Alcon's 2019 BMW E-Series M3 Brake Upgrades

For the discerning BMW M3 owner looking to elevate their driving experience, 2019 brought exciting news from the world of performance braking. Alcon, a name synonymous with British engineering excellence, launched their new Super Kits specifically designed for the E90 and E92 generations of the iconic M3. These kits are not just an upgrade; they represent a significant leap forward in stopping power, thermal management, and overall driver confidence, whether navigating everyday roads or pushing the limits on the track.

Revolutionising BMW M3 Braking

The introduction of Alcon's E-Series Super Kits in 2019 marked a pivotal moment for M3 owners. Alcon, renowned for their deep roots in motorsport, leveraged their extensive experience to engineer a brake system that addresses the inherent demands placed upon high-performance vehicles. These kits are a testament to meticulous development, aiming to provide a tangible improvement over the factory setup, offering superior fade resistance, consistent pedal feel, and extended component longevity. The focus is on delivering a class-leading upgrade that caters to both the spirited road driver and the dedicated track enthusiast.

Key Features and Benefits: The Alcon Advantage

Alcon's Super Kits are packed with innovative features designed to maximise performance and reliability. Let's delve into what makes these kits stand out:

• High Friction Pads: The inclusion of high-friction compound pads is fundamental to the increased stopping power. These pads offer a greater coefficient of friction, meaning more bite and a shorter stopping distance, especially under demanding conditions. This is crucial for track use where every metre counts.
• Increased Pad Area: A larger pad surface area allows for more even distribution of braking forces and, critically, helps to dissipate heat more effectively. This reduces the likelihood of brake fade and prolongs the life of both the pads and the discs.
• Steel Staggered Pistons: Even pad wear is a common challenge in performance braking. Alcon addresses this by incorporating steel staggered pistons. This design ensures that the braking force is applied more uniformly across the pad's surface, leading to more consistent wear patterns and extended pad life.
• Stainless Steel Pistons: Unlike aluminium pistons, which can conduct heat more readily, Alcon specifies stainless steel pistons as standard. This choice significantly improves resistance to thermal conductivity, helping to keep brake fluid temperatures lower and further combating fade.
• Pin Mounted Pads: For ease of maintenance and quicker pit stops on track days, the kits feature pin-mounted pads. This clever design allows for significantly faster and simpler pad changes, a welcome feature for those who frequently switch between road and track setups.

Technical Specifications: Precision Engineering

The Alcon Super Kits are built to exacting standards, utilising advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Here’s a closer look at the technical specifications that underpin their performance:

General Kit Specifications:

The core of the Alcon Super Kit is its robust and lightweight construction:

Front Kit Specifications:

The front braking system is often the most critical for overall stopping performance:

• Caliper: The RC6 caliper is a 6-piston forged, 2-piece optimised caliper. Its design ensures rigidity and excellent heat dissipation. It comes fitted with stainless steel pistons as standard, providing superior thermal resistance.
• Disc Assembly: The kit includes a 384x34mm semi-floating disc assembly. This features a lightweight aluminium bell for reduced unsprung weight and the inclusion of "C" grooves on the disc face. These grooves help to degas the pad surface and keep the disc clean, contributing to consistent performance.
• Pad Options: Customers can choose between Pagid RS29 pads, a popular choice for their aggressive initial bite and fade resistance, or Ferodo DSP pads, known for their excellent thermal stability.
• Brake Hoses: The kit is supplied with Goodridge hoses. These are braided stainless steel hoses, offering a significant advantage over standard rubber hoses by eliminating the sponginess caused by hose expansion under pressure. This results in a firmer, more responsive brake pedal.

Why Upgrade Your BMW M3 Brakes?

The BMW M3, in its E90 and E92 forms, is a potent machine. However, like all performance cars, its braking system can become a limiting factor, especially when subjected to rigorous use. Upgrading to a system like Alcon's Super Kit offers several compelling advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: Shorter stopping distances and improved fade resistance directly translate to increased safety, particularly in emergency situations or during demanding driving.
• Improved Track Performance: For those who frequent the track, the ability to brake later and harder, lap after lap, without compromising performance is invaluable. Reduced brake fade means a more consistent and predictable braking experience.
• Greater Durability: The robust construction and advanced materials used in Alcon kits mean that components are likely to last longer than their standard counterparts, offering better long-term value.
• Superior Feel and Modulation: A firmer pedal and more precise feedback allow the driver to better modulate brake pressure, leading to smoother and more controlled braking inputs.
• Aesthetic Appeal: While performance is the primary driver, the larger calipers and grooved discs also offer a significant visual upgrade, enhancing the aggressive stance of the M3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Alcon Super Kits:

Q1: Will these kits fit my 18-inch wheels?

A1: The Alcon Super Kits are designed to fit many 18-inch and larger wheels. However, due to the variety of wheel designs and offsets, it is always recommended to check specific wheel clearance before purchasing.

Q2: Are these kits suitable for daily driving?

A2: Yes, Alcon kits are designed for both road and track use. While they offer enhanced performance, they are engineered to be civilised enough for daily driving, with excellent pedal feel and manageable noise levels when paired with appropriate pads.

Q3: How often will I need to replace the brake pads?

A3: With the increased pad area and advanced materials, pad life is significantly extended compared to standard brakes. However, the exact lifespan will depend heavily on driving style and the conditions the car is subjected to.

Q4: Can I mix and match components from different brands?

A4: While theoretically possible, it is strongly recommended to use the Alcon kit as a complete package. The components are designed and tested to work synergistically for optimal performance and safety. Using mismatched components can compromise the system's integrity.

Q5: What is the advantage of "C" grooves on the discs?

A5: The "C" grooves are a form of slotting that helps to remove dust and gas build-up from between the brake pad and the disc surface. This aids in maintaining a consistent friction surface and preventing glazing, thus contributing to more reliable braking performance.

Conclusion

The 2019 launch of Alcon's BMW M3 E90 & E92 E-Series Super Kits represented a significant advancement for owners seeking the pinnacle of braking performance. By combining cutting-edge materials, motorsport-derived technology, and meticulous engineering, Alcon has delivered a braking solution that not only enhances safety and performance but also elevates the overall driving experience. Whether you're a weekend warrior on the track or simply demand the best for your cherished M3, these kits offer a compelling upgrade that is sure to impress.

If you want to read more articles similar to Alcon's 2019 BMW E-Series M3 Brake Upgrades, you can visit the Automotive category.