[projectmvhin]

Hi enthusiasts, I am going to be changing out my standard 540i brakes (348mm Aluminum Silver Calipers) for the M Sport Brakes (374mm, Blue).

Just making a thread to post updates and have a place for information, it was hard for me to really find everything in one place amongst all the messy threads and having to do a deep dive, wanted to make it a little simpler for others.

BMW models all vary when it comes to braking packages, but for our model there are 4 different brakes that are commonly equipped/added.

Base Aluminum Standard Brakes: 348mm Front | 345mm Rear
Unpainted Aluminum Brembo Brakes: 374mm Front | 345mm Rear
Blue M Sport Brembo Brakes (2021+ Red Option): 374mm Front | 345mm Rear
Red M Performance Brakes: 395mm Front | 370mm Rear

Seeing as that the M Performance brakes do not come as an option and rather a retrofit kit, it is upwards of $3.6k in the US + Labor, I have opt'd to go from the base aluminum standard brakes to the Blue M Sport Brembo brakes to save some costs. My brakes were due for service anyways, so I figured why not.

Additionally, I will be powder coating the brakes

I'll be updating this thread with part numbers and pictures for the full upgrade as pieces come in. For now, here is a picture of her in her current state:

[projectmvhin]

Alright, calipers are in! Here's a breakdown of the parts needed for this retrofit/upgrade, the carrier bolts are re-usable from your existing brakes, also if you're buying a used set, they usually come with existing carriers for the rear as well so you won't have to get new ones:

Front Brakes:
2x Front Brake Pads (I went with: Brembo Ceramic Pads: P06106N)
2x Front Rotors 374mm (I went with Brakenetics Drilled/Slotted)
1x Front Brake Caliper housing Blue Left (34116891303)
1x Front Brake Caliper housing Blue Right (34116891304)
2x BMW Brake Pad Wear Sensor (BOW-A098239)
2x BMW Disc Brake Pad Pin Set (BMW-34116872572)
2x BMW Disc Brake Anti-Rattle Clip (BMW-34116872573)

Rear Brakes:
2x Rear Brake Pads (I went with: Brembo Ceramic Pads: P06101N)
2x Rear Rotors 345mm (I went with Brakenetics Drilled/Slotted)
Rear Brake Caliper Housing Blue Left (34216881295)
Rear Brake Caliper Housing Blue Right (34216881296)
Rear Caliper Carrier Blue Left (34206891915)
Rear Caliper Carrier Blue Left (34206891916)

Other:
DOT 4 SL.6 Brake Fluid (1 Liter)

[Dre40i]

Love that you’ve made this post as I’m going through a similar process with my pre lci 540i. Purchased used M Sport calipers (374mm front, 345-370mm rears) that came off a 2018 M550. I’ve sourced almost the exact same parts as you too, but went with Zimmermann rotors.

Do you plan to rebuild the calipers? If so, Pat at Auto Brake Solutions supplies the rebuild kits that centric used to offer. I emailed him the details of my project and he helped me source the parts on his website. Very helpful and nice guy! David Zeckhausen sent me his way. autobrakesolutions@gmail.com

I’m almost done taking the calipers apart to send them off to powder coat next week. What color are you planning on going with for yours?

I’ll also add to this post as I go through the process and figure things out. Btw, love the current form of your car, looks great! Love the aggressive front end

[TEF]

My 540d xdrive arrived with Continental calipers (silver ones and 348mm rotors) and only 330mm rears. Since I had clearance concerns with my winter tires mounted on aftermarket wheels, I opted for the m-sport front calipers using 348mm front rotors and 345mm for rears. Moreover, I went with the cheaper unpainted calipers from a 740i. Nevertheless, the improved braking response after installing Brembo front calipers and larger rear rotors is really noticeable.

From my perspective, your choice of ceramic pads is a good one. The additional dust and rotor wear from semi-metallic pads is not worth the marginal gain in braking performance.

[Dre40i]

Dropped off the calipers for powder coat today. I decided to go with red.

Caliper rebuild kits also came in. It’ll be very nice to have new components going back in. Most boots tore when removing them or were already slightly torn. Highly recommend reaching out to Pat if anyone goes this route.

Also decided to upgrade the brake lines while doing this project.

[projectmvhin]

Dre40i Thanks & sweet dude! Debating whether I should upgrade my brake lines, I won't be replacing *all* of the hardware on my calipers since it came off a car with under 30k miles, they're in pretty great shape. I should be getting them back from being powder coated tomorrow, rotors/pads & everything else is in! You'll see the color soon

[projectmvhin]

Just got the M Sport Calipers back from being powder coated with a ceramic coat on top! Had it done in a satin finish, inspired by the Ceramic Gold BMW calipers. Ordered new stainless steel brake lines, once those come in the installation shall begin!

[Dre40i]

Great choice on the color it looks amazing! Goes well with the theme of your car too