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One of the quirks of the 2019 BMW M3 (F80) and M2 Competition is their brake discs aren’t shared left-to-right – every corner has its own unique part number.
If you’re shopping for replacements or pad upgrades, here’s the quick-fire guide to what fits and recommended upgrades all including handy, time-saving links.
The under-endowed brakes of M cars of old are now (thankfully) consigned to history, however the F80 does have the issue of cracking rotors. While BMW claims there’s no detriment to performance when it happens, it’s not a good look.
It’s also worth noting that the F82 M4 shares the same brake setup as the F80 M3 and F87 M2 Competition, so all of the OEM and upgrade options we’ll cover will apply across these platforms.
Before jumping into discs and pad upgrades, it’s worth tackling the basics. These cars are now pushing 10 years old, so fresh braided brake lines and uprated brake fluid should be the first items on your upgrade list. They’re relatively inexpensive, count as part of routine maintenance, and instantly improve pedal feel, consistency, and heat resistance.
A cost-effective but often overlooked upgrade is using an uprated brake fluid. With a higher boiling point than OEM fluid, the Castrol 1L React SRF Racing Brake Fluid offers increased endurance and resistance to fade on track.
One popular track upgrade are 2-piece brake discs. They allow the rotor and the hat to expand at different rates helping to disperse heat, thus decreasing the likelihood of the disc warping out of shape.
Another benefit of a 2-piece setup is the improved ventilation and cooling capacity further improving the performance longevity. StopTech offers the 2-Piece Aero Front Brake Discs which is the perfect solution for track day regulars.
For drivers seeking enhanced braking performance for spirited road driving or occasional track use, upgrading to fast road and track pads is an excellent option.
Below are our recommended pads, with a focus on EBC Redstuff and Endless MX72 Plus, both compatible with the F80 M3 and M2 Competition.
Don’t worry about the M135i listing on the EBC Redstuff rears – if you check the compatibility, you’ll see the F80 is listed, as both cars use the same part.
EBC Redstuff pads (part numbers DP32360C for front and DP32133C for rear) are well-suited for fast road use, offering enhanced grip and modulation during spirited driving.
However, they are not recommended for dedicated track use due to their softer compound, which may not withstand sustained high temperatures as effectively as EBC’s Yellowstuff or Bluestuff pads.
Once those are in place, here are more options to take things further:
The M Compound steel brakes with blue callipers offer a robust balance of performance for both daily driving and spirited road use. These brakes are designed to handle the high power output of the F80 M3 and M2 Competition, but they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Inspect discs for micro-cracks or excessive wear, especially after track sessions, as the F80 is known for rotor cracking under extreme heat.
Front (380×30mm)
Rear (370×24mm)
The OEM brake pads for the F80 M3 and M2 Competition are engineered for a balance of daily driving comfort and high-performance capability.
These pads offer excellent initial bite and consistent stopping power for street use, with low noise and dust compared to aftermarket performance pads.
However, they may experience accelerated wear during track use due to high temperatures.
Wear sensors are critical components of the F80 M3 and M2 Competition’s brake system, designed to monitor brake pad thickness and alert drivers via the dashboard when pads are nearing the end of their service life.
These sensors are single-use and must be replaced with each new set of brake pads to ensure accurate monitoring.
When installing new sensors, ensure proper routing of the sensor cable to avoid damage from heat or moving parts, and secure it with the provided clips.
Carbon ceramic brakes, available as a premium option on the F80 M3 and M2 Competition, offer significant advantages for high-performance driving.
These brakes provide superior heat resistance, reduced fade, and lower weight compared to steel brakes, making them ideal for track enthusiasts or those pushing their car to the limit.
However, they require careful maintenance to preserve their longevity. Avoid aggressive braking from cold, as ceramics need to warm up to perform optimally, and inspect regularly for surface wear, as repairs can be costly.
Contact us directly and we’ll confirm the correct parts for your car.
The F80 M3’s brake setup is a little more complex than most, with individual part numbers for each disc and different options depending on whether you have steel or carbon ceramics. Sticking with OEM parts will keep your car performing as BMW intended, while our recommended upgrades can add more bite, feel and endurance.
If you’d like professional fitting, ML Performance works with trusted partner Xatrix, located in Bradford and Surrey – whether you’re North or South, we can help get everything installed and bedded in correctly.
