Thoughts on Brembo GT BBK's

[818M3]

Looking to get some end user feedback on the GT kit. Quality, Issues, maintenance, longevity etc.. Thanks!

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by 818M3

Looking to get some end user feedback on the GT kit. Quality, Issues, maintenance, longevity etc.. Thanks!

What's your reason for getting/needing them - track or street? The answers to your questions really depend on how the brakes will be used. Look into the new GT-S calipers if it's for track use. Price of replacement consumable parts is higher than other brake kit options. Caliper has to be dismounted from hub to replace brake pads - makes pad swaps a little less convenient especially for track use.

[818M3]

Thanks for the reply. They will be used as a daily driver and tracked every so often. Just want to gage what the life cycle is for the pads/rotors in this case.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by 818M3

Thanks for the reply. They will be used as a daily driver and tracked every so often. Just want to gage what the life cycle is for the pads/rotors in this case.

Way too many variables to determine the life expectancy of the pads and rotors.

If you are going to the track, you will likely want a set of pads for that purpose as street pads can easily overheat and leave you a decent pedal but lack stopping power. As the previous poster mentioned, pad change on the Brembo caliper can take time since the calipers must be removed in order to complete that process.

[Drew@Sonic MS]

Originally Posted by 818M3

Thanks for the reply. They will be used as a daily driver and tracked every so often. Just want to gage what the life cycle is for the pads/rotors in this case.

GT-S definitely! It's basically the same price as the GT.

[MasterP]

Brembo pads pretty thin at 18-18.5mm. AP 5000 is up to 25mm. ST's are up to 20mm.

Have to take the caliper off to switch pads. Think there's better options BBK wise than the Brembo GT kits.

[jacobe92]

My experience is with the Brembo GT and not the new version but comparable GT-S "Roughly the same price" are as follow. Besides, it wasn't available at the time and only the old track version Brembo GTR are $15K which I could not afford. Just FYI and this was for my E92 M3. The best rotor size combo are F 365mm and R 345mm for it allows the widest range of 18" track wheels available. I would ask for it if those rotor sizes are available. Keep in mind, the GT is designed for both Street and Track, so the dust boots and caliper seals are susceptible to cracking and will require a rebuild. I later found out, this is time consuming and will require 5 hrs of labor with parts not included. Mind you, dust boots are only $30 and the seals I cannot remember but I know are inexpensive. Moving forward. The front Type 3 380mm rotors are $1100 + $100 hardware + Motul 660 + Labor = $1450. Hardware being the nuts and bolts required to install the new rotors. Brake pads for the Brembo GT can range from $400-$800 depending on the material used and brand. In my experience, stay clear of the cheap ones for they'll eat your rotors alive. PM me if you want to know the brand that I had a bad experience with.
Six month ago I switch to the Essex AP Radical BBK and I couldn't be more happier. It's a little more expensive but not by much. This is a track oriented kit with high temperature caliper seals, no dust boots, forged calipers, oxidize finish that prevent appearance fading and a Radi-cal design w/ awesome caliper cooling in mind. Caliper design have gone unchanged for many years. Front J hook 378mm and R 365mm rotors and brake pads are price cheaper according to their website. My kit is still brand new, so I have yet to purchase one. I also heard, the Brembo brand owns the Essex AP BBK. Is their any truth to that? I don't know. I hope my little insight helped you. Track on Bud. Cheers Roy. Tagged. jritt@essex

[jacobe92]

Crap this was suppose to go to another thread that was asking what we thought of new Brembo GT-S Kit. Oh, well.

[aBMWfan]

Take the above feedback with a grain of salt.

I'm using the Brembo GT kit on the street as a Daily. I also mob the canyons a couple times a month.

Firstly, compared to stock, these have a better initial bite. Yet they're smooth all the way to the hault. I have the type 3 rotors are FM1000 pads. I'm over 12k miles on the original pads and rotors. Everything is holding-up great. Pads still have a bit of life left, and the type 3 rotors still have their grooves without lipping.

To counter everyone's criticism about changing the pads, I haven't had to change pads in a year. Honestly, not a big inconvenience as Brembo makes quality pads and rotors that last.

About the piston seals burning on the track, I plan to add titanium shims that sit in between the pads and pistons. This should help reduce the heat going to the pistons. Therefore ensuring the pistons last longer if they were subjected to heavy track use.

Lastly, Brembo's look better on the car than other kits such as AP or stoptech.

The Brembo's are an awesome upgrade from the crappy stock brakes. Still more affordable over time compared to CCB's. They also make little to no squeak in the mornings, A huge Plus!!!

[jacobe92]

Originally Posted by aBMWfan

Take the above feedback with a grain of salt.

I'm using the Brembo GT kit on the street as a Daily. I also mob the canyons a couple times a month.

Firstly, compared to stock, these have a better initial bite. Yet they're smooth all the way to the hault. I have the type 3 rotors are FM1000 pads. I'm over 12k miles on the original pads and rotors. Everything is holding-up great. Pads still have a bit of life left, and the type 3 rotors still have their grooves without lipping.

To counter everyone's criticism about changing the pads, I haven't had to change pads in a year. Honestly, not a big inconvenience as Brembo makes quality pads and rotors that last.

About the piston seals burning on the track, I plan to add titanium shims that sit in between the pads and pistons. This should help reduce the heat going to the pistons. Therefore ensuring the pistons last longer if they were subjected to heavy track use.

Lastly, Brembo's look better on the car than other kits such as AP or stoptech.

The Brembo's are an awesome upgrade from the crappy stock brakes. Still more affordable over time compared to CCB's. They also make little to no squeak in the mornings, A huge Plus!!!

The Brembo GT BBK is an awesome street and "occasional" and I say that loosely, track kit. Matter of fact, I've had 3 of them altogether in the last 6 yrs. If you track the car at least once a month, then it's the wrong kit to own. The cost of frequently changing dust boots, dealing with blown caliper seals, premium price of rotors and pads was just too much for me to bare. For a long time, a dedicated track kit like the Brembo GTR had a list price of 15K. A kit that was way out of my price range. So when comparable kit like the Essex AP (9668, 9449) comes along and is priced just a little more than your Brembo GT, with no dust boots to be repaired, high temperature caliper seals, forged mono block calipers, radical cooling in mind design, cheaper cost of rotors and pads etc, etc. It was a no brainer for me. Right now, this is the kit everyone is buying and raving about and not the Brembo GT. You have no arguments from me, the Brembo GT is a better looking kit compared to my AP. Unfortunately for Brembo, that's just not good enough for me. Cheers.

[aBMWfan]

Originally Posted by jacobe92

The Brembo GT BBK is an awesome street and "occasional" and I say that loosely, track kit. Matter of fact, I've had 3 of them altogether in the last 6 yrs. If you track the car at least once a month, then it's the wrong kit to own. The cost of frequently changing dust boots, dealing with blown caliper seals, premium price of rotors and pads was just too much for me to bare. For a long time, a dedicated track kit like the Brembo GTR had a list price of 15K. A kit that was way out of my price range. So when comparable kit like the Essex AP (9668, 9449) comes along and is priced just a little more than your Brembo GT, with no dust boots to be repaired, high temperature caliper seals, forged mono block calipers, radical cooling in mind design, cheaper cost of rotors and pads etc, etc. It was a no brainer for me. Right now, this is the kit everyone is buying and raving about and not the Brembo GT. You have no arguments from me, the Brembo GT is a better looking kit compared to my AP. Unfortunately for Brembo, that's just not good enough for me. Cheers.

I was tempted to purchase a set of AP’s recently, but I was told the Brembo’s perform better in most conditions compared to AP. I was even told the AP’s are underwhelming at times. Unless you get them really hot, they aren’t as responsive and confidence inspiring. As for the Piston seal issue in extreme temperatures, I’m looking into titanium shims with RE10 pads.

And brother, not everyone is a hardcore track rat and constantly keeps brakes at very high temps. So I’m going to assume much of the raving isn’t from owners themselves. But I’m going to agree on one thing, function is more important than form, but it’s nice when both factors are optimized.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by aBMWfan

I was tempted to purchase a set of AP’s recently, but I was told the Brembo’s perform better in most conditions compared to AP. I was even told the AP’s are underwhelming at times. Unless you get them really hot, they aren’t as responsive and confidence inspiring. As for the Piston seal issue in extreme temperatures, I’m looking into titanium shims with RE10 pads.

And brother, not everyone is a hardcore track rat and constantly keeps brakes at very high temps. So I’m going to assume much of the raving isn’t from owners themselves. But I’m going to agree on one thing, function is more important than form, but it’s nice when both factors are optimized.

Please state which AP brake kit is “underwhelming”? There are different AP kits for the F8x.

It sounds like the wrong pads are being used for the conditions if it requires “you get them really hot”. BTW, if it requires pad temp to get brake performance then that has nothing to do with the calipers.

I’m running the Essex/AP Racing 9668/9449 brake setup on my M4 so I am an owner. I use CT 1521 street pads and PFC 11 track pads and I’ve never felt the brakes were “underwhelming” in any conditions. I also have a PFC Z54/Z45 brake setup (and a Z31/Z31 setup) on my e92 M3 which is a phenomenal brake setup. I use the same street and track pads with this kit. The Essex/AP setup performs just as well. I’d highly recommend the Essex/AP 9668 (9660)/9449 brake kit to anyone looking to increase braking performance and reduce unsprung weight.

[F3IGHTY]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

Please state which AP brake kit is “underwhelming”? There are different AP kits for the F8x.

It sounds like the wrong pads are being used for the conditions if it requires “you get them really hot”. BTW, if it requires pad temp to get brake performance then that has nothing to do with the calipers.

I’m running the Essex/AP Racing 9668/9449 brake setup on my M4 so I am an owner. I use CT 1521 street pads and PFC 11 track pads and I’ve never felt the brakes were “underwhelming” in any conditions. I also have a PFC Z54/Z45 brake setup (and a Z31/Z31 setup) on my e92 M3 which is a phenomenal brake setup. I use the same street and track pads with this kit. The Essex/AP setup performs just as well. I’d highly recommend the Essex/AP 9668 (9660)/9449 brake kit to anyone looking to increase braking performance and reduce unsprung weight.

+1 also a 9668/9449 owner. The initial response and overall pedal sensitivity is excellent and something I’ve specifically highlighted in reviews.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by F3IGHTY

+1 also a 9668/9449 owner. The initial response and overall pedal sensitivity is excellent and something I’ve specifically highlighted in reviews.

Agreed. Brake modulation and response are exceptional. Also, the combined reduction in unsprung weight of the Essex/AP 9668/9449 brake kits + HRE R101LW wheels is very noticeable. I laugh at the companies that develop brake kits that are unnecessarily larger than the stock brakes just so they can call their kit a “big brake kit”

[aBMWfan]

^^ it was AP9668 with DS2500.

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

Agreed. Brake modulation and response are exceptional. Also, the combined reduction in unsprung weight of the Essex/AP 9668/9449 brake kits + HRE R101LW wheels is very noticeable. I laugh at the companies that develop brake kits that are unnecessarily larger than the stock brakes just so they can call their kit a “big brake kit”

It’s good feedback above, but to say that Brembo kits are just calipers is misleading as well, therefore I don’t take your feedback as seriously. Hope you understand.

To address OP, can’t go wrong with Brembo’s and no issues

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by aBMWfan

^^ it was AP9668 with DS2500.



It’s good feedback above, but to say that Brembo kits are just calipers is misleading as well, therefore I don’t take your feedback as seriously. Hope you understand.

To address OP, can’t go wrong with Brembo’s and no issues

Where did I state Brembo kits are “just calipers”? I don’t even recall mentioning Brembo by name. BTW, my comment on oversized rotors was primarily directed at the AP kits that use 390 mm-dia F rotors and the Brembo kits that use 404 mm-dia F rotors.

[aBMWfan]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

Where did I state Brembo kits are “just calipers”? I don’t even recall mentioning Brembo by name. BTW, my comment on oversized rotors was primarily directed at the AP kits that use 390 mm-dia F rotors and the Brembo kits that use 404 mm-dia F rotors.

My bad, misread your post. I will say my Brembo kit is 380 like stock, but much better. Sent you a message about AP brakes

[aBMWfan]

Just a question to the AP guys, does your parking brake still work?

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by aBMWfan

Just a question to the AP guys, does your parking brake still work?

Yes

[aBMWfan]

Originally Posted by jacobe92

You really need to do more due diligence when it comes to educating yourself with mods. Specifically, the BBK. Why on earth will a company such as Essex AP, a leader in manufacturing racing BBK would make one? Did you think at one time this was the AP Stillen? Again, you're misinformed and that's several downgrades from my kit. And back to the old and outdated Brembo GT. The GT has remained the same for many years, the only change they made are the Type 3 rotors. When I had one I've always known I was rocking the wrong kit for my application. You bought the wrong kit for the same money as the Essex AP. What you could have at least done was purchase the newer Brembo GT-S. I pray you got a massive discount for that GT. In hindsight, I should have upgraded a lot sooner and save some money. My advise to you is to sell that kit before it looses more market value. It just blows my mind why you're defending it that you're more informed. Just FYI, I took a bath when I sold my Brembo GT.

I think it’s good there’s variety of kits, but tbh the OP was asking about feedback on the Brembo’s and I’m having a good experience with them so far. Is it out of line for me to say that your opinion on Brembo market value is entirely subjective?

I’m going to upgrade soon, but your negativity towards Brembo kits doesn’t help

Plenty of others are saying I should keep the kit, including 1 AP owner, they just haven’t found this thread yet.

It’s best we just highlight pro’s and con’s for each kit and let others decide what they’re willing to pay.

That’s how it should be going forward.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by jacobe92

You really need to do more due diligence when it comes to educating yourself with mods. Specifically, the BBK. Why on earth will a company such as Essex AP, a leader in manufacturing racing BBK would make one? Did you think at one time this was the AP Stillen? Again, you're misinformed and that's several downgrades from my kit.

Isn't the Essex BBK Pro 5000R basically for track? Anyone have the AP Radical II kit? Would like to get some feedback on these.

[Arcades]

There isn't much to say regarding Brembo GT vs other kits. The Brembo GT kit is primarily a street type kit with occasional track duty but definitely not designed for dedicated track use. In that respect, it is pretty similar to that of the OEM steel kit but the pedal travel changes from a hard initial bite from the OEM to a progressive style bite on the Brembo GT BBK. The GT also gives you a way better bite as you get more into the brake pedal unlike the OEM tapering off unless the brake booster kicks in.

Also, ask yourself, how often do you actually change brake pads when you drive on the street? Maybe once for the general public? Or twice depending on if you fiance or lease the car? Changing brake pads means very little so "removing" your caliper to do so is not an indication of a bad BBK. I have enough faith with Sam and the guys at AutoTalent who told me they have done so many Brembo GT kits that they do not need to remove the caliper completely to change the pads. Aside from that, they know me very well, I have not passed 10k mileage even on my 15' M4 before I sold it. I doubt I will get close to 20k mileage to even have to consider changing my pad soon.

There isn't anything wrong with the Brembo GT BBK kit. It is definitely more for street than track. Not that it cannot handle track duty from time to time but if you are a hardcore tracker (which... 90% of the population isn't), you need to change the pads to track pad then just give it a go. Is it pricey for a kit that is not a gigantic change from the OEM you get? Yeah. I won't lie, yes it is very costly for something that is a minimal change at worse. But let's be honest here, why do people get their things from well known companies like Akrapovic or Brembo despite their higher cost? Because you know what you are getting and it is always safe to do so.

Does that mean AP Racing isn't worth it? No, but AP Racing brakes are more known for track use then street. Of course that doesn't mean you cannot street AP racing brakes but if you are never going to track, there is no point in getting one that is more dedicated for one than the other. And if you never done a brake kit before (like most here), then going with something you are more familiar with in Brembo GT or even the GT-S (for track) is the safer bet, regardless of your situation. If you know your cars a bit more and like AP Racing then feel free, or even StopTech who are also pretty good for street use. But brakes are not spoken much on the forums let alone other cars as it is a niche kind of thing. Doing something you feel safer with is always the better shot then trying something expensive that you might not end up liking.

Brakes are more of a personal preference than anything else. There are a lot of reasons why one would choose Brembo over AP or vice versa. There isn't really a wrong answer. I like having my GT Kit, it fits my needs just fine.