BMW E36 - CHEAP big brake upgrade using E46 325Ci parts

[@MrMilky1190]

This is the best video I have seen today. Watch out MA. Really ace.

[@MostlyHelpful]

No problem and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@mariuszanfir2298]

Just to add some _mostly helpful_ info: these 300 mm have come even on some 320i and 323ci e46s Sedans as well (BMW called it "usable load increase") and are also the default on 328i. Additionally, on the e46, the rear can be upgraded the same way from 276mm to 294mm, so an even larger change than on the front. This moves the bias a bit more to the rear, but is something that you may want. I think it's something like 6-7% more to the rear? Don't quote me on that. What I'm not sure is whether the rears would bolt on to the e36. I know there are some differences there, like the e46 discs being ventilated, 19mm thick as opposed to the solid 10mm ones on the e36. I did this upgrade, front and rear, on an e46 and, on track, the car felt like it wanted to rotate more on trailbrake and the brakepads usage equalized between front and rear, which was not the case before. All in all it was really worth the "trouble".

[@MostlyHelpful]

This is super useful, thank you. I had already considered upgrading the rear brakes to either 276mm ventilated units (as per later E36 convertibles) or to E46 325ci at 294mm as you suggest. I haven't found the definitive answer to whether E46 units will fit, but I was happy to take a chance. However the price of 2nd hand calipers seems to have increased significantly and whereas before I bought two for £30 in total for the fronts it now seems sellers want twice that for the correct rears. Worth pursuing though for exactly the benefits you mention.

[@vyckamldc2]

but i saw, that the door handles of your impreza are faded, so will be great to get them polished

[@MostlyHelpful]

Well spotted and yes, there's a video on the Subaru coming soon. 👍

[@vyckamldc2]

can you do a wireless apple car play\android auto upgrade on your subaru impreza?

[@MostlyHelpful]

I've no plans to as the current unit does everything I need especially as I still listen to CDs. But being a double din unit there's any number of aftermarket units that will no doubt just slot right in.

[@alexanderribeirofernandesd6986]

Can this simple upgrade work with other models like e87/e90 with calipers carriers

[@MostlyHelpful]

I've never owned a BMW on either of those platforms so I don't know, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't some kind of tried and tested upgrades using original BMW parts.