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BMW M5 (E39)  (2000-2003)

2001 Lemans Blue BMW M5, courtesy of Jason Tang, Bellevue, Washington (Photo by Mike Kippen)

Why Upgrade your Brakes?

Big brakes give your car greater resistance to fade by absorbing and shedding heat more efficiently.  Racers upgrade because stock brakes were designed for a single stop from high speed, not repeated slow-downs with little time in between to cool off.  For fade resistance, size really does matter.  On the street, fixed-mount, multi-piston calipers give a firmer pedal and quicker reaction time in panic stops.  As little as 0.2 second reduction in reaction time can translate into 21 feet of stopping distance at 70 mph.  Reaction time is not as important to racers who can compensate by braking earlier.  But on the street, in an unexpected stop, quicker reaction time can save your life.  You don't need to be a racer to benefit from brake upgrades.

If you track or autocross your car regularly, your stock brakes are probably not up to the task.  You can start off with better brake fluid, more aggressive brake pads, cooling ducts, and stainless braided brake lines.  But as you progress from novice to intermediate skill level and beyond, carrying more speed into the braking zones, your track events will become characterized by boiling brake fluid, sinking brake pedal, and pad fade.  Losing confidence in your brakes takes the fun out of a track event.  Big brake upgrades allow you to dive deeper into the braking zone and brake harder than you ever thought possible.

Big Brake Kits

StopTech big brake kits are designed to maintain optimum front to rear torque balance, resulting in the shortest possible stopping distance and total compatibility with ABS and modern electronic stability control systems.  The fixed-mount, multi-piston calipers give you a firmer pedal feel and a quicker reaction time in panic stops.  Every StopTech application is thoroughly track tested as part of the development process.  [Track testing write-up]

StopTech big brake kits are available with red or black calipers standard.  Silver, gold, blue or yellow calipers are available and add 30 days to the delivery date.  Silver is a no-cost upgrade.  Blue, yellow and gold add $200 per caliper pair.  Slotted rotors are standard.  Drilled rotors may be substituted for $100/pair.  Drilled rotors are for street use only and are not appropriate for the race track.

Coming soon!  We are an exclusive dealer for StopTech's exciting new Carbon Ceramic Brake System (CCBS).  Most StopTech 4-wheel brake kits may be optionally equipped with these exotic and lightweight carbon ceramic rotors.  Significantly lighter than cast iron, these rotors shave as much as 60 pounds of rotating weight from your brakes, dramatically improving your car's handling, acceleration and ride.  Better heat capacity, resistance to cracking and oxidation, and improved response in heavy rain than existing ceramic options, such as Porsche's PCCB system.  Not delicate and prone to chipping, like the 2009 Corvette ZR1 brakes.  Zeckhausen Racing has been conducting durability and usability testing for over a year, including track, street, and extreme winter conditions.  The system has performed beyond our expectations.  Carbon ceramic rotors will be available to the public in 2009.  Call us for details.

Will your wheels clear a StopTech big brake kit?  Click here for a comprehensive set of wheel fitment templates and instructions for using them.

Replacement brake pads, rotors, and other hardware for your StopTech big brake kit.

To purchase a StopTech brake kit on-line, click here: and then enter the part number into the Product Finder box in the upper left corner of the page.  Or feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper kit for your needs.

Unlike Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, these StopTech 4-piston front brakes fit under your stock M5 wheels without spacers.  They also fit without spacers underneath the 17" BMW Style 66M wheel, which allows for the use of less expensive 17" track and winter tires.

The 2-piston rear kit fits under the stock M5 wheels. The 4-piston rear kit is known to fit under the following 18" wheels: Breyton Magic Racing, OZ Superleggera III, Dinan Forged 7-Spoke, Speedline 1908.

Front 14" brake kit with ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355mm x 32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel braided brake lines, and high performance street pads

Fits under stock M5 wheels without spacers!

Click for installation photos

$2695

83-135-4700

Rear 14" brake kit with ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355mm x 32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel braided brake lines, and high performance street pads

Requires aftermarket wheels

$2595

83-135-0047

Rear 13.6" brake kit with ST-22 2-piston calipers, floating 345mm x 28mm rotors, stainless steel braided brake lines, and Axxis ULT high performance street pads

Fits under stock M5 wheels without spacers!

$2595

83-135-002G

Premium

SportStop

Better than stock rotors!  Centric Premium rotors are identical in dimensions and internal vane design to the factory originals.  During assembly, rotors are straddle cut for the most accurate machining, then double disc ground for optimum parallelism, minimal runout, and near zero thickness variation.  A non-directional finish is applied for better initial pad bedding.  All surfaces, including the hat, are machined and non-swept surfaces are electrostatically coated with a durable, black finish (unless noted otherwise below) for corrosion protection and good looks.  Finally, all rotors are computer mill balanced to incredibly tight tolerances.  You won't find a better replacement rotor anywhere.  Click here for more details. 

StopTech SportStop rotors are available for many applications, offering all the advantages of Centric Premium rotors, with the addition of slotting and/or drilling.  Slotted rotors provide additional bite and maintain consistent friction level over the life of your pads.  These are ideal for aggressive street and even road racing applications.  Slotted and drilled rotors offer even more bite and stunning looks, but should be used on the street and not for racing.  If you prefer slotted or slotted and drilled rotors and there is no pricing listed below, send an inquiry to orders@zeckhausen.com and we can let you know if they are available.

Power Slot slotted rotors are available for most applications, offering the advantages of Centric rotors, with the addition of slotting and silver cadmium plating for corrosion resistance.

Make sure you install your rotors properly.  See: How to Properly Install Plain, Slotted or Drilled Rotors

(Note: Centric is the parent company of StopTech and Power Slot.  StopTech SportStop and Power Slot rotors start as Centric blanks and are machined in-house on computer controlled milling machines.)

To obtain more information about any rotor, you may click on the part number (if a link is present) to see more details, including rotor drawings, recommended replacement thickness, critical dimensions, and weight.  Note:  The term "floating" in the rotor description does not mean two-piece, floating rotor.  It is Centric's terminology for a rotor that can be removed without also removing the car's wheel bearings or hubs.

To order, click here: and then locate your vehicle along the left side of the on-line store page.  Or, feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.

Centric Premium Rotors

Front 345mm x 32mm 1-piece vented rotors

Rear 328mm x 20mm 1-piece vented rotors

$138 Each

$86 Each

120.34062

120.34063

120.34054

StopTech SportStop Slotted Rotors

Front 345mm x 32mm 1-piece vented rotors

Rear 328mm x 20mm 1-piece vented rotors

$155 Each

$115 Each

226.34062SL

226.34063SR

226.34054SL

226.34054SR

Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines

Improve pedal feel by replacing stock rubber lines with stainless steel-braided Teflon® lines.  Stock lines expand under pressure, contributing to spongy pedal feel.  StopTech lines reduce pedal travel and firm up pedal feel, allowing precise brake modulation.  Useful for drivers who "heel-toe" downshift, providing a more stable platform from which to manipulate the throttle to match engine revs to transmission speed.

StopTech's lines are covered with stainless steel weave to provide support and protect from abrasion and impact.  The stainless braid is molded inside a layer of clear plastic to protect the lines from the environment and to protect your car's suspension and delicate sensor wires from the "hacksaw effect" possible with other steel-braided brake lines.  These lines are DOT compliant and may be legally used on the highway, unlike lines sold for "off-road use only."  StopTech lines have been tested and approved by the TÜV for sale in Germany.

100 percent tested!  Every StopTech line is tested at 4,500 psi before it is packed and shipped.  Most manufacturers perform no pressure testing.  Some test random samples from their assembly line or test to lower pressures.

When installing a front big brake kit, Zeckhausen Racing strongly recommends upgrading your rear brake lines.  4-wheel big brake kits come with front and rear steel braided lines, so no additional purchase is necessary.

Each brake line kit includes enough lines for both sides of your vehicle.  To order, click here: and then locate your vehicle along the left side of the on-line store page.  Or, feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.

(Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont)

Front stainless lines for stock brakes

$66

950.34003

Rear stainless lines for stock brakes

$62

High-Performance Brake Pads

If you want better brake pads for the street, consider Axxis.  Axxis pads are manufactured by Bendix Mintex (FMP Group Pty. Ltd.) in Australia.  Formerly marketed under the brand names PBR and Repco, they are now sold in the United States under the Axxis name.

Axxis Brake pad performance comparison charts

Instructions for bedding in new brake pads

To order, click here: and then locate your vehicle along the left side of the on-line store page.  Or, feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.

Axxis Deluxe Advanced street pads (formerly called Deluxe Plus) are ideal if you are looking for a low dust pad that is quiet and rotor friendly, yet has enough fade resistance for performance cars.  These ceramic-enhanced organic pads work well up to 716 °F, similar to OEM pads.

F-$87

R-$40

63-213-0681

63-213-0683

Axxis ULT street pads pads (formerly called Axxis Ultimate) use a Kevlar® and ceramic formula for enhanced performance.  They produce maximum friction when cold, yet have tremendous fade resistance up to 932 °F. The coefficient of friction is high enough to produce a noticeable reduction in pedal effort. Fine for autocross or your first track event, assuming street tires and a low horsepower car.  This is Zeckhausen Racing's favorite high performance street pad.

F-$130

R-$59

63-223-0681

63-223-0683

Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic pads offer extremely long pad life and are Centric's lowest dust pads, keeping your wheels cleaner longer than almost any other pad.  Quiet and rotor friendly.  Excellent friction level for improved pedal feel, making it an appropriate choice for performance cars.  Composite shims on every pad prevent low speed brake squeal.  Stop washing brake dust off your wheels every few days!

F-$84

R-$55

63-105-0681

63-105-0683

Hawk HPS high performance street pads have low dust, low noise, and low rotor wear.  Slightly higher in friction level than Hawk Ceramic pads with a similar MOT of around 750°F.  Not recommended for track use, as their friction level falls off rapidly when the MOT is exceeded.

F-$111

R-$88

63-410-0681

63-410-0683

Hawk Performance Ceramic street pads have extremely low dust, low noise, and low rotor wear.  These represent the latest technology in street friction.  Not for track use.

F-$115

R-$91

63-443-0681

63-443-0683

Competition Brake Pads for stock calipers

Ferodo DS2500 Club Race pads can be used on the street and for light to medium track duty.  Good cold bite, but can be noisy.  Proper bedding can help reduce this noise.  Less compressible than other pads, giving it excellent pedal feel and good modulation.  The average friction level of about 0.50 remains constant at any speed and at temperatures up to 1,000 °F, after which it falls off slowly.  Frequently used in the rear in conjunction with Ferodo DS3000 in front.

F-$191

R-$178

63-360-0681

63-360-0683

Hawk HT-10 Race pads have good modulation and release characteristics, making them ideal for the "weekend warrior."  Moderate rotor wear, moderate dust, a stable torque curve, above average bite, and a MOT of 1,400°F.  Recommended for the front of front-engine cars for casual track use, as well as for the rear of club race and professional race cars.

F-$237

R-$160

63-490-0681

63-490-0683

PFC 01 Race pads have very high average torque output, rising over its operating temperature range, and a MOT of 2000°F.  Excellent bite, low rotor wear, and average pad wear.  Novice drivers may find this pad challenging to modulate.  Pad of choice for top race teams and our favorite due to overwhelming positive feedback and few complaints of judder.  Frequently used in the front of front engine cars with PFC 97 in the rear.

R-$207

63-660-0683

Rear pads only - ideal for use in combination with StopTech front brake upgrade

Replacement Brake Pad Wear Sensors

BMW uses brake pad wear sensors to monitor the condition of your brake pads.  Although your BMW has eight brake pads, on most models, only two pads are monitored for wear - the driver's side front inboard pad and the passenger's side rear inboard pad.  Thus, you should only order one front and one rear sensor.  When a monitored pad has worn below 2mm, the rotor chews through a plastic bump on the sensor and slices a wire.  This causes an open circuit, triggering a warning on your dash, either an idiot light or "CHECK BRAKE LININGS" message.  Once a warning has appeared, the sensor has been destroyed and must be replaced.

Each Centric brand replacement sensor comes with a wire and connector that clips into your BMW's main wiring harness.  The other end (shown below in the enlarged gray box) clips into a slot at the top of your brake pad, with the plastic bump facing TOWARD the rotor.

E46 M3 sensor shown - your BMW model's sensor may have a different appearance

After replacing pads and sensors, the dash warning will still be illuminated.  However, you do not need to go to your BMW dealer to have the warning message reset.  To reset the warning on most models, turn the ignition key to the run position, but do not start the car.  After about one minute, the brake pad warning will reset.

To order, click here: and then locate your vehicle along the left side of the on-line store page.  Or, feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.

Want to make sure you're getting the correct part?  Click the part number below to see a photograph of the sensor, along with an accurate measurement of its length.

Brake pad wear sensor

F-$18

R-$16

64-116-34012

64-116-34013

Front Wheel Bearings

Front Wheel Bearings

BMW M5 front wheel bearings tend to fail between 80 - 120,000 miles, although we have seen them go bad as early as 50,000 miles.  We have the best pricing on E39 M5 front wheel bearings!

Installation Instructions

$174 each

Performance and Winter Tires

Besides brakes, tires are the most important component in determining stopping distance.  It's literally where the rubber meets the road.  Selecting the right tire for your driving conditions can make a tremendous difference.  For example, if you live in Florida or southern California and are driving on all-season tires, you are leaving huge performance gains on the table!  A good set of summer-only performance tires can literally transform the handling and braking capabilities of your car.  In fact, if your goal is to minimize stopping distance, you're better off going to Tire Rack's web site and buying tires first, before spending any money here on better brakes!

For the best selection and prices, we recommend Tire Rack.  From Maximum Performance tires to All Season tires to Snow Tires, Tire Rack has it all.  Tire Rack also offers wheel and tire packages and can even tell you which wheels will clear your StopTech big brake upgrade.  Click the Tire Rack icon below for your best deal on wheels and tires. 

For wheel fitment information for cars equipped with StopTech or other big brake kits, contact Luke Pavlick at (888)541-1777 x362.

Internet Resources for E39 M5 information:

M5board.com  (The most active M5 forum)

bimmerfest.com (A more civil alternative to bimmer.org)

bm3w.co.uk (An M5 forum for UK enthusiasts)

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