|
Back to BMW Products
5-Series (E60)
(2004-2009)
2004 Jet Black BMW 545i Steptronic, courtesy
of Jeffrey Ninowski, Scottsdale, Arizona
|
|
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 for each vehicle with optimum front-to-rear brake torque balance, resulting in
the shortest possible stopping distance of any aftermarket brake upgrade and total compatibility with ABS and electronic stability control. The fixed-mount, multi-piston calipers
produce a
firmer pedal feel and quicker reaction time than stock brakes in panic stops. Every StopTech
application is thoroughly track tested and fine-tuned as part of the development process.
See:
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 or
gold add
$200 per caliper pair. Slotted rotors standard. Drilled
rotors available for $100/pair. Drilled rotors are recommended for the
street, while slotted rotors may be used for street or racing.
New! StopTech's ultra-high end
Trophy Sport and Trophy Race brake systems are now available.
20% lighter calipers and extreme heat resistant natural anodized finish for
heavy racing applications.
Click
here for our Trophy brakes announcement in our latest magazine ad. Will
your wheels clear a StopTech big brake kit?
Click here for a comprehensive set of wheel
fitment templates and instructions for using them.
Under development!
We will be an exclusive dealer for StopTech's new Carbon Ceramic Brake System (CCBS). Significantly lighter than cast
iron, these shave up to 60 pounds of rotating weight from your brakes,
dramatically improving handling, acceleration and
ride. Better heat capacity, resistance to cracking
and oxidation, and responsiveness in heavy rain than existing OEM ceramic
options, such as Porsche's PCCB system. Not delicate, like C6 Corvette
ZR1 brakes. We've
been conducting durability and usability testing for over 2 years, including
track, street, and extreme winter conditions. The system has performed
beyond our expectations. Call for details or check back for availability.
Click Here for Replacement parts for your StopTech big brake kit
To purchase a StopTech brake kit on-line,
click here:
 and enter the part number
into the Product Finder, or
simply click on your make, model, and year car for a complete listing.
Or feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 x1 for help selecting the proper
big brake kit
for your needs. |
|
525i, 530i |
 |
Front 15" brake kit
with
ST-60
6-piston calipers, floating 380x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
|
$3295 |
83-152-6800 |
|
Rear 14" brake kit
with
ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
|
$2595 |
83-152-0047 |
|
535i, 545i, 550i |
|
|
Front 15" brake kit
with
ST-60
6-piston calipers, floating 380x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
|
$3295 |
83-150-6800 |
|
Rear 14" brake kit
with
ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
|
$2595 |
83-150-0047 |
 |
Front 15"
Trophy Sport brake kit
with
ST-60
6-piston lightweight calipers, floating 380x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads. Calipers and
hats are natural anodized finish for extreme heat resistance. Dust
boots included for street use.
|
$4045 |
83-150-6800-R1 |
 |
Rear 14"
Trophy Sport brake kit
with
ST-40
4-piston lightweight calipers, floating 355x32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads. Calipers and
hats are natural anodized finish for extreme heat resistance. Dust
boots included for street use.
|
$3345 |
83-150-0047-R1 |
|
Centric Parts 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.
New! Centric
Parts High Carbon rotors contain an
advanced metallurgy that reduces pad squeal. The proprietary Molybdenum and
Chromium alloy resist rotor cracking during heavy track use or repeat-stop
situations and increases the friction level, improving brake performance and
stopping power. Increased Chromium and Carbon content is also more resistant to
surface oxidation. For some applications, directional internal cooling
vanes are used for improved cooling over the straight-vane factory rotors.
Power Slot
slotted
rotors are available for all applications, offering the advantages of
Centric High Carbon rotors, with the addition of slotting for higher bite and
friction.
StopTech SportStop rotors are available for
many applications, offering the advantages of Centric Premium rotors, with
the addition of slotting and/or drilling for higher bite and friction.
How to choose between them? 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
want 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.
Or check our
on-line store, which has many more vehicle listings:
STORE
Make sure you install your rotors properly. See:
How to Properly Install Plain,
Slotted or Drilled Rotors
(Centric Parts is the parent
company of Power Slot and StopTech . Power Slot and StopTech rotors start as Centric blanks and are machined in the USA by Centric
Parts on computer-controlled milling machines.)
To obtain information about any rotor, click on the part number (if a link is present)
for details,
including rotor drawings, replacement thickness, critical
dimensions, and weight. The term "floating" does not mean two-piece, floating rotor. It is Centric's terminology for a
rotor that can be removed without also removing the vehicle's wheel bearings or hubs.
To order, click here:
and locate your vehicle along
the left side of the store page. Or call us Monday - Friday at
(800)222-8893 x1 for help selecting the proper parts.
|
|
BMW 535i (RWD), 545i, 550i |
 |
Centric Premium Rotors |
|
Front 348mm x
30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
345mm x 24mm
1-piece vented rotors
|
$108 Each
$97 Each |
120.34071
120.34072 |
|
 |
Power Slot Slotted Rotors |
|
Front 348mm x
30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
345mm x 24mm
1-piece vented rotors
|
$126 Each
$116 Each |
126.34071SL
126.34071SR
126.34072SL
126.34072SR |
|
BMW 530i |
|
|
Centric Premium Rotors |
|
Front 324mm x
30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
320mm x 20mm
1-piece vented rotors
|
$113 Each
$95 Each |
120.34070
120.34074 |
|
AWD Sedan and Wagon
Rear
345mm x 24mm
1-piece vented rotors
|
$79 Each |
120.34085 |
|
|
|
|
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines |
Improve pedal feel
by replacing stock rubber lines with StopTech 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 modulate the throttle to
match engine revs to transmission speed.
StopTech 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
uncoated 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 TUV 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. No other company tests every
single brake line.
When installing a front big brake kit,
Zeckhausen Racing 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 parts for
both sides of your vehicle. To order, click here:
and locate your vehicle along
the left side of the store page. Or, feel free to call us at
(800)222-8893 x1 for help selecting the proper parts. |
 |
Front stainless lines for stock brakes
Rear stainless lines for stock brakes |
F-$69
R-$61 |
950.34011
950.34522 |
|
High-Performance Brake
Pads
Instructions
for bedding in new brake pads
To order pads, 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 x1 for help selecting the proper parts.
(Click here to order brake fluid!)
|
|
Brake Pads for BMW 535i (RWD
only), 545i, 550i |
|
 |
StopTech Street
Performance brake pads are StopTech's
newest formulation, offering an unusual combination of good bite, low noise, and
extremely wide temperature range, making them ideal as "dual use" street to
medium track pads. These are the standard pads included with StopTech big brakes and
are now available for many OEM applications. These are Zeckhausen
Racing's preferred high performance street pads.
|
F-$107
R-$84 |
63-309-0918
63-309-0919 |
|
 |
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-$72
R-$75
|
63-105-0918
63-105-0919
|
|
 |
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 degrees 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-$191
|
63-490-0918
|
|
Brake Pads for BMW 525i, 528i, 530i, and 535xi (AWD only)
Instructions
for bedding in new brake pads
To order pads, 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 x1 for help selecting the proper parts.
(Click here to order brake fluid!)
|
|
|
StopTech Street
Performance brake pads are StopTech's
newest formulation, offering an unusual combination of good bite, low noise, and
extremely wide temperature range, making them ideal as "dual use" street to
medium track pads. These are the standard pads included with StopTech big brakes and
are now available for many OEM applications. These are Zeckhausen
Racing's preferred high performance street pads.
|
F-$107
R-$61 |
63-309-0918
63-309-0683 |
|
|
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-$72
R-$55
|
63-105-0918
63-105-0683
|
|
|
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 degrees 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-$191
|
63-490-0918
|
|
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.
|
|
Sedan |
|
Brake pad wear sensor |
F-$24
R-$24 |
64-116-34028
64-116-34029 |
|
530xi Sports Wagon |
|
Brake pad wear sensor |
F-$24
R-$26 |
64-116-34028
64-116-34035 |
|
Problems shifting your BMW E60 5-Series?
Many models of BMWs with
5-speed or 6-speed manual transmissions have a Clutch Delay Valve (CDV)
installed by the factory. This valve is the culprit behind the jerky
shifting that makes your BMW hard to drive, even if you have been driving a
standard transmission all your life. When replaced with the Zeckhausen
Racing modified CDV, your clutch is suddenly transformed into the smooth, easy
to modulate clutch that should have been delivered from the factory as standard.
Extend the life of your clutch and increase the enjoyment of your BMW driving
experience today!
For
full details of this modification, including history, theory of operation,
installation instructions, and a free CDV exchange service by mail,
click here.
Modified CDVs |
|
 |
Modified CDV
for 530i 6-speed (4
fins) |
$35 |
CDV-002 |
|
|
|
 |
Modified CDV
for 525i and 545i/550i 6-speed
(5
fins) |
$48 |
CDV-003 |
|
|
|
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 E60 5-Series
information:
bmwtips.com
5 Series Forums
bimmerfest.com
bimmerboard.com
Back to BMW Products |
|
