[feuer]

Originally Posted by R99

Ok, so part no: 34356789440 for the F3x fronts, which will plug in to the E9x car side wiring without any issue?

My dealer should have the rears in stock, as it's the OEM set up

Correct, it was confirmed by M335 since I personally don't use sensors because I track the car.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1206689

[R99]

Feuer....

My instal has gone horribly wrong today

To recap the garage (not a BMW dealer) was fitting F3x Brembo 4 pot fronts w/ 370mm disc and stock E9x Sliding Caliper with 330mm disc.

The garage tells me that install went smoothly with no hiccups, they also got the F3x backing plates on without issue.

When the brakes were bled aparantly there was a solid stream of fluid from the fronts, but the mechanic said that 'not as much as he'd like' was coming through the rears.

Also on the initial test drive the mechanic says the pedal did not feel as good as he would expect.

The car was taken back in, and bled again. No air bubbles were present, but the pedal feel got worse!

They have tried to sort the pedal out this afternoon and the system has now been bled a total of 5 times! However, the pedal still hasn't come back, it aparantly just sinks to the floor when it's pressed

They wouldn't allow me to collect the car, as obviously it's dangerous at present. I've booked it into BMW tomorrow for a proper brake bleed using their software and the garage I have used for the instal are taking the car over there for me first thing in the morning.....

Any suggestions as to what's gone wrong?

Ideas from the garage fitting the brakes are:

1. air in master cylinder / abs pump
2. master cylinder has died during bleeding process (they have said this can happen) and will need replacement
3. M3 master is required

Any help at all would be appreciated!!

[feuer]

Originally Posted by R99

1. air in master cylinder / abs pump
2. master cylinder has died during bleeding process (they have said this can happen) and will need replacement
3. M3 master is required

1. air in master cylinder / abs pump
-is the car MT or AT ? Could be air trapped in lines from brake cylinder to clutch cylinder if car is MT.

2. master cylinder has died during bleeding process (they have said this can happen) and will need replacement
-highly unlikely and if so they should replace it for free because they demanded it during improper bleed. Best way to bleed these brakes (regardless of f30 calipers or not) is to use pressure bleeder and INPA to activate the ABS pump, caliper by baliper.

3. M3 master is required
-absolutely not. There are plenty of e9x with f30 front calipers and non M brake cylinder with perfectly functioning brakes and good brake pedal.

[R99]

Yeh the cars a manual.

I will mention that suggestion to BMW tomorrow, is it an easy fix?

I'm gutted, as I've been looking forward to the instal for weeks!!!

[R99]

Also, forgot to ask...

If (and I hope this is not the case!) the master in broken..... its obviously going to have to be replaced.

So, if I have to replace it. is it worth fitting the M3 master with my set up?

Or would that then lead to the opposite effect, and create a pedal that would be too firm with almost on/off modulation?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by R99

Also, forgot to ask...

If (and I hope this is not the case!) the master in broken..... its obviously going to have to be replaced.

So, if I have to replace it. is it worth fitting the M3 master with my set up?

Or would that then lead to the opposite effect, and create a pedal that would be too firm with almost on/off modulation?

Like I previously stated, shop has most definetely erred. I talk brakes a lot and I'm yet to hear about failed master brake cylinder and one failing during bleeding will definetely set off all alarms! I found not trust that shop a single bit! Now, if M3 cylinder is worth it? Absolutely!

[R99]

Update, if anyone is interested....

BMW have had their 'master tech' on my car today.

They found twisted brake lines, and the rear single piston calipers were fitted on the wrong sides of the car.

They first had to rectify the errors made from installation and once that was done they power bled the system whilst purging the DSC / ABS units and now I have a great pedal feel.

Total nightmare, and the original garage have agreed to cover BMW's labour for todays work!

Is there a 'bedding in' procedure for these pads / discs?

What an interesting twist...I'm surprised that BMW even agreed to touch your car after such a retrofit was attempted. Glad they got you back on the road though

[R99]

Certainly!

I was nearly at the point of giving up, but as I say all sorted now!

Initial impressions are that this set up is excellent compared to the kit I've just removed (135i / BMW Performance 6pots / 2pots)

[feuer]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

I'm surprised that BMW even agreed to touch your car after such a retrofit was attempted.

Completely different approach and mentality at dealers across Europe compere to NA dealer. In my country money is thinner than water and will get thru everywhere

[feuer]

Originally Posted by R99

Certainly!

I was nearly at the point of giving up, but as I say all sorted now!

Initial impressions are that this set up is excellent compared to the kit I've just removed (135i / BMW Performance 6pots / 2pots)

Well of coure, those 135i are not really good.

[R99]

Originally Posted by feuer

Completely different approach and mentality at dealers across Europe compere to NA dealer. In my country money is thinner than water and will get thru everywhere

Yes, we don't have a lawsuit culture here in the UK, so I guess BMW dealers are more willing to work on a car like this with modified brakes.

They actually had no issues, as they were all BMW parts.

On a side note, there seems to be some fluid leakage from the bleed nipples on the front calipers - is this normal after a brake bleed?

I have cleaned it all off, and I will keep an eye on it tomorrow - but if it happens again I will have to give the dealers a call.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by R99

On a side note, there seems to be some fluid leakage from the bleed nipples on the front calipers - is this normal after a brake bleed?

I have cleaned it all off, and I will keep an eye on it tomorrow - but if it happens again I will have to give the dealers a call.

No, it is not!
Honestly, I have seen drops run off that have been trapped into rubber cap and the nipple itself but leakage should not be present.
Try to retighten the nipples but do not be over zealous.

[ibo]

Originally Posted by feuer

No, it is not!
Honestly, I have seen drops run off that have been trapped into rubber cap and the nipple itself but leakage should not be present.
Try to retighten the nipples but do not be over zealous.

As a friendly reminder, which you may already know, brake fluid is corrosive and will eat through your paintwork (rims, caliper, etc.) if left on for too long. I'd keep an eye on this leakage, as vigilant as possible.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by ibo

As a friendly reminder, which you may already know, brake fluid is corrosive and will eat through your paintwork (rims, caliper, etc.) if left on for too long. I'd keep an eye on this leakage, as vigilant as possible.

True, unless is DOT 5 which is silicon based and pretty much harmless to paint and is very low corrosive thus used on antiques cars. However, DOT 5 is not good for everyday applications and performance oriented cars.

[R99]

I have kept an eye, and it seems to have stopped leaking. There was a tiny amount around the dust cap tonight, but yesterday it was dribbled down the caliper itself.

Maybe some residue from inside the cap / bleed nipple itself?

I have jet washed the rims / brakes to remove any fluid, as I know this can damage paint if left!

I will keep an eye over the next week or so, and if it still seeps out, I will take it back to BMW for them to tighten the nipple!

[DirtKurt]

In process of doing this swap right now, fronts are no prob. Plan for the rear is to mill both the knuckle and the caliper instead of just the caliper. Wish me luck!

[9krpmrx8]

Where are you guys buying the parts for this swap? Wrecked cars or new stuff?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by DirtKurt

In process of doing this swap right now, fronts are no prob. Plan for the rear is to mill both the knuckle and the caliper instead of just the caliper. Wish me luck!

You do not want to mill the knuckle mounting tubs.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

Where are you guys buying the parts for this swap? Wrecked cars or new stuff?

Post you credit card number and home address. We will order them for you just leave a note whether you want new or used and prefered color!

[DirtKurt]

Originally Posted by feuer

You do not want to mill the knuckle mounting tubs.

Why not?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by DirtKurt

Why not?

Cast iron would be more prone to breaking off after being exposed to heat and mill down compared to the aluminum on the calipers in addition to not able to install stock brake calipers after you mill them down. Additionally, you will have to remove the knuckle to mill it down nice and even. If one is to do all of that than is better to just mill new hubs so you will not have to mill neither the knuckle nor the caliper.