Quote:
Originally Posted by JustinHEMI
Other than looks, can someone explain to me the objections over the floating rear calipers?
They are ghastly, I get that.
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Fixed calipers have at least two or more pistons and are more rigid. The more pistons you have and the rigid construction add up to more clamping force. Floating calipers are typically single piston on the inboard side of the rotor. When the brakes are applied the single piston applies the brake pad on one side of the rotor until it bottoms out which then cause the caliper to slide (why it's called floating) along two shafts in order to pull the pad on the opposite side of the rotors face. It's a bit difficult to explain, but you can find videos online that demonstrate how it works. It's a fairly simple system. Fixed calipers offer better brake clamping force, pedal feel, and more even pad wear.
No performance car should ever have floating calipers. Regardless if they are used just on the rear. BMW didn't want to spend the $$$ to develop them, simple as that.