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Z4  (2003-2008)

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.

New!  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 can shave as much as 80 pounds of rotating weight from your vehicle, dramatically improving your car's handling, acceleration and suspension compliance.  Better heat capacity, resistance to cracking and oxidation, and improved response in heavy rain than existing ceramic brake options, such as the Porsche PCCB system.  These rotors also last far longer than anything else out there.  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.

BMW Z4 2.5i and 3.0i (not including Z4 3.0si)

Front 12.9" brake kit with ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 328mm x 28mm AeroRotors, stainless steel braided brake lines, and Axxis ULT high performance street pads

$2095

83-133-4300

Front 13" brake kit with ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 332mm x 32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel braided brake lines, and Axxis ULT high performance street pads

$2195

83-133-4600

 

Premium Rotors

SportStop Rotors

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

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

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.

BMW Z4 2.5i

Plain Rotors (rear rotors not painted)

Front 286mm x 22mm 1-piece rotors

Rear 280mm x 10mm 1-piece solid rotors

$56 Each

$58 Each

120.34029

120.34068

Slotted Rotors (rear rotors not painted)

Front 286mm x 22mm 1-piece rotors

Rear 280mm x 10mm 1-piece solid rotors

$79Each

$92 Each

126.34029SL

126.34029SR

126.34068SL

126.34068SR

BMW Z4 3.0i (except 2006-07 Z4 3.0si)

Plain Rotors

Front 300mm x 22mm 1-piece vented rotors

Rear 294mm x 19mm 1-piece vented rotors

$68 Each

$78 Each

120.34048

120.34069

Slotted Rotors

Front 300mm x 22mm 1-piece vented rotors

Rear 294mm x 19mm 1-piece vented rotors

$89 Each

$114 Each

126.34048SL

126.34048SR

126.34069SL

126.34069SR

 

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

Rear stainless lines for stock brakes

(2-line kit) Replaces outer lines only

F-$60

R-$71

950.34005

950.34523

 

 

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.

2003 - 2006 BMW Z4 (except 2006-07 Z4 3.0si)

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.  Stop washing brake dust off your wheels every few days!  These are by far our most popular street pads.

F-$51

R-$37

63-213-0558

63-213-0692

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-$78

R-$56

63-223-0558

63-223-0692

Centric Posi Quiet Semi-Metallic pads offer a high friction level across a wide temperature range. Very low dust, low noise w/OE designed composite shims to reduce pad vibration and squeal.  Easy on rotors.  Better performance than typical low-dust pads.  Give up the dust without giving up the performance.

F-$46

R-$36

63-104-0558

63-104-0692

2006-07 BMW Z4 3.0si

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.  Stop washing brake dust off your wheels every few days!  These are by far our most popular street pads.

F-$58

R-$37

63-213-0725

63-213-0692

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-$98

R-$56

63-223-0725

63-223-0692

Centric Posi Quiet Semi-Metallic pads offer a high friction level across a wide temperature range. Very low dust, low noise w/OE designed composite shims to reduce pad vibration and squeal.  Easy on rotors.  Better performance than typical low-dust pads.  Give up the dust without giving up the performance.

F-$55

R-$36

63-104-0725

63-104-0692

 

Competition Brake Pads for stock calipers (Except 2006-07 Z4 3.0si)

(Not recommended for street use)

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-$213

R-$175

63-490-0558

63-490-0396

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-$120

R-$106

63-360-0558

63-360-0692

Ferodo DS3000 Race pads have very high coefficient of friction of about 0.62, a flat torque output over its operating temperature range and very good modulation characteristics.  Frequently used in the front of front engine cars in conjunction with Ferodo DS2500 in the rear.  Not recommended for street use.

F-$169

R-$148

63-350-0558

63-350-0692

PFC 97 Race pads have medium to high average torque output, a very flat torque output over its operating temperature range and a MOT of 2000°F.  Exceptionally low pad and rotor wear and excellent modulation and release characteristics.  Popular for the front of front engine cars driven at lapping and open track days.  Often used on the rear of club and pro-level race cars with PFC 01 in front.

F-$219

R-$193

63-650-0558

63-650-0396

 

Competition Brake Pads for 2006-07 Z4 3.0si

(Not recommended for street use)

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-$198

R-$175

63-490-0394

63-490-0396

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-$135

R-$124

63-360-0394

63-360-0396

Ferodo DS3000 Race pads have very high coefficient of friction of about 0.62, a flat torque output over its operating temperature range and very good modulation characteristics.  Frequently used in the front of front engine cars in conjunction with Ferodo DS2500 in the rear.  Not recommended for street use.

F-$201

R-$156

63-350-0394

63-350-0396

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.

F-$258

R-$201

63-660-0394

63-660-0396

PFC 97 Race pads have medium to high average torque output, a very flat torque output over its operating temperature range and a MOT of 2000°F.  Exceptionally low pad and rotor wear and excellent modulation and release characteristics.  Popular for the front of front engine cars driven at lapping and open track days.  Often used on the rear of club and pro-level race cars with PFC 01 in front.

F-$258

R-$201

63-650-0394

63-650-0396

 

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, only two of them 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 down below 2mm of remaining friction material, the rotor chews through a small plastic bump on the sensor and slices a wire in half.  This causes an open circuit, triggering a warning on your dash, either an idiot light or a "CHECK BRAKE LININGS" text message.  Once a warning has appeared, the sensor has been destroyed and must be replaced.

Each Centric brand replacement sensor comes with a short wire harness 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 new brake pad, with the small plastic bump facing TOWARD the rotor.

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

After replacing your pads and wear 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 brake warning, 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.

All (except 2006-07 3.0si)

Brake pad wear sensor

F-$15

R-$15

64-116-34014

64-116-34027

2006-07 Z4 3.0si

Brake pad wear sensor

F-$22

R-$15

64-116-34038

64-116-34027

Problems shifting your BMW Z4?

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 CDV for the Z4 2.5i, 3.0i, 3.0si

(For 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission Z4 models only.  This modification does not apply to automatic transmission equipped BMWs.)

$35

CDV-004

 

Performance, All-Season, 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, use the Tire Decision Guide by Tire Rack.  Select the appropriate model year, then click the Go button.  You'll be asked a couple of questions which will help narrow down your tire choices to the select few which most closely match your driving needs.  From Maximum Performance tires to All Season tires to Snow Tires, Tire Rack has it all.  The Tire Decision Guide takes the guesswork out of buying tires for your car.

The Tire Decision Guide

The Tire Rack- Driven by Performance

 

Internet Resources for BMW Z4 information:

bimmerfest.com

Z4um.com

Z4-forum.com

To order by phone or for technical assistance:

Call (800)222-8893 and press "1" for Sales

International customers may call: 973-761-5054

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 10AM - 5PM  (Eastern Time)

We are located in Fairfield, New Jersey

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Copyright © 2008 Zeckhausen Racing, LLC
Last modified: 09/03/08