[e90pilot]

Just to clarify, I have an E90 325i with factory 135i brake calipers.











Car: E90 325i
Calipers: Stock 135i
Front Pad: Hawk DTC 70
Front Rotor: Racing Brake 2-pc
Rear Pad: Stock 135i
Rear Rotor: Stoptech Powerslot (325i)
Fluid: Motul RBF 600
Lap timer: Racelogic Performance Box

Before I even ordered the rotors, I was blown away by Racing Brakes Customer service. Every question I had was answered within a few hours (sometimes minutes). When I placed the order, it was processed the same day and was shipped the next.
These guys really know what they’re doing. If any of you have question about their products, post on their forum and you’ll get quick, good answers.

When I got the rotors, I couldn’t wait to open them and check them out. I never thought that I’d notice the weight difference myself just by lifting the box. It’s MUCH lighter than a pair of stock rotors. As I took the rotors out of the box, I immediately noticed the quality of the product. Everything about them screams high quality, from the design of the slots to the Racing Brake logo on the hat. It’s really a thing of beauty.

Ok now for the important part. Good looking brakes are nice but they’re useless if they don’t perform. I got a chance to really put these rotors to the test on Thunder Hill. With the stock rotors and pads, the pedal would be soft by the end of the third lap even with Motul RBF 600 fluid. Also, increasing brake pressure was required to maintain constant deceleration throughout the braking zone. So, I was getting boiling fluid and overheated pads and rotors. Towards the ends of each session, I saw decreased deceleration. Bear in mind, I have a 325i. A 135i is capable of much higher straightaway speeds than my car is.

During the1st session I experienced not even a hint of fade. The pedal was firm throughout the whole 20-min session. Previously I would go easy on the brakes and not use them to their fullest extent so they’d last the session. Towards the end of the session I was able to brake later than I ever though possible. As the day progressed I shaved almost 2 seconds off my previous best time. That’s an eternity on the track. My best lap was 2:12.7 and my theoretical best was 2:12.4. The braking G’s were consistent from the beginning to the end day. I was able to keep pace with Porsches, Lotus Elises, and even cars with racing slicks (at least on the brakes not so much on the straights). I was also using pretty stock rear brakes and BMWs really put the rear brakes to use. Considering what upgrading the front axel did, I can only imagine how good the car would be with the rear axel upgraded as well.

If anyone is on the edge about these and you track your car, pull the trigger. This is by far one of the best track mods for your car. Consistent braking is key to good lap times and driver development. It’s really hard to get better if your brake pedal pressure and stopping power is not the same from one lap to another. Although, they’re pricy, they perform. Remember that “pricy” is also a relative term: if you own a Porsche, these rotors are a bargain. There is a small disclaimer though. Proper ventilation and the use of a proper racing-only pad and racing fluid is HIGHLY recommended. The 3 series’ ventilation is fine if you remove the dust shield. I’m assuming the 1 series is the same.

I’ve got another track day coming up in Laguna Seca which is way harder on brakes. The straightaway speeds are less, but there is less time to cool the brakes since they’re shorter and there are several heavy braking zones that are downhill. I'm pretty sure these will perform just as well as they did at Thunder Hill.

If you're interesting in 135i rear rotors from Racing Brake, express your interest here: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=625412

[JB135MDCT]

So you went from a 135 rotor to RB and all this magic happened???

[e90pilot]

Rotor and pad.

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by e90pilot

Rotor and pad.

Is there a diy or thread for the 135i 6pot install on a 325? Any special adapters? Are you using dust shields? Thanks.

[e90pilot]

I'm not running a dust shield. The brake calipers and rotor just bolt up if the front no problem. The dust shields need to be bent back a bit. Or you can just get the BMW performance dust shield.

[youmeill]

and then lets give it JBD from Mike even less consumption ever more power

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by youmeill

and then lets give it JBD from Mike even less consumption ever more power

Wat

[Donia330i]

are you using the rear 135 calipers as well?

[e90pilot]

Yup.

[Donia330i]

Originally Posted by e90pilot

Yup.

do you have any pics of the install? I thought it could be done and arent the 135 rears smaller?

[cvc 22349a]

Marcelo,

Have you seen any fine cracks in your rb rotors since your track day?
fyi, a couple guys on 1addicts with the same rotors as yours have had this problem and sent them back to rb.

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Marcelo,

Have you seen any fine cracks in your rb rotors since your track day?
fyi, a couple guys on 1addicts with the same rotors as yours have had this problem and sent them back to rb.

Yes I am getting cracks on the rotor. They say it's somewhat normal. They're harmless but could worsen to the point that the rotors need replacement. I've got no vibrations as if yet.

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by Donia330i

do you have any pics of the install? I thought it could be done and arent the 135 rears smaller?

The fronts fit fine with the exception of the dust shield. You need the BMW performance dust shield. On a 325, the rear rotor's offeset from the 135 is too deep. The offset of the stock 325 rotor is good but the diameter is too small. Since you have 330 you have the same offset of the 135. Your stock rotor is larger but all you have to do is use the 135 rotor.

[Donia330i]

Originally Posted by e90pilot

The fronts fit fine with the exception of the dust shield. You need the BMW performance dust shield. On a 325, the rear rotor's offeset from the 135 is too deep. The offset of the stock 325 rotor is good but the diameter is too small. Since you have 330 you have the same offset of the 135. Your stock rotor is larger but all you have to do is use the 135 rotor.

interesting. thanks for the info. Can I still get a drilled/slotted rotor for the rear? And I can use the rear the calipers? Also where would one buy all these parts from?

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by Donia330i

interesting. thanks for the info. Can I still get a drilled/slotted rotor for the rear? And I can use the rear the calipers? Also where would one buy all these parts from?

Any rotor for a 135 will fit. Also, you can buy the BMW performance kit new from www.getbmwparts.com or check the marketplace here on e90post. The whole kit will fit fine.

[Torobimmer]

@e90pilot

I wana get my car ready for track by next summer.
but i do want to get more exposure in getting into the track scene.
Saw you mentioning you do roadcoarse events around northern cali.. im down to join if you do mind me tagging along one of these weekends.

[e90pilot]

I've got an even on July 8th at Laguna! The event is full but passengers are free.