi, anyone have any experience or feedback on the plastic brake caliper covers that I see advertised on ebay (from exotic places such as China and Thailand)?

I plan to paint mine gloss black. Personally I wouldn't add a aftermarket cover due to the heat retention issue. Also want to put drilled discs on my fronts.

cruvon · 07-03-2012, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

thx guys, i will definitely stay clear of the covers! After spending more time searching on this forum, have read about the G2 caliper paint from the USA which looks like a pretty good finish - anyone tried it down under?

BTW this is a great site to get honest feedback so muchly appreciated.

Talk to Stu (bmroxm5) (BMR Autowerkes). He did mine in red paint and came out awesome http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=red. Stay away from caliper covers!

THE335 · 07-03-2012, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikslee

thx guys, i will definitely stay clear of the covers! After spending more time searching on this forum, have read about the G2 caliper paint from the USA which looks like a pretty good finish - anyone tried it down under?

BTW this is a great site to get honest feedback so muchly appreciated.

Hey there,

I have just bought 2 kits of G2 caliper paint from the USA. The colour I bought is BMW Nogaro Silver. (Metallic grey). The reason I went for this colour is because I have the 313 style wheels & this colour is very much like the painted surface of the wheel.
Anyway, long story short my calipers are now being painted in a panel shop so I may be selling these kits. let me know if you are interested.

04-14-2010, 10:37 PM	#1
ikslee New Member 6 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2007 325i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tasmania iTrader: (0)	brake caliper covers Hi, anyone have any experience or feedback on the plastic brake caliper covers that I see advertised on ebay (from exotic places such as China and Thailand)?
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04-15-2010, 04:26 PM	#3
The__J__Factor Major 88 Rep 1,090 Posts Drives: ///M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gold Coast, Australia iTrader: (0)	Hahahahahhahha... I mean yeah do it, awesome mod. __________________ 135i N54 manual MR-S with a 2zz swap and mods Sold EVO X MR - Phantom Black - Ti Exhaust - Ti UICP - AQM Intake - Sold Z4 M Coupe - H&R - RE Diablo - RPi - Tekarbon - Sold
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04-15-2010, 06:20 PM	#4
mmmmQuattro Major 259 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: f83 / E93 335 / E70 X5 40d Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Adelaide, South Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 320 E91 M-Spor ... [0.00] 2009 335-E93 M-Sport [0.00]	Hey, I am thinking about these. Believe it or not, I hate the way BMW brakes look. I also hate the fake stuff, like M3 badges on 320's etc. But, If I am going to get some wheels where you see the brakes, the only choice is to spend $5k on a big brake kit, or $20 on covers. The 135 six pot brake kits aren't as good as the 335's larger standard brakes with new fluid, pads and braided hoses, so BMW performance brakes aren't worth it. The real problem is that the BMW brake engineers took no effort in making the brakes look acceptable. Have a look at standard Mercedes brakes to see what I mean, they just look better.
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04-15-2010, 06:32 PM	#5
John_01 Colonel 232 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Brake caliper covers - What a crazy idea! Brakes are for stopping the car, not for looking at. I think BMW already have more than enough people trying to make the cars look cool and prestigous. Probably Mercedes Benz have even more people doing that. There is too much poser factor in these cars already, without going for plastic brake covers. If you don't want the Brembo / A&P setup, please just accept the what the car has from the factory. Jeeez.. I can't believe this is a topic for discussion.
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04-15-2010, 08:29 PM	#7
johnnydad Captain 108 Rep 931 Posts Drives: 17 BMW M2 - 05 RS Clio 182 Cup Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, NSW iTrader: (0)	__________________ John 17 F87 M2 Pure - long beach blue 10 E91 320d LCI - space grey - black dakota - steptronic - innovations - 157s - front PDC - Konis 99 BMW Baby Racer - red; 05 Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup - French Racing Blue - Konis - Eibachs - Remus - Turinis
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04-15-2010, 10:44 PM	#9
The__J__Factor Major 88 Rep 1,090 Posts Drives: ///M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gold Coast, Australia iTrader: (0)	^ Like he said, change pads if you want a cooler look. OR paint the calipers. Generally you dont want your brakes to be covered - making them extra hot and blocking air flow. That is a bad thing. __________________ 135i N54 manual MR-S with a 2zz swap and mods Sold EVO X MR - Phantom Black - Ti Exhaust - Ti UICP - AQM Intake - Sold Z4 M Coupe - H&R - RE Diablo - RPi - Tekarbon - Sold
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04-15-2010, 11:15 PM	#10
ikslee New Member 6 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2007 325i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tasmania iTrader: (0)	thx for all the comments, all noted. I agree with the comment that unless you want to spend $5k plus on brakes, what else can you do to improve the aesthetics of otherwise ugly calipers! And just because it was designed/engineered @ bmw doesn't necessary make it the bomb, you merely have to read the posts on all that is not right. That being said, I'd still like to customise the calipers so what do the gurus here think about painting the calipers instead?
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04-15-2010, 11:22 PM	#11
ikslee New Member 6 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2007 325i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tasmania iTrader: (0)	john-01/aka poser, firstly allow me to apologise for not being aware of the parameters of what is and is not permitted as a discussion topic - please pm me so I can run any future topic suggestions by you before posting. Is it also safe to presume that there are no modifications on your vehicle, merely what rolls off the factory?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-15-2010, 11:36 PM	#12
BMW //MPOWER Major 30 Rep 1,403 Posts Drives: BMW G20 M340i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 325ci individu ... [0.00]	Don't BMW performance offer an upgrade kit that isn't too expensive? Why not hit that up, it even has BMW Performance written on the calipers for the posers amongst us. As for the OP, plastic covers = EPIC FAIL, but please be sure to post pics after you've driven on them for a bit, i'm keen to see the mess they make once they melt all over your wheels! __________________ Current: BMW G20 M340xi Sapphire Black Previous: BMW G30 530E Carbon Black M Sport BMW E46 325Ci M Clubsport Carbon Black BMW E36 318i Alpine White M Sport
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04-16-2010, 12:55 AM	#14
John_01 Colonel 232 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	For the BMW performance calipers, I am 90% certain they are the same as the 135i front brakes. I understand they are used with 338mm front rotors. However there are some issues: 1) I read on the forums there isn't a good availability of high temp brake pads. Maybe some of the 135i owners have more experience with this. 2) For 335i, they offer lower performance than the standard brakes which have larger rotors from the factory. 3) For 320i, 323i and 325i, they are only available for the front brakes, not for the rear. I'm a bit curious to know whether the brake balance would be affected. Also it seems stange not to have a set of four from a visual point of view. Last edited by John_01; 04-16-2010 at 01:14 AM..
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04-16-2010, 01:18 AM	#16
ikslee New Member 6 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2007 325i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tasmania iTrader: (0)	thx guys, i will definitely stay clear of the covers! After spending more time searching on this forum, have read about the G2 caliper paint from the USA which looks like a pretty good finish - anyone tried it down under? BTW this is a great site to get honest feedback so muchly appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-02-2012, 03:34 PM	#18
godenades Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Sedan Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Orland Park, IL iTrader: (0)	Well... I know that I am not, or was not a huge fan of these types of things, but lets face it, the stock caliper is ugly... there is potential for some bling in there and i had to do something. I found a local company call Ravenus Studios that makes them from fiberglass and in some cases carbon fiber. They are a bit pricey, but definitely look sexy and last a very long time... they can be custom made, your paint color and your sticker for an additional fee, but I will tell you, they are simple and really make my rims pop out a lot... they do other things too, but again, just my opinion... ravenusstudios.com is the address if you want to check it out for yourself.
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07-02-2012, 06:46 PM	#19
Marcs335 Private 7 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 335 Virgin Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	When I was in Thailand all the cabs etc are rocking these. They look suprisingly genuine until you go up and crouch down.
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