
Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Key Differences for European Cars
Explore the differences between ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads for European street cars, including performance, noise, and temperature factors.
By Lee Shahin ·
136 brake upgrades for the E46 2001-2006 BMW M3 (S54 3.2L inline-six) from 27 brands. Performance pads, rotors, lines and big brake kits.
Brands on this page: Brembo (32), ECS (19), EBC (16), Assembled By ECS (9), Dinan (8), Hawk (6), Wilwood (6), Pagid Racing (5), Power Stop (4), ATE (3), Motul (3), Pentosin (3), Turner Motorsport (3), Add to Wish List (2), Bimmerworld (2), Girodisc (2), Suvneer (2), TRW (2), Akebono (1), Castrol (1), Genuine BMW (1), Goodridge (1), MMX Performance (1), Racingline (1), Reboot Engineering (1), SHW Performance (1), Zimmermann (1).
Add to Wish List · Part no. TBME46MXS3F
TBM's new line of 310mm two-piece slotted rotors paired with XS3 4-Pisted painted brake calipers - available in Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, or Gray
Add to Wish List · Part no. TBME46MXS3R
TBM's new line of 310mm two-piece slotted rotors paired with XS3 4-Pisted painted brake calipers - available in Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, or Gray

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 34112229529
Features ECS V5 Performance rotors, your choice of pads, and everything you need for a smooth install!
Retailer fitment note: For Vehicles Without Competition/ZCP Package (325x28mm Front Rotors)

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 34212229379
Features ECS V5 Performance rotors, your choice of pads, and everything you need for a smooth install!
Assembled By ECS · Part no. 000505ECS02KT8
When BMW developed the fabled E46 M3 CSL, they didn't just strip weight, they gave it the upgraded brakes it deserved from the factory.

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 34112229529SKT
Upgrade Your E46 M3's Braking Capabilities with ECS V5 Rotors and ECS EP24 "Enthusiast Performance" brake pads.

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 000505ECS02KT2
Featuring ECS 2-piece semi-floating cross drilled and slotted rotors and ECS EP24 Enthusiast Performance pads

Brembo · Part no. 1B1.8015A1

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.8008A1

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.9001A1

Brembo · Part no. 1B1.8015A2

Brembo · Part no. 1B1.8015A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.8008A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.9001A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.8008A5

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.9001A5

Brembo · Part no. 1B2.8015A1

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.8008A1

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.9001A2

Brembo · Part no. 1B2.8015A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.8008A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.9001A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.8008A5

Brembo · Part no. 1M2.9001A5

Brembo · Part no. 2P1.8002A1
Ultimate stopping power for your E46 M3!

Brembo · Part no. 2C1.8001A1

Brembo · Part no. 2P1.8002A2

Brembo · Part no. 2C1.8001A2

Brembo · Part no. 2C1.8001A3

Brembo · Part no. 2P2.8002A1

Brembo · Part no. 2C2.8001A1

Brembo · Part no. 2C2.8001A2

Brembo · Part no. 2C2.8001A3

Brembo · Part no. 1M1.8008AS

Brembo · Part no. 3K3.8061A

Brembo · Part no. 2P1.8002AS
Features Cross Drilled Rotors and Black Hard Anodized 6-Piston Calipers

Brembo · Part no. 1M3.8008AS
Upgrade to 2 piece rotors (Type 3 slotted), 6 piston calipers (black), & high performance Brembo pads

Brembo · Part no. 2P3.8002AS
Upgrade to 2 piece rotors (Type 3 slotted), 4 piston calipers (black), & high performance Brembo pads

Dinan · Part no. D290-0471-BD
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0471-B
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0471-RD
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0471-R
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0463-BD
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0463-B
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0463-RD
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

Dinan · Part no. D290-0463-R
The Dinan by Brembo brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast.

EBC · Part no. BBK045BLK-1
This big brake kit offers a massive improvement over your stock BMW brakes!

EBC · Part no. BBK045BLU-1
This big brake kit offers a massive improvement over your stock BMW brakes!

EBC · Part no. BBK045RED-1
This big brake kit offers a massive improvement over your stock BMW brakes!

EBC · Part no. BBK045YEL-1
This big brake kit offers a massive improvement over your stock BMW brakes!

ECS · Part no. 000505ECS02KT4
Upgrade to ECS 2-piece E46 M3 CSL rotors for increased brake torque and thermal capacity. Reuse your existing calipers, pads, lines, and hardware!
Retailer fitment note: Going from 325x28mm to 345x28mm Competition Package/CSL rotors is as easy as a brake service!
MMX Performance · Part no. MMR31-0301F-370
Beef up your braking potential with this kit from MMX!

Power Stop · Part no. K5730
The definitive "all-in-one" solution for BMW M3 owners looking to elevate their braking performance without sacrificing the comfort of a daily driver.
Retailer fitment note: Fits 2001-2006 BMW M3 exc. Competition Models

Power Stop · Part no. K2903-26
Includes performance drilled and slotted rotors and Power Stop's Extreme Carbon-Fiber Ceramic pads.
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles without competition package

Power Stop · Part no. K5730-26
Includes performance drilled and slotted rotors and Power Stop's Extreme Carbon-Fiber Ceramic pads.
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles without competition package

Power Stop · Part no. K5732-26
Includes performance drilled and slotted rotors and Power Stop's Extreme Carbon-Fiber Ceramic pads.
Wilwood · Part no. 140-14751K
6-piston calipers, 14" rotors, and BP-20 pads provide tremendous stopping power for heavy weight and extreme duty vehicles. Choose between Red or Black calipers with drilled or slotted rotors.
Wilwood · Part no. 140-14978
A true racing big brake kit with anodized 6-piston calipers, two-piece slotted rotors, and race-spec BP-30 compound pads.
Wilwood · Part no. 140-14980
A true racing big brake kit with anodized 4-piston calipers, two-piece slotted rotors, and race-spec BP-30 compound pads.
Wilwood · Part no. 140-14752-R
With Cross drilled slotted rotors
Retailer fitment note: *This Brake Kit may fit 17-inch wheels.
Wilwood · Part no. 140-14752K
4-piston calipers, 12.88" rotors and BP-20 pads provide tremendous stopping power for heavy weight and extreme duty vehicles. Choose between Red or Black calipers with drilled or slotted rotors.

Akebono · Part no. EUR946KT
Offers excellent pedal feedback, low dust, and smooth initial bite. A favorite among BMW enthusiasts.

Bimmerworld · Part no. 0738.08.16.44

Bimmerworld · Part no. 0776.08.17.44

EBC · Part no. DP51118B

EBC · Part no. DP31118CKT
High performance street pad featuring Kevlar technology

EBC · Part no. DP5689NDX
Race inspired performance, NDX formula provides a great initial bite

EBC · Part no. DP3689C
A high performance street pad, featuring Kevlar technology

EBC · Part no. DP4689R
EBC's premium sport street pad that offers high friction levels and heat fade resistance

EBC · Part no. DP8689RP1
Transform your stopping power and take command of the track with EBC Brakes' premier track-focused compound, the RP-1.

EBC · Part no. DP8689RPX
Elevate your braking performance on the track with EBC Racing’s ultra-high-performance RP-X front brake pads.
EBC · Part no. DP81118RP1
Upgrade your stopping power and conquer the circuit with EBC Brakes RP-1 Track Day Brake Pads.
EBC · Part no. DP81118RPX
Transform your stopping power on the track with EBC Racing RP-X Brake Pads.

EBC · Part no. DP41118R
EBC's premium sport street pad that offers high friction levels and heat fade resistance

EBC · Part no. DP31118C
A high performance street pad, featuring Kevlar technology

ECS · Part no. 059142LA01
Ideal for custom applications or to eliminate the OEM wear sensor.

ECS · Part no. 4739116KT
This enthusiast-developed high-performance street and light track pad offers an ideal solution for the spirited commuter and weekend autocross driver alike.

ECS · Part no. EP24-946
This enthusiast-developed high-performance street and light track pad offers an ideal solution for the spirited commuter and weekend autocross driver alike.

ECS · Part no. EP24-683
This enthusiast-developed high-performance street and light track pad offers an ideal solution for the spirited commuter and weekend autocross driver alike.

Genuine BMW · Part no. 34112282416KT
Complete asbestos-free brake pad set

Hawk · Part no. HB464Z.764KT1
Pads featuring ceramic composite compound for ultra low noise and dust

Hawk · Part no. HB464F.764KT1
A set of upgraded pads for spirited driving

Hawk · Part no. HB464B.764KT
Next generation high performance street brake pad offering greater stopping power and pedal feel, with very low dust and noise

Pagid Racing · Part no. 1295RSL1
Popular street and endurance racing pad with slightly higher friction levels than RSL29 pads. Same friction material used in several European racing series.

Pagid Racing · Part no. 2685RSL1
Popular street and endurance racing pad with slightly higher friction levels than RSL29 pads. Same friction material used in several European racing series.

Pagid Racing · Part no. 129529
Popular street and endurance racing pad. Same friction material used in several European racing series.

Pagid Racing · Part no. 268529
Popular street and endurance racing pad. Same friction material used in several European racing series.

Pagid Racing · Part no. 1295RST1
Built for high speed, short stopping race cars that require high temperature pads with a ton of bite.

Suvneer · Part no. ADP-015R
These brake pads provide modern Japanese friction technology, allowing for consistent braking performance that far exceeds original equipment standards.

Suvneer · Part no. ADP-016R
Provides the control needed for modern-day spirited driving, utilizing advanced Japanese technology to ensure your rear brakes are as responsive as your fronts.

ATE · Part no. SD0T51
A low viscosity fluid replacing DOT 4 fluid. Boiling point - Dry 265°C (509°F) / Wet 180°C (347°F)

ATE · Part no. SL6
A low viscosity fluid replacing DOT 4 fluid. Boiling point - Dry 265°C (509°F) / Wet 175°C (347°F)

ATE · Part no. TYPE200
DOT4 compliant. Boiling point - Dry 280?C (536?F) / Wet 200?C (392?F)

Brembo · Part no. L05010
Offers higher wet boiling point than DOT 4 fluid

Castrol · Part no. SRF
Ultra high performing silicone-based brake fluid that exceeds DOT5 boiling points

EBC · Part no. BF307
DOT4 compliant. Boiling point - Dry 307°C (585°F) / Wet 185°C (365°F)

Hawk · Part no. HP520
Made for high performance street specifications and handles a higher dry boiling point than a typical off the shelf brake fluid.

Hawk · Part no. HP600
Made for race specifications and handles a higher dry boiling point than a typical off the shelf brake fluid.

Hawk · Part no. HP660
Made for high performance race specifications and handles a higher dry boiling point than a typical off the shelf brake fluid.

Motul · Part no. 8070HC
Boiling point - Dry 272?C (522?F) / Wet 185?C (365?F)

Motul · Part no. 8069HC
Boiling point - Dry 312C (594F) / Wet 216C (421F)

Motul · Part no. 847205
Boiling point - Dry 325?C (617?F) / Wet 204?C (399?F)

Pentosin · Part no. 1244116
Pentosin DOT 5.1 Class 7 Low Viscosity Brake Fluid. Ultra High-Performance Brake Fluid for hydraulic brake systems and clutch actuation in passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Pentosin · Part no. 1244204
Pentosin DOT 5.1 Class 7 Low Viscosity Brake Fluid. Ultra High-Performance Brake Fluid for hydraulic brake systems and clutch actuation in passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Pentosin · Part no. 1204114
Boiling Point - Dry 265°C (509°F) / Wet >165°C (329°F)

Racingline · Part no. VWR69000BF1
Highly refined Super DOT4 giving a significantly higher boiling point than a regular DOT5.1

TRW · Part no. PFB601
Boiling point - Dry 312°C (594°F) / Wet 204°C (399°F)

TRW · Part no. PFB532
TRW DOT 5.1 fluid. Boiling point - Dry 269°C (516°F) / Wet 187°C (368°F)

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 000505ECS02KT5
Featuring front and rear ECS 2-piece semi-floating cross drilled and slotted rotors and ECS EP24 Enthusiast Performance pads
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles with competition package (CSL)

ECS · Part no. 000505ECS02KT
Direct bolt-on cross-drilled and slotted replacement - 2-piece semi-floating rotors offer reduced unsprung weight and additional cooling capacity versus OEM for improved braking, handling, and ride quality!
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles with Competition Package/ZCP/CSL front brakes

ECS · Part no. 011699ECSKT
Direct bolt-on cross-drilled and slotted replacement - 2-piece semi-floating rotors offer reduced weight and additional cooling capacity versus OEM for improved braking, handling, and ride quality!

ECS · Part no. 34112229529-XS
Precision manufactured for consistent stopping power during high performance driving. Featuring a matte black zinc coating for corrosion protection.

ECS · Part no. 34112229529-P
Precision manufactured and featuring a GeoSpec® corrosion-resistant coating
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles without ZCP/Competition brakes.

ECS · Part no. 34112229529-S
Precision manufactured for consistent stopping power during high performance driving. Featuring a matte black zinc coating for corrosion protection.

ECS · Part no. 34212229379-XS
Precision manufactured for consistent stopping power during high performance driving. Featuring a matte black zinc coating for corrosion protection.

ECS · Part no. 34212229379-P
Precision manufactured and featuring a GeoSpec® corrosion-resistant coating

ECS · Part no. 34212229379-S
Precision manufactured for consistent stopping power during high performance driving. Featuring a matte black zinc coating for corrosion protection.
Girodisc · Part no. IRD1-282
Girodisc · Part no. A1-012
Superior stopping power and weight reduction!
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles equipped with ZCP/Competition Package (S7MA = Yes)

SHW Performance · Part no. 34112282445KKT
Features SHW Performance cross-drilled rotors
Retailer fitment note: For vehicles with Competition package

Zimmermann · Part no. 34212282304KT
Replacement Rear Brake Disc Pair from Zimmerman

Assembled By ECS · Part no. E46698000KT
Front and rear ECS Exact-Fit brake lines with fluid and tools for a complete DIY

Assembled By ECS · Part no. E46698000KT3
Front and rear Turner Motorsport Stainless steel brake lines and Castrol SRF racing brake fluid!

ECS · Part no. E46698000
DOT-compliant hoses for the finishing touch

ECS · Part no. E46698001
DOT-compliant kit to improve pedal feel in your vehicle.

ECS · Part no. 025318ECS02
DOT-compliant kit to improve pedal feel in your vehicle.

Goodridge · Part no. 31044
Set of DOT-compliant lines for an improved pedal feel

Turner Motorsport · Part no. 022752TMS03
Made in USA and DOT compliant. Sporting our new low profile hard and premium zinc-nickel coating for maximum corrosion resistance!

Turner Motorsport · Part no. 022752TMS02
Sporting new low profile hardware! With a new Zinc-Nickel coating for superior rust prevention! DOT compliant and made in the USA!

Turner Motorsport · Part no. 022752TMS11
new Zinc-Nickel plating for increased corrosion resistance! Made in USA! Sleek low profile design.
Wilwood · Part no. 220-11983
Increased pedal feel and less brake fade with this stainless steel kit.

Assembled By ECS · Part no. 34112282619KT1
Brackets to allow use of 345mm rotors, includes new guides, bushings and hardware

ECS · Part no. 34112282619KT
Brackets to allow use of 345mm rotors with factory calipers!

ECS · Part no. 003326ECS01
Reduced caliper deflection, enhanced pedal feel, and improved pad wear. An excellent way to improve braking performance. Priced per axle.
Retailer fitment note: Industry leading design for maximum performance with minimal maintenance!

ECS · Part no. 003326ECS03
Highly recommended for installation of ECS Tuning's bronze caliper guide bushings

Reboot Engineering · Part no. E46M3135CR-2
Modernize and improve your OEM brake calipers
Retailer fitment note: For Vehicles with E46M3 CSL Rotors
Buying Guides

Explore the differences between ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads for European street cars, including performance, noise, and temperature factors.
By Lee Shahin ·
Explore: Brakes & Brake Fluid
Buying Guides

Explore the differences between drilled vs slotted rotors for street and track use, helping you make an informed brake upgrade decision.
By Lee Shahin ·
Explore: Brakes & Brake Fluid
Modification & Performance Guides

Explore European Car Brake Upgrades, including pads, rotors, and the key differences between street and track options for your vehicle.
By Lee Shahin ·
Explore: Brakes & Brake Fluid · Modification & Performance Parts
Fluid & Specification Guides

Start with the vehicle’s specified fluid, then compare the product’s exact formulation, viscosity class and package size.
By Lee Shahin ·
Explore: Brakes & Brake Fluid
Fluid & Specification Guides · Mercedes-Benz

Brake fluid sits at the center of every safety system in a Mercedes-Benz. It transmits pedal force to the calipers, activates ABS and ESP interventions, and operates under extreme thermal and pressure conditions.
By Lee Shahin ·
Explore: Brakes & Brake Fluid