BMW 3 Series (E46 330) Brake upgrade

We upgraded the brakes on my 3-series E46 328Ci to the 330 size. This can be done on any non M E46 and is the same process.
► Subscribe Us: bit.ly/2HE4K9W
► Follow me on IG: bit.ly/2vkthhY
► Follow me On Twitter: bit.ly/2HCJlhk
► Visit Our channel for more videos: / primitiveeuropean
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud

[@rolandocrisostomo2003]

The only time you are going to feel the difference is when you are fast braking, like off an offramp. Also be aware your spare tire may be too small to clear the new caliper, since it does come further outwards. I did this swap and didn't notice much difference until I got crossed and slotted rotors with ceramic pads.

[@BuiltForRedline]

Rolando Crisostomo correct. This isn’t about stopping power. For some, this is for looks, but the real reason you should do this is for thermal capacity. I don’t have the numbers in front of me but I believe this has 12% more rotor to disperse heat, which is a noticeable difference. At Laguna my brakes got to 450°. This upgrade could be the difference between cooked and not cooked brakes

[@tristastic]

I bought the entire braking system from an M3 and am swapping it onto my 330, wish me luck, 😂

[@BuiltForRedline]

Good luck! You’ll need to machine the brakes or swap the hubs. Swapping hubs means you may also have to swap the control arms and tie rods

[@tristastic]

@@BuiltForRedline so I am swapping the spindles, trailing arms, hubs, brakes, as well as the entire rear end, subframe to swing arms to brakes and the Positrac.

[@E36andE46vlog]

You go do the rear also? Isn't the camber plate in the front is also bigger by a 330i? I want to do the rear on my E46 2.2L to, do I need other arms with that or only the camberplate and E brake?

[@BuiltForRedline]

Not sure what you mean by camber plate. To do the rear you must also replace the trailing arm or lose the parking brake. You don’t need to do the rear really because the brake bias stays within tolerances

[@E36andE46vlog]

@@BuiltForRedlineThe dustplate. If i change the arm, can I use the Original sensors and do does the 330 drive shafts fits my diff?

[@JPDenali]

Steel blue looks pretty nice in that lighting. BTW, why you no paint the caliper carrier silver?

[@BuiltForRedline]

I thought black on grey was a unique and cool look :)

[@ThatE46]

I have 2003 325xi w 18in wheels. so clearance shouldnt be an issue. How about rear? So im underdtanfing that the fronts are prerty much plug and play 330i rotors and calipers bolt right up. Do you know some of the challenges w the rear? I cant seem to find a good answer. thanks m8

[@BuiltForRedline]

WeLoveGoProHD the challenge with the rear is that the 330 has different trailing arms. Long story short everything bolts up but you’ll lose your parking brake unless you change the trailing arms. Your brake bias is within the tolerances if you don’t do the back with the front, so I personally don’t think it’s worth it

[@ThatE46]

@@BuiltForRedline Hmmm. That will give me something to think about. Thanks!

[@mpc007]

Is it neccessary to upgrade rear brakes too if you want to swap for 330s?

[@BuiltForRedline]

No, in my math the bias is close enough to not be dangerous.

[@munyradrmex7664]

Are e46 330d calipers and discs same as e39 530d calipers and discs?

[@BuiltForRedline]

E39 is a mystical child and I would assume anything outside of the engine and transmission is not swappable, especially anything in relation to the hubs

[@rikuperry2792]

If you want to do the rears also, this is the way to go, I used this when did my rears www.argyrides.eu/bmw/mods/330_rear_brake/rear_brakes.htm

[@martinez221704]

How about the rear?

[@BuiltForRedline]

martinez221704 the rear requires intense work or loss of the parking brake. Your bias barely changes with this swap so it's best to leave as is

[@martinez221704]

Primitive European Ran into this vid after yours and ordered a pair of adapters :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWm3ZWOmjbeisLM

[@BuiltForRedline]

martinez221704 not bad! It can definitely be done and I'd say that's the easiest way, it's just that braking is done primarily with the front and this upgrade should be adequate even for track days (with the proper pad)

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

I didn't even realize there was a difference on my 330i until I bought a set of rims and they wouldn't fit over the massive rear rotors and caliper. The size is definitely significant.