Owners of the F80 M3 and F82 M4 who missed the opportunity to spec Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) from the factory often seek an official upgrade path. BMW does offer a comprehensive, genuine retrofit kit designed to bring the vehicle up to the exact braking specifications of a factory-equipped CCB model. This article details the official kit components, technical requirements, and what owners should expect during the conversion process.
Contents
- Official Part Identification
- Included Kit Components
- Technical Installation Requirements
- Performance and Wheel Fitment Considerations
Key Context
The F8x M-car platform was the first in its segment to offer a Carbon Ceramic Brake option characterized by signature gold calipers. While many vehicles left the dealership with standard blue-caliper steel brakes, the chassis was designed to accommodate the CCB system as a modular upgrade. Because the friction coefficients and thermal properties of carbon ceramic material differ significantly from iron, a simple rotor swap is not sufficient for a safe or effective conversion.
Structured Analysis
1. Official Part Number and Fitment
BMW produces a specific "M Performance" Carbon Ceramic Brake Retrofit Kit for the F80 M3, F82 M4, and F83 M4 convertible. The primary BMW part number for this comprehensive kit is 34112358378 (34-11-2-358-378). This kit is intended for vehicles produced from 2015 onwards that were originally equipped with the standard compound (steel) braking system.
2. Comprehensive Component List
Unlike aftermarket "Big Brake Kits" (BBK) that may only include calipers and rotors, the official BMW retrofit is a total system overhaul. The kit typically includes:
* Calipers: Six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers finished in the CCB-exclusive gold paint.
* Rotors: Specialized Carbon Ceramic rotors for all four corners.
* Brake Pads: Specific friction material formulated for carbon ceramic surfaces.
* Sensors and Shields: Electronic pad wear sensors and larger dust shields to accommodate the increased rotor diameter.
* Brake Booster: A model-specific brake booster designed to provide the correct pedal feel and hydraulic pressure for the CCB system.
3. The Importance of the Brake Booster
A critical detail often overlooked in DIY "pieced-together" kits is the brake booster. The official BMW retrofit kit includes a specific booster because the vacuum assistance requirements differ between the steel and ceramic systems. Installing the calipers and rotors without the correct booster can result in an inconsistent pedal feel or overly aggressive initial bite that compromises the ABS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) calibration.
4. Software Coding and Calibration
To complete the retrofit according to factory standards, the vehicle’s software must be updated. This involves "VO Coding" (Vehicle Order coding), which informs the car's ECU and DSC modules that it is now equipped with Option S2NKA (M Carbon Ceramic Brakes). This ensures that the electronic brake-force distribution and traction control systems react correctly to the higher thermal capacity and different bite characteristics of the ceramic discs.
Practical Checklist
- Verify Wheel Size: The CCB rotors are significantly larger than steel versions; you must have at least 19-inch wheels with sufficient barrel clearance to fit the gold calipers.
- Confirm Kit Completeness: Ensure the kit includes part number 34112358378, which contains the essential brake booster.
- Plan for Coding: Budget for a dealership or a specialized BMW shop to perform the necessary software programming.
- Inspect Current Hubs: While the kit is bolt-on, ensure wheel hubs are clean and free of corrosion to prevent rotor run-out issues.
- Break-in Procedure: Prepare to follow the specific BMW "bedding-in" instructions to ensure the pads and rotors transfer a proper layer of friction material.
Recommended Next Step
Looking to plan the right brake package for BMW M3? Browse our BMW Collection to compare vehicle-specific carbon ceramic rotor and upgrade options.
FAQ
Can I use 18-inch wheels with the official BMW CCB retrofit?
No. The diameter of the carbon ceramic rotors and the size of the 6-piston front calipers require a minimum of 19-inch wheels. Even some 19-inch wheels may have tight clearance depending on the barrel design.
Why is the retrofit kit so expensive compared to steel upgrades?
The cost is driven by the manufacturing process of the carbon ceramic discs and the inclusion of the brake booster and gold-finished calipers. It is a complete factory-grade engineering solution rather than a simple aesthetic upgrade.
Does the retrofit kit improve track performance?
The CCB kit significantly reduces unsprung weight (approximately 12.5 kg or 27 lbs) and virtually eliminates brake fade during high-temperature sessions. However, replacement costs for damaged ceramic rotors remain a significant consideration for frequent track users.
Is the brake booster absolutely necessary for the install?
While the brakes will physically stop the car with the original booster, BMW includes a specific booster in the official kit to ensure the hydraulic ratios and pedal modulation match factory safety and performance standards.
Explore fitment-focused options here: BMW Collection.
Related reading for owners comparing similar setups: Genuine BMW G80 M3 and G82/G83 M4 Carbon Ceramic Brake Retrofit Kit Guide.
Source Notes
- Source: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Brakes/Big-Brake-Kits/Genuine-BMW-Retrofit-Kit-Carbon-Ceramic-Brakes-34112358378.html
- Source: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-parts/bmw-f80-82-83-m3-and-m4-carbon-ceramic-brake-retrofit-kit-34112358378
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