If you’re pushing your BMW 335i harder—whether for spirited driving or track days—the stock braking system can soon start to fade. Swapping in a well-engineered big brake kit (BBK) enhances stopping power, increases fade resistance, and adds serious front-end presence. This guide dives deep into the top BBKs suited for the E90/E92 335i: Brembo, StopTech, AP Racing, D2 Racing, and Dinan, backed by real-world install details, community insights, pros/cons comparison, setup tips, and budgeting to help you choose with confidence.
Why Upgrade to a Big Brake Kit?
- Increased pad area and piston count: Larger calipers (4- and 6‑piston) spread stopping force evenly for better leverage.
- Bigger rotors: 355–380 mm vs the stock ~330 mm help absorb and dissipate more heat.
- Improved thermal capacity: Floating or two-piece rotors minimize warping under high heat.
- Reduced fade: Enhanced pad cooling and brake-fluid routing maintain consistent bite during repeated stops.
- Visual impact: Big calipers and large rotors add aggressive looks that match performance upgrades.
Top Big Brake Kit Options for 335i
1. Brembo GT-S / F‑Series Caliper Kits
- Specs: 6‑piston monobloc calipers up front paired with 355–380 mm two-piece rotors; optional 4‑piston rears :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Performance: Prototype at endurance race levels—designed for consistent, high-resistance braking with radial mount support.
- Components: Includes stainless braided lines, high-performance pads, and CNC billet adapters.
- Pros: Motorsport-grade durability, fade-resistant, OEM-level integration.
- Cons: Premium cost and wheel clearance requirements (large barrels needed).
2. StopTech Performance BBK
- Specs: Up to 355 mm drilled rotors with 4-piston front calipers; full front/rear kit available :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Performance: Effective upgrade for street, track-days—significant gain over OEM braking.
- Pros: Excellent bite, good value, reliable construction.
- Cons: Still not full race spec—rotor/drums limited compared to premium kits.
3. AP Racing CP5575 Big Brake Kit
- Specs: 356 mm floating discs with 4- or 6-piston calipers; two-piece rotors designed for track use :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Performance: Track-grade control with racers’ trust—delivers crisp pedal feel even under prolonged loads.
- Pros: Lightweight discs, fade resistance, high track durability.
- Cons: High gearbox to source and fit; may require bespoke bleeding procedures.
4. D2 Racing Street Big Brake Kit
- Specs: 356 mm floating discs with 6-piston calipers—designed as bolt-in upgrade for 335i :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Performance: Street-to-track capable; benefits include floating rotors that dissipate heat efficiently.
- Pros: More aggressive than OEM-level kits; floating discs are a plus.
- Cons: Fitment components may lack polish; pad availability and support may vary.
5. Dinan Front Big Brake Kit
- Specs: Performance-level front kit available through BMW dealers :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Performance: Solid upgrades for street and track users with brand warranty support.
- Pros: BMW-integrated purchase, good quality and backed support.
- Cons: Often front-only; rear upgrades must be sourced separately.
Community Feedback & Real-World Insights
“The 370 mm M‑performance kit from F30 bolts straight on to E90 335i with the right adapters.” – E90Post :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
“I run Brembo F80/F82 front setup using adapter plates on 335i—gives pole position stopping” – Seems Legit Garage (Brembo 380mm kit) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
“Stock 335i brakes did me well, but on 10+ track days a year, a BBK is essential.” – 2Addicts forum :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
“AP Racing kit held up over back-to-back track weekends—pedal feel stayed firm.” – CP5575 user report :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
“StopTech BBK is a great bang-for-buck—my 335i stops harder, with fade managed well.” – Reddit user on E90 forum :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Performance Comparison: StopTech vs Brembo vs AP Racing vs D2
| Kit | Rotor Size | Caliper Pistons | Rotor Type | Street Use | Track Use | Approx Price (front) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo GT-S | 355–380 mm | 6-piston | 2-piece | ✔ | ✔✔✔ | $4–8k full kit |
| StopTech Performance | 355 mm | 4-piston | Proroto drilled | ✔✔ | ✔✔ | $2–3k full kit |
| AP Racing CP5575 | 356 mm | 4/6-piston | 2-piece floating | ✔✔ | ✔✔✔✔ | €5k+ kit |
| D2 Racing | 356 mm | 6-piston | Floating | ✔✔ | ✔✔✔ | $2–3k front only |
| Dinan Front Kit | ~355 mm | 4-piston | 2-piece | ✔✔ | ✔ | $2–3k front only |
Fitment & Wheel Clearance
- Most kits require wheels with ≥17–18″ barrel; high-performance 380 mm Brembo setups may require 19″+ wheels :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Adapter plates (e.g. for M3/M4 Brembo calipers) bolt directly to existing hubs—check bolt pattern and offset carefully.
- Always upgrade to braided stainless brake lines to maintain consistent pedal feel under load.
- Bleed thoroughly and use high-temp DOT 4/5.1 fluid; opt for track-rated pads (e.g. Hawk, Ferodo DS2500).
- Upgraded ABS rings or sensors may be needed—some kits include replacements.
Installation & Break-in Best Practices
- Test-fit caliper, rotor, bracket, and wheel clearance before final installation.
- Mount brake lines with proper routing and inspect for kinks; torque to manufacturer’s specs.
- Bleed system with recommended fluid, and perform a quick drive to seat pads, followed by full bedding (12 hot stops from 60 mph).
- After bedding, check rotor runout (<0.1 mm) and re-torque wheel nuts and caliper bolts.
- Inspect caliper pistons, pads, and fluid regularly—begin checks after first track day.
Budget & Cost Considerations
- Entry-level: StopTech kit ~$2–3k; includes both axles—best immediate performance upgrade.
- Mid-tier: Brembo GT-S full kit $4–8k; includes premium calipers and rotors ideal for repeated track usage.
- High-end track: AP Racing CP5575 €5k+; custom sourcing and tools may push cost higher.
- Dealer-backed: Dinan front kit ~$2–3k; backed by dealer warranty, parts available easily.
- Front-only options: Good for street use—but upgrading rear pads/rotors recommended to balance braking.
Which Big Brake Kit Suits You?
| Your Goals | Recommended Kit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driving + occasional track use | StopTech Performance BBK | Solid braking upgrade at a manageable cost. |
| Frequent track days, no compromise | Brembo GT-S or AP Racing CP5575 | Motorsport-level components and fade resistance. |
| OEM integration & warranty assurance | Dinan front BBK | BMW dealership supported with quality parts. |
| Track-race conversion with 380 mm rotors | M3/M4 Brembo via adapter plate | Allows use of readily available race components. |
Maintenance & Servicing
- Inspect caliper pistons and dust boots after every track session.
- Monitor pad wear and change when below 3 mm thickness or when inconsistent.
- Replace fluid every 6–12 months or per usage severity.
- Rotor resurfacing or replacement may be needed annually under heavy use.
Conclusion
A big brake kit is a strategic upgrade for the BMW 335i, enhancing both performance and visual appeal. For most enthusiasts, the StopTech Performance BBK offers a fantastic balance of price and performance—ideal for daily driving and weekend track use. For those pushing driver limits consistently, Brembo GT-S or AP Racing CP5575 offer motorsport-grade precision and reliability. If dealership support and OEM integration matter, Dinan remains the smart, backed option.
Ready to choose? Let me know your 335i model year, driving habits, and wheel size—and I’ll help you match the perfect kit and prep for install!