[Autobot]

I know it has been talked about here and there but I wanted some opinions of those that have them and those that don't but know something about them.

I am putting in the BMW Performance BBK fronts on next weekend. Since they don't come with them, do you think BMW didn't think that upgrading the lines were necessary? I figured that since the rotors, calipers and fluid are getting upgraded should I upgrade the lines on all four?

Can I get any lines? Would the Stop tech's work? I only ask because those are the only ones I seem to be able to find. Anyone know of any others? Vendors?

[Mr. 5]

I would change them to the SS lines.
If you changed the brake lines alone, you will notice the improvement in brake response.

[Autobot]

Can I just get the brake lines from anywhere? Or is there a particular brand that anyone suggests?

[Mr. 5]

I get a lot of my brake stuff from Zeckhausen Racing.
Here is a set of SS lines for stock 335 brakes on this page:

http://www.zeckhausen.com/BMW/E90.htm

[Autobot]

Will they fit 328 brakes?

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by Autobot

Will they fit 328 brakes?

It says 3 series.
Contact Zeckhausen. They are great people.

[Ron@Modbargains]

We have the SS lines available in-stock right now.
http://www.**********s.com/product.a...0_e91_e92_2_EM

But as to the question - they do make a change in pedal feel thats it. I dont think BMW wanted to spend more on that - their average customer is the street driver right.

Also you said you are getting a BBK - the BBK will have the lines included, or at least it should.

[Autobot]

No not the BMW Performance BBK. They only include the Heat shield, sensor, Rotors and Calipers. That's why I was curious as to if I should get SS lines and if the ones that you stock would fit with the new calipers or not.

[jbass524]

FYI: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ormance+brakes

[Ron@Modbargains]

Originally Posted by Autobot

No not the BMW Performance BBK. They only include the Heat shield, sensor, Rotors and Calipers. That's why I was curious as to if I should get SS lines and if the ones that you stock would fit with the new calipers or not.

Ah well then I would say get it, but let me find out about it. How much is a BMW BBK anyway? I am guessing you explored a Brembo/Stoptech/AP route?

[Autobot]

Yes I explored them but the BMW Performance were only 1600 reg price I think Tischer had them for like 1380 shipped, and for someone like me (who deos not track seriously or more than once in a great while) the extra $$ was not worth it to me.

[Autobot]

Originally Posted by jbass524

FYI: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ormance+brakes

Yes I saw that but they ARE NOT the same brakes. Everyone continues to talk about how they are, but they aren't. Different rotors and calipers. The majority of the people compare them to the 335's anyways, where I only drive a 328, nor do I track the car seriously by any means

[jbass524]

Originally Posted by Autobot

Yes I saw that but they ARE NOT the same brakes. Everyone continues to talk about how they are, but they aren't. Different rotors and calipers. The majority of the people compare them to the 335's anyways, where I only drive a 328, nor do I track the car seriously by any means

Glad they're not the same. Have fun with the new brakes.

[O-cha]

You know, I've never personally tried them. I hear it both ways about equally though. A lot of non track people say it makes a difference, but all the people I talk to AT the track (the ones who really track there cars and aren't BSing) usually say they didn't make a difference.

[Autobot]

Thanks for the insight O-Cha!!

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by Autobot

Yes I saw that but they ARE NOT the same brakes. Everyone continues to talk about how they are, but they aren't. Different rotors and calipers.

The rotors are interchangeable between the stock 135 and the performance rotors. Where did you get your information on the calipers being different. I haven't seen anything conclusive stating that they are or are not the same (with exception of the color). The exterior dimensions and profiles are identical but the interior parts could be different. BMW is not selling the replacement parts for the pistons etc. so no one has confirmed either way.

I am very interested in these brakes as they are an ugrade for a 328/330 and are lighter too from what I hear (again no confirmation). While it's nice that BMW is now producing a few parts they really need to up the information flow on these things. People buying performance upgrades for their car want specs and details and not so much marketing fluff.

[nicknaz]

OP, I tracked my old WRX with and without SS lines and honestly I feel that the SS lines ($250 including install) were the stupidest money I spent on the car.

I didn't notice any difference in brake feel or pedal effort or modulation or anything (other than the usual difference after you flush out old brake fluid). Maybe I suck too much at driving to notice? possible.

Also, the stock E90 328 brakes are sufficient for track use, especially if you are a light/occasional user. If you had some heat issues in the past you can probably resolve it with different brake fluid and different pad material (or at least its worth trying before you throw down $1500)

Anyway, good luck and post pics