Upgrade to high performance: The ultimate installation guide for brake caliper adapter tuning for BMW 1 to 4 Series and M models
Hey, glad you're here. These installation instructions will guide you through the entire installation process of our Tuning Adapter
Here we not only show you step by step how to assemble everything, but also explain why every move counts and is important.
This way you not only install your new brake system yourself, but also understand what happens under the rim - perfect for anyone who not only wants to drive, but also wants to screw!
Aim of the instructions:
After this crash course, you will be able to install the brake caliper tuning adapter yourself, with a full understanding of every step.
You will learn what exactly each component does and why precision is the be-all and end-all here. You will be ideally equipped, not only for this installation, but also for future projects. Get ready to take the brake system of your BMW 1 or 2 Series to the next level!
What do you need
- Tools: Torque spanner with suitable attachments, wheel cross, spanner
- Liquid threadlocker (medium strength)
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
- Brake paste
- Brake bleeding device if available
- Depending on technical knowledge approx. 1-2 hours
Note: it is best to convert directly to the appropriate steel flex lines, here you can go directly to our configurator:
Steel Brake Line Steel Brake Line Custom Configurator
- ✓ Desired dimensions
- ✓ Quickly configurable
- ✓ Length, color and connections freely selectable
€46.95*
Item number: SF1
!!Important!!:
Please test fit the brake system beforehand so that you can check whether your rim still fits. It must also be ensured that the brake caliper does not touch the rim spider. A clearance of at least 3 mm must be guaranteed from the rim spider to the brake caliper, otherwise a wheel spacer must be installed, which we can manufacture individually for you in-house.
PCD Adapter Spacer Custom-Made Manufacturing
- ✓ to configure yourself
- ✓ with TÜV certificate
- ✓ best quality
€96.00*
Item number: LK1
Step-by-step instructions
Instructions for dismantling the brake system for BMW 1 Series 4 Series: use of tuning adapters
Step 1: Jack up the car or put it on the lift
Before you start tuning your BMW, it is crucial that you prepare your vehicle carefully. Lift your BMW safely, ideally with sturdy jack stands to ensure maximum safety during the work. If you have access to a car lift, use it as it provides a more stable and safer workspace and makes accessing the brake components of your BMW 1 Series 4 Series much easier. This makes the disassembly process more efficient and less tedious.
Step 2: Removing the wheel rim on the BMW 1 Series 4: Detailed instructions for brake removal
The tuning process of your BMW 1, 2, 3 or 4 Series begins with the careful removal of the wheel rims, which is an essential preparation for the subsequent removal of the brake system. Use the right tool, such as a wheel cross or a spanner that fits your wheel nuts exactly, to safely remove the wheel from your vehicle. Start by loosening the wheel nuts evenly and in a criss-cross pattern to distribute the pressure evenly and prevent damage to the wheel hub.
Once all the nuts have been loosened, carefully lift off the wheel and place it in a clean, safe place.
Step 3: Instructions for removing the brake system on BMW 1 Series 4 Series models
Once you have removed the wheel rim of your BMW 1, 2, 3 or 4 Series and the brake system is accessible, start dismantling the brake components.
First loosen the bolts, which are usually located behind the axle, using an appropriate socket. Make sure to use the tool accurately to avoid damage. If the brake caliper does not come off easily, use a large flat-blade screwdriver to gently loosen it from the brake disc.
Once all the screws have been loosened, carefully remove the brake caliper, taking care not to damage any brake lines or cables. This careful procedure guarantees safe removal of the brake system.
Step 4: Instructions for removing the brake disc on a BMW 1 to 4 Series model
Once you have successfully removed the rim of your BMW from the 1 to 4 series, you can move on to the next important step in the tuning process: removing the brake disc. This is a crucial part of servicing your BMW and should be carried out with care and the correct tools.
Start by locating the bolts that secure the brake disc to the axle of your BMW. These bolts may be positioned differently depending on the model and year of manufacture. It is important that you have a suitable multi-tooth spanner or socket to be able to loosen the bolts without damaging the bolt head.
Make sure that the tool is firmly seated before you start loosening the screws anti-clockwise.
If the brake disc does not come off easily, it may be stuck to the hub due to corrosion or wear. In this case, a targeted blow with a rubber mallet can help to loosen the brake disc without damaging it.
Step 5: Removing the heat shield and wheel hub on a BMW 1 Series 4 model
To remove the heat protection plate from your BMW 1 to 4 Series, start by loosening the fastening screws, whereby tight screws should first be treated with rust remover. In the meantime, remove the wheel hub and everything else necessary to access the brake dust shield without any problems.
Tipp: For better ventilation of the brake system, we recommend removing the anchor plates/brake dust plates.
As soon as the wheel hub is removed, the heat protection plate becomes accessible and can be pulled over the stub axle. Clean the bolt-on points thoroughly before refitting the wheel hub, ensuring that everything is correctly seated and tightened. Finally, make sure that the grease cap is firmly in place to complete the assembly.
Tipp: For an optimum fit when refitting the wheel hub and screw-on points, use an angle grinder with a wire brush attachment. Alternatively, a conventional wire brush will also work.
Step 6: Fitting the Epytec tuning adapter - Fitting the new BMW M4 brake system with the 380x30mm brake discs
Inspection of the mounting material for the Epytec brake tuning adapter for the BMW 1 -4 Series model:
Check the supplied screws and brake caliper tuning adapter for the BMW 1 Series 4 Series. Make sure that all parts are complete and undamaged.
- M12X030mmX1.5
- M12X035mmX1.5 (Use the washer here)
- Washer M12
Position the Epytec Tuning Adapter precisely at the intended mounting points on the front axle, then start screwing in the bolts by hand to avoid crossing the threads. Once all the bolts have been inserted correctly, tighten them to the specified values using a torque spanner.
Finally, carry out a detailed visual inspection to ensure that the adapter is correctly fitted and that no components, such as brake lines or cables, are damaged.
Note: After all screws have been tightened with the required torque and threadlocker, check them again in the same order to ensure that each screw is properly tightened and has not loosened while tightening the other screws.
Brake caliper adapter BMW 1 series 2 series 3 series 4 series F20 F21 F22 F23 F30 F31 F32 F33 F34 F36 convertible coupe BMW M2 M3 380x30 brake disc 4 piston brake caliper tuning adapter
- ✓ 380x30 34112284809 34112284810 Brake disc
- ✓ 4-piston F20 34116799465 34116799466 Brake calipers
- ✓ front axle
€173.69*
Item number: 1108
Step 7: Grease brake pads and guide pins with brake paste
Before fitting the brake calipers, the brake pads should be greased with brake paste
!! Important!! No grease should be applied to the direct brake pads, only to the top of the brake pad guide.
This has the following advantages:
- Reduced squeaking noises
- Prevention of corrosion
- Improved braking performance (brake pads have less friction and slide more evenly on the brake caliper)
- By preventing corrosion, brake pad replacement is much easier and quicker. Simply apply the paste to the left and right of the brake pad on the contact surface
1 Bag Special Assembly Paste Lubricant Brake Brake Pads (6gr ) (=49,83EUR pro 100gr)
- ✓ optimized paste for brake systems
- ✓ correct viscosity
- ✓ no squeaking
€2.46*
Item number: LUBE001
Step 8: Fitting the brake disc from the BMW M2 M3 M4 on the front axle in 380x30mm
Tipp: Use a wire brush or sandpaper if necessary to thoroughly clean and smooth the surface.
Before you fit the brake disc, check it for any damage or irregularities. Pay attention to the running direction of the brake disc. High-performance brake discs, such as the 380x30 mm disc from BMW with the part numbers 34112284809 for left and 34112284810 for right, often have a specific running direction, which is indicated by arrows on the disc. These arrows must point in the direction of travel when the vehicle is travelling forwards.
Carefully place the brake disc on the wheel hub. It is crucial that the centring hole of the disc exactly matches the centring on the wheel hub to ensure correct balance and alignment.
Use the appropriate bolts to secure the brake disc to the wheel hub. Start with one screw and then insert the opposite screw to ensure even distribution of the contact pressure. Tighten the bolts hand-tight first.
Use a torque spanner to tighten the screws to the torque specified by the manufacturer.
Once the brake disc has been fitted, check that it is securely seated and correctly centred. Finally, clean the surface of the brake disc to remove any fingerprints or dirt.
By carefully following these steps, you will ensure that your BMW M2 M3 M4 380x30mm brake disc is correctly and securely mounted on the wheel hub, which is crucial for the optimum performance and safety of your vehicle.
Step 9: Fitting the BMW F20 M4 brake calipers to the Epytec tuning adapter for BMW 1 Series 4 Series
To fit the brake caliper of the BMW F20 M with 4-piston to the Epytec tuning adapter, proceed as follows:
To fit the BMW F20 M brake caliper with 4-piston to the Epytec tuning adapter, you should start with thorough preparation. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts at hand, including the brake calipers and the Epytec Tuning Adapter. Check that you have the left brake caliper with part number 34116799465 and the right brake caliper with part number 34116799466.
Then carefully lift the corresponding brake caliper into position on the Epytec tuning adapter. Make sure that the connections for the brake lines are correctly aligned and that the caliper is not tilted. Slide the brake caliper onto the guides on the Epytec Tuning Adapter and secure it with the fixing screws provided. It is important that the bleed nipple points upwards to ensure correct bleeding and that you use threadlocker to ensure that the bolts do not come loose while riding.
Note: Vent nipple must point upwards
Note: Use threadlocker
After you have fitted the brake caliper with the appropriate torques, check all connections again. Make sure that all parts are firmly and securely attached and that there is no movement between the brake caliper and the adapter.
!!Important!!
Make sure that the pistons are fully retracted so that the brake caliper can be mounted cleanly on the brake disc
By carefully following these steps, you will ensure that the BMW F20 M brake caliper is correctly fitted to the Epytec tuning adapter, ensuring optimum performance and safety of the vehicle.
Step 10: Check brake disc for free movement and steering angle
As soon as the brake caliper has been mounted on the new brake disc, you can check the brake disc for free movement and steering angle and whether nothing is rubbing at full steering angle. The best way to do this is to turn it completely to the left and right to check whether anything is in the way, e.g. suspension joint, control arm, etc.
Step 11: Fitting the steel flex line (if ordered)
When converting the brake system, you will generally need longer brake lines with different connections. We therefore recommend converting directly to steel flex lines.
This has the following advantages:
- no loss of pressure when braking. Exact pressure point
- No swelling as with rubber cables
- Cost savings, as steel flex lines have an almost unlimited service life and do not have to be replaced every 3-5 years
- Shorter braking distance
- Marten safety
- Including parts certificate
- Super Optic
If we do not yet have suitable steel flex lines in our range, you are welcome to create your own suitable lines using our configurator As soon as the old brake lines have been removed, you can fit the new steel flex line.
First press the new steel flex line into the holder on the vehicle side and then secure it again with the clamp.
Steel Brake Line Steel Brake Line Custom Configurator
- ✓ Desired dimensions
- ✓ Quickly configurable
- ✓ Length, color and connections freely selectable
€46.95*
Item number: SF1
Step 12: Bleeding the new M4 F20 4-piston brake system
Once the steel flex lines and the brake system have been refitted to your BMW, the new brake system must be bled. This means that all the air must be removed from the new brake system and the F20 M 4-piston brake calipers (part no. brake caliper left: 34116799465 / brake caliper right: 34116799466) must be filled with brake fluid.
It is best to work with 2 persons and proceed as follows:
Check brake fluid
- Make sure there is enough brake fluid in the expansion tank
Bleeding the new brake system
Open the sealing cap
- Attach a hose (preferably transparent, so you can see it better) to the bleeder valve and immerse the end in a container of brake fluid.
- Then open the bleeder valve slightly, now the brake pedal must be pressed slowly to the floor and held there.
- Close the bleed valve again
- Brake pedal can now be released
This process must be repeated until no more air bubbles can be seen in the hose and the brake fluid runs evenly.
!!Important!!
Make sure that you keep checking the expansion tank to ensure that there is still enough brake fluid in it so that no new air is drawn in and gets back into the system.
500ml DOT 4 Bremsflüssigkeit Brembo Brake Fluid (1L = 23,98) Bremsanlage umbau
- ✓ Significantly higher boiling point
- ✓ Better pedal feel
- ✓ Suitable for the race track
€11.10*
Item number: 1210
500ml Ultra High Performance Racing Sport Brake Fluid (1L = 74,60)
- ✓ Racing brake fluid
- ✓ Reduction in brake fading
- ✓ improved pedal feel
€32.11*
Item number: BF307
Step 13: Cleaning the brake disc and brake caliper
After bleeding, it is important that the brake disc and brake calipers are cleaned of any brake fluid residue, as the brake fluid is corrosive and could corrode the brake calipers and brake discs.
Step 14: How to check the clearance of the rim and the F20 M4 4-piston brake caliper on your BMW 1 Series 4 Series
!!Important!!
Ensure that there is sufficient space between the rim spider and the brake system. A minimum clearance of 3 mm must be guaranteed. If you realise that there is not enough space, it is necessary to install a wheel spacer. This ensures that there is no risk of contact between the rim and the brake system.
By carefully checking and, if necessary, adjusting the clearance, you can ensure that your BMW not only looks great, but is also safe on the road.
PCD Adapter Spacer Custom-Made Manufacturing
- ✓ to configure yourself
- ✓ with TÜV certificate
- ✓ best quality
€96.00*
Item number: LK1
Attention General sources of error
Fault 1: Using the wrong components:
->The use of incompatible or inferior parts can lead to serious safety risks. It is important that all components, such as brake calipers, brake discs and brake pads, are specifically suitable for the Epytec Tuning Adapter
Fault 2: Insufficient cleaning:
-> Before installing new brake components, the area must be thoroughly cleaned. Residues such as rust, dirt and old brake fluid can impair the new installation and lead to premature wear.
Fault 3: Incorrect assembly:
-> Incorrectly tightened screws and bolts can loosen and cause the brakes to work ineffectively or unevenly. It is essential to tighten all connections to the correct torque and to check them after the first few rides.
Fault 4: Neglecting the brake fluid:
->The brake fluid should be changed regularly and topped up to the correct level. Old or contaminated brake fluid can reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and cause corrosion in the brake lines.
Fault 5: Overlooking the ventilation:
-> After every intervention on the brake system, the system must be properly bled to remove air bubbles. Air in the system can cause the brakes to feel spongy and not respond correctly.
Fault 6: Disregarding the running direction of brake discs:
-> Some brake discs have a specific running direction that must be observed to ensure optimum performance and wear patterns. Incorrect fitting can lead to increased wear and poor braking performance.
Fault 7: Failure to observe the running-in phase:
-> New brake components have a running-in phase during which they should be handled carefully in order to grind in the surfaces correctly. Aggressive braking immediately after a conversion can lead to damage and ineffective braking.
Fault 8: Insufficient inspection of the brake lines and hoses:
-> Brake lines and hoses should be checked for cracks, leaks or wear. Damaged lines can fail suddenly and lead to brake failure.
By observing these points, you can avoid the most common mistakes when converting brakes and ensure that your vehicle remains safe and reliable.
Safety first!
Tip 1: Use high-quality parts:
-> Invest in high-quality components from reputable manufacturers. Good brake discs, calipers and pads can make a big difference in terms of performance and durability.
Tip 2: Choose improved brake discs and pads:
-> Consider using slotted or perforated brake discs, which offer better cooling and faster removal of brake dust and gases. Use high-quality brake pads that are matched to the increased performance.
Tip 3: Adjust the brake fluid level:
-> Use a high-quality brake fluid that is suitable for high temperatures, especially if you plan to use the vehicle in racing conditions. Check and replace the brake fluid regularly.
Tip 4: Adjust the brake balance:
-> For more extensive brake upgrades, especially if the brake force distribution between the front and rear axle is changed, the brake balance should be adjusted. This may require additional components such as a brake force distributor to be installed.
Tip 5: Professional installation:
-> If you are not experienced in the installation of brake components, consider hiring a specialist to carry out the installation. Professional installation is crucial for the safety and performance of the vehicle.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your brake tuning not only improves performance, but is also safe and durable.
Disclaimer
Please note that this installation is carried out at your own risk. Epytec accepts no liability for any damage or injury resulting from following these instructions. Make sure that you understand all the steps and take the necessary safety measures.
And ready! That's it!
We hope that you have now successfully installed everything and are happy with your work. If you have any questions or anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to contact us at.
You can find the matching products for the installation instructions here
Brake caliper adapter BMW 1 series 2 series 3 series 4 series F20 F21 F22 F23 F30 F31 F32 F33 F34 F36 convertible coupe BMW M2 M3 380x30 brake disc 4 piston brake caliper tuning adapter
- ✓ 380x30 34112284809 34112284810 Brake disc
- ✓ 4-piston F20 34116799465 34116799466 Brake calipers
- ✓ front axle
€173.69*
Item number: 1108
Steel Brake Line Steel Brake Line Custom Configurator
- ✓ Desired dimensions
- ✓ Quickly configurable
- ✓ Length, color and connections freely selectable
€46.95*
Item number: SF1
PCD Adapter Spacer Custom-Made Manufacturing
- ✓ to configure yourself
- ✓ with TÜV certificate
- ✓ best quality
€96.00*
Item number: LK1
500ml DOT 4 Bremsflüssigkeit Brembo Brake Fluid (1L = 23,98) Bremsanlage umbau
- ✓ Significantly higher boiling point
- ✓ Better pedal feel
- ✓ Suitable for the race track
€11.10*
Item number: 1210
500ml Ultra High Performance Racing Sport Brake Fluid (1L = 74,60)
- ✓ Racing brake fluid
- ✓ Reduction in brake fading
- ✓ improved pedal feel
€32.11*
Item number: BF307
1 Bag Special Assembly Paste Lubricant Brake Brake Pads (6gr ) (=49,83EUR pro 100gr)
- ✓ optimized paste for brake systems
- ✓ correct viscosity
- ✓ no squeaking
€2.46*
Item number: LUBE001
AboutEpytec
Epytec is a leading specialist in the manufacture of tuning adapters, with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. Our products, which are manufactured entirely in Germany, stand for quality and innovation. Tuning adapters are essential connectors between car parts that make it possible to combine components from different vehicles. Our adapters make it possible, for example, to adapt a high-performance Porsche brake to a Golf GTI or to install a powerful Audi engine in a VW Transporter. This flexibility enables individual adaptations and optimisations that would otherwise not be possible.
Our commitment to the highest quality standards and the satisfaction of our customers is also reflected in our service. We guarantee trouble-free registration with the TÜV, which gives our customers security and confidence in the legality of their conversions. This combination of first-class products and excellent customer service has made Epytec a market leader that inspires hobby tuners as well as professional mechanics and vehicle builders. With Epytec, you are opting for proven technology "Made in Germany" that not only makes your vehicle more powerful, but also more individual.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about brake tuning
Can I also use other discs as specified in the required components?
-> No, unfortunately this is not possible, the reason is simply that all brake calipers have different heights and depths. If a different brake disc is installed, the brake caliper would either not fit on the adapter at all or would not run centrally to the brake disc. However, if you want to install a different brake caliper, we also have an option for you. You can have a custom-made version produced, take a look at the following link where you can find more Information
Can I use other brake calipers as specified in the required components?
-> No, unfortunately this is not possible, the reason is simply that all brake calipers have different heights and depths. If a different brake disc is installed, the brake caliper would either not fit on the adapter at all or would not run centrally to the brake disc. However, if you want to install a different brake caliper, we also have an option for you. You can have a custom-made version produced, take a look at the following link where you can find more Information