[jxsant]

Hello,

I'm in the market for new brake calipers. I would like to know if the 135i brake calipers are a direct swap to the 335i without swapping the rotor, caliper support bracket, and dust shield. I have the standard OEM 284 style wheels

Thanks

[jamaicaLemons]

I've done a lot of research into this lately. Short answer: No. They definitely WON'T just bolt right up without swapping a bunch of stuff. I know they look cool, but they're actually not an upgrade. They use a smaller, thinner rotor which is not what you want. If you're looking for an upgrade, stick to the f chassis 335i/m3/m4 brake calipers and rotors, the fronts bolt right up.

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by jamaicaLemons

I've done a lot of research into this lately. Short answer: No. They definitely WON'T just bolt right up without swapping a bunch of stuff. I know they look cool, but they're actually not an upgrade. They use a smaller, thinner rotor which is not what you want. If you're looking for an upgrade, stick to the f chassis 335i/m3/m4 brake calipers and rotors, the fronts bolt right up.

Mostly correct but incorrect to a degree.
The rotors from the 335i are larger, so they will not work with the 135i caliper this part is correct.
The 335i stock rotors and calipers are larger diameter and allow more surface area for more friction and cooling = more stopping power and more frequent hard braking without fading. Therefore your statement about the 135i brakes not being an upgrade is also correct.

Where you are incorrect is; the 135i front brakes (with rotors) is a direct swap between the cars. The only parts needed is calipers (with carriers) and rotors. The only possible modification needed is on the dust shield, it may need to be trimmed or slightly bent ( I am not 100% certain on that though) even the stock lines can be reused. I have done both swaps, 335i brakes to my wife’s 328i and 135i brakes to my 118i. The parts are interchangeable between cars.

[Antetokounmpo]

Downgrade in performance, easily swappable if you have the correct parts (new rotors too), but an upgrade in looks.

[jamaicaLemons]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Mostly correct but incorrect to a degree.
The rotors from the 335i are larger, so they will not work with the 135i caliper this part is correct.
The 335i stock rotors and calipers are larger diameter and allow more surface area for more friction and cooling = more stopping power and more frequent hard braking without fading. Therefore your statement about the 135i brakes not being an upgrade is also correct.

Where you are incorrect is; the 135i front brakes (with rotors) is a direct swap between the cars. The only parts needed is calipers (with carriers) and rotors. The only possible modification needed is on the dust shield, it may need to be trimmed or slightly bent ( I am not 100% certain on that though) even the stock lines can be reused. I have done both swaps, 335i brakes to my wife’s 328i and 135i brakes to my 118i. The parts are interchangeable between cars.

Good to know. Someone once told me you had to use a knuckle from a 328/330/325i in order to get it to work but I guess not. Thanks for setting the record straight.