M3 CSL Brake Pads

[starmist]

I recently bought a CSL and was told at the time that the pads were low and would need replacing. I'm waiting for the brake pad wear light to come on, but a thought has occurred to me that either a). it doesn't have one (although the standard M3 does) or b) the pads have been changed to non BMW ones whihc may be don't have the contact in them for the warning light.

Can anyone help me out, please?

Also, where can I get hold of the yellow padgit pads and how much will they cost me (fronts only)?

[Mark_H]

If the callipers are the original CSL ones and they are standard pads, then yes the CSL has a brake wear indicator.

If the callipers have been changed or the car has non standard pads and the light is not on (as you said), then it is likely that the sensor is still attached but just tied up with a cable tie, and not in use.

Pagid Yellows are RS29 (previously called RS19)- the best place and cheapest as far as I know is a compnay called Performance Braking Ltd in Monmouth. I believe they supply to the general public. Tel: [phone]. Price I can't remember.

Cheers,

Mark

[starmist]

It's on standard single piston calipers, and I'm fairly sure they're standard pads, but couldn't swear to it. I've heard the sensor wires are only on one pad on each disc, so it may be the other one has worn first.

I've rang your suggestion, and they're getting back to me on p & d.

Many thanks,


Andrew

[starmist]

Looking at the calipers, I presume that to change the pads, you unclip the spring clip, and undo either of the two bolts holding the caliper in position, swing the caliper away from the disc on the other bolt, and drop the pads out.

When pushing the piston back, am I right in saying that it's not necessary to turn it like you would for a rear caliper?

[m12_nathan]

No need to turn the piston front or rear, wear sensors are front left and rear right from memory, only one per axle.

Cheers

[fergus]

try:

www.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/manranges.asp


Not listed below, but they could prob get hold of some:

www.needforspeed.co.uk/pages/sbp_v.asp?Type=1&Category=14&PartType=BRP03&Manufacturer=BMW


www.part-box.co.uk/BrowseCatalogue.asp?objecttradersearch=1&GroupID=1013


strangely cheap...

www.asptrading.co.uk/acatalog/PAGID_CAR_BRAKES.html

[starmist]

m12_nathan said:

No need to turn the piston front or rear, wear sensors are front left and rear right from memory, only one per axle. Cheers

That would explain why I can hear a faint graunch coming from front right. Doesn't look like it's scored the disc, thank God. Not cheap, I shouldn't imagine!

Had to turn the piston on my Griff, assumed it was due to the handbrake mechanism.

Thanks for the advice.

[thong]

csl calipers are the same as m3,its the front disc's that are a little bigger,i changed my mate's csl brakes for ap racing 6 pots and binned the standard stuff,why the heck bmw put these iron calipers on a csl is just so funny.

[starmist]

fergus said:

try: www.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/manranges.asp Not listed below, but they could prob get hold of some: www.needforspeed.co.uk/pages/sbp_v.asp?Type=1&Category=14&PartType=BRP03&Manufacturer=BMW www.part-box.co.uk/BrowseCatalogue.asp?objecttradersearch=1&GroupID=1013 strangely cheap... www.asptrading.co.uk/acatalog/PAGID_CAR_BRAKES.html

Couldn't see them listed on the motorsport world site, unless they're the same as the std M3. Thanks for the links.

How bad are the standard ones for road use, or is it just for enlongated track day sessions better pads are required?

[fergus]

sorry, even if the E46 M3 isn't listed, the links were given to allow you to contact the companies involved and see if they can get hold of the relevant pads for you at a competitive price. give them a buzz, there are massive variances in the retail prices....

[starmist]

Okay. Will do. Thanks.

[DoctorD]

I've always got my pads and discs from Joe at HTR. Just give him a call and he will have them sent to you direct.

www.hyperturismo.com/home.html

I have always fitted them myself, which will save you a chunk of change that would otherwise go to a dealer. The instructions on this link are totally accurate and easy to follow...

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_front_brake_pads.shtml

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rear_brake_pads.shtml