US E36 M3 FAQ

v.26 (2006.04.03) ... Author / Maintainer: J. Zimmitti
For additions and corrections, email eurospeed(AT)engineer.com

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1. BRAKES

Q. How can I eliminate or reduce brake dust?
A. Aside from changing your driving style, you may need to change your brake pad type. The stock Jurid pads have excellent bite, even when cold or wet, but produce excessive dust as a result. Metallic pads (e.g., Porterfield R4S pads) will reduce the amount of dust at the expense of noise and rotor disc wear, however, replacing rotors when replacing pads would be a logical step for the enhanced life metallic pad. Semi-metallic pads (e.g., Rotex and Mintex Redbox pads) provide an excellent compromise of reduced brake dust and increased stopping power. Finally, Kevlar based, non-metallic pads (e.g., EBC Red Stuff pads) are much easier on the rotors and produce very low amounts of dust.

Q. How can I prevent my brakes from squealing?
A. A simple, temporary fix is to use them firmly one time. For example, come to a hard stop from 40 MPH and the squealing should stop for a few days. They usually only squeal from excessive light braking and using the brakes solidly once tends to solve the problem. A more permanent solution is to remove your brake pads, clean them and their surroundings thoroughly with brake cleaner, and apply BMW anti-squeal compound to the backs of the pads.

BMW Plastilube (anti-squeal compound)
P/N 81.22.9.407.103

Q. What are Euro floating rotors?
A. If you need new front rotors or are looking for a rotor less prone to warpage, then you should consider the European floating rotor discs. BMW used these rotors on the European specification M3. The rotor is not only lighter than the US spec. rotor, but it significantly reduces rotor warpage due to the floating hub design leading to improved heat dissipation.

BMW M3 Floating Rotor Discs (European spec., front only)
P/N 34.11.2.227.737 (left side)
P/N 34.11.2.227.738 (right side)

Q. What can I use to paint my calipers?
A. Most high temperature engine enamels will work, however most will not survive long with the combination of heat cycling and brake dust. Folia Tec sells a kit specifically designed for painting calipers and their paint seems to be more durable than the spray paint variety. Another option is to powder coat the calipers. This is a bit more expensive, but if done right, it will outlast all other options. Eastwood Company sells a home powder coating system (HotCoat) and it appears to be rather simple to use with an air compressor.