BrockDM's B9 S4 Photo Log

[Yabi]

Love the holiday photo! Happy Holidays Brock!

[BrockDM]

Love the holiday photo! Happy Holidays Brock!

Thank you sir! Hope all is well

[BrockDM]

I wanted to share a few updates that will be going on the car tomorrow. I'm having a local shop tackle the install but here it goes:

- ECS 2-piece rotors F/R
- ECS stainless steel lines F/R
- Centric/Stoptech Posi-Quiet Semi Metallic pads (F: 104.18940, R:104.18980)

Pads:
I previously ran Powerstop z16 pads with the rest of the braking components OEM. It served a good purpose in the dust and noise categories but I found myself missing more of an aggressive initial bite. I've heard too many mixed reviews with EBC pads producing noise, a lot of dust etc so I didn't care to give those a try. Since the Posi-Quiet are made by Stoptech they seem like they'll be a great medium between all three categories. I don't track the car nor plan to so I didn't see the need in buying high end performance pads for daily driving.

Rotors:
There are a few options out there now from various companies. Most are still monoblock like the OEM and I wanted to give 2-piece a try and shed some weight. Most of the 2-piece options were out of my price range or what I was willing to spend on rotors alone so I gave the ECS a shot. I've seen pretty good reviews on the bmw side, no real common complaints. They seem like a good quality rotor on the surface so I'll report back with my experience.

Impressions:
They perform significantly better than the previous set up that I had. Granted I haven't had a whole lot of seat time but I immediately felt a difference.

The pads exceeded my expectations. They bite very nicely and are not as aggressive as the OEM. 10x better bite than the Powerstop z16. They required nearly double the travel from the pedal in order to bite. I would classify them as the perfect daily driven performance pad.

once I put more miles on them I'll report back with a more in depth review but so far they are exactly what I was looking for and definitely recommend them.

[VipinLJ]

Spotted yesterday. Had my wife click pics while I was driving. I was in my A7 right behind you at Orland Park.

PS - No idea how to get the photos to post straight

[BrockDM]

Spotted yesterday. Had my wife click pics while I was driving. I was in my A7 right behind you at Orland Park.

PS - No idea how to get the photos to post straight

Haha spotted!! I actually remember seeing you behind me. The A7 looks clean!

[VipinLJ]

I’ve seen you a lot around Orland park. In fact, a while ago, we were right next to each other at a traffic light but I was in my 330i then and you were waiting to turn the opposite side (near the philips Chevrolet traffic light).

And thank you. My cars are all stock AF now

Your exhaust sounds really nice btw. I heard it even before I saw the car!

[Yabi]

I wanted to share a few updates that will be going on the car tomorrow. I'm having a local shop tackle the install but here it goes:

- ECS 2-piece rotors F/R
- ECS stainless steel lines F/R
- Centric/Stoptech Posi-Quiet Semi Metallic pads (F: 104.18940, R:104.18980)

....

These have been on my build list for a while. Curious on how you like it initially and of course, a couple months out. Staying tuned!

[Paintedblack]

Pics after install! I want to do this when i need new pads.

Also, do you happen to have an X3M?

[BrockDM]

I’ve seen you a lot around Orland park. In fact, a while ago, we were right next to each other at a traffic light but I was in my 330i then and you were waiting to turn the opposite side (near the philips Chevrolet traffic light).

And thank you. My cars are all stock AF now

Your exhaust sounds really nice btw. I heard it even before I saw the car!

Ahh okay, yeah I live right down the street from that Philips. I come past it daily coming home from the train.

I've always wondered how my car sounded outside and I have yet to hear it. I'm glad it sounds good!

These have been on my build list for a while. Curious on how you like it initially and of course, a couple months out. Staying tuned!

Definitely will! I'm most excited to see if the weight savings is noticeable.

Pics after install! I want to do this when i need new pads.

Also, do you happen to have an X3M?

I should have some up tomorrow night or Saturday. And yes my old man does though, it's not mine

[Paintedblack]

I see. Yeah i think i saw an user with a similar name over at bimmerpost when I was doing a little researh on the S58... the engine looks like a beast. How do you like it?

[VipinLJ]

I see. Yeah i think i saw an user with a similar name over at bimmerpost when I was doing a little researh on the S58... the engine looks like a beast. How do you like it?

I’ve driven the X3MC, M5C and M550i. Infact, when I spotted brockdm last night, I was on my way back home after test driving the S7 C8 and M550i.

The X3MC is a beast. Handles really well for an suv and lots of power too. Engine sounds really nice but I think the X3 M40i sounded a wee bit louder (?). I could be wrong since I drove the M40i a long time ago. Problem for me was the X3M was stiff even though the car I drove was fully loaded. As a daily, I’d probably choose the M40i over the M.

Same with the M5C vs M550i vs S7. While the M5C is in an other class, the M550i is a darn good car, especially if it’s going to be a daily. I’d choose that over the M5C. The S7 doesn’t even stand a chance.

[BrockDM]

I see. Yeah i think i saw an user with a similar name over at bimmerpost when I was doing a little researh on the S58... the engine looks like a beast. How do you like it?

Yep that's me, I run our account over there since he isn't too active on it. It's an awesome car though. I've never been a fan of bigger SUV's which is kinda nice because this is smaller than a typical full size. Great power, handles incredibly well and feel very planted. There are a couple guys running bootmod3's already and making insane power and 1/4 mile times with all stock hardware. These new motors are no joke.

We plan to lower it on a KW HAS kit and swap out the wheels once its all available.

[BrockDM]

I’ve driven the X3MC, M5C and M550i. Infact, when I spotted brockdm last night, I was on my way back home after test driving the S7 C8 and M550i.

The X3MC is a beast. Handles really well for an suv and lots of power too. Engine sounds really nice but I think the X3 M40i sounded a wee bit louder (?). I could be wrong since I drove the M40i a long time ago. Problem for me was the X3M was stiff even though the car I drove was fully loaded. As a daily, I’d probably choose the M40i over the M.

Same with the M5C vs M550i vs S7. While the M5C is in an other class, the M550i is a darn good car, especially if it’s going to be a daily. I’d choose that over the M5C. The S7 doesn’t even stand a chance.

How was the new S7? It's funny we toyed around with all of those options before we got the X3MC as well.

Started out looking at the M550i, test drove the M5C and was completely blown away and felt like we couldnt go back to the M550i, though it had a steeper price tag than he wanted. Dabbled into the new S7 but at the time they weren't available yet. He ended up getting an RS5 Sportback which was an amazing car though we didn't realize you couldn't add a trailer hitch to it without changing all of the suspension components. (We have mtb's that we needed to haul)

Which led him to trading in the RS5 for the X3M comp lol. As you said it's fairly stiff but I think in comfort it gives the perfect balance to still feel like a performance SUV. During the test drive we noticed it a lot more vs hardly at all now while daily driving.

[Paintedblack]

Yeah i saw that with just a tune and no hardware they are running like 3s flat 0-60 and 10.7ish 1/4 miles

I dont want an SUV so how the X3M handles isnt too important to me, Im eyeballing an awd M3 when it comes out. I can only imagine what that is going to do, especially since it should be around 1000 lbs!!!!!! lighter.

Whats the bootmod3? that a piggy or an ECU tune?

[BrockDM]

Yeah i saw that with just a tune and no hardware they are running like 3s flat 0-60 and 10.7ish 1/4 miles

I dont want an SUV so how the X3M handles isnt too important to me, Im eyeballing an awd M3 when it comes out. I can only imagine what that is going to do, especially since it should be around 1000 lbs!!!!!! lighter.

Whats the bootmod3? that a piggy or an ECU tune?

The new M3's are going to be absolutely wicked... especially being awd now it's going to be a missile.

Bootmod3 is a type of flash thru the OBD port so you can map switch or revert back to stock on the fly. Im not sure exactly how it works in terms of flash count on the ECU though. A ton of BMW guys run it and see impressive gains

[VipinLJ]

How was the new S7? It's funny we toyed around with all of those options before we got the X3MC as well.

Started out looking at the M550i, test drove the M5C and was completely blown away and felt like we couldnt go back to the M550i, though it had a steeper price tag than he wanted. Dabbled into the new S7 but at the time they weren't available yet. He ended up getting an RS5 Sportback which was an amazing car though we didn't realize you couldn't add a trailer hitch to it without changing all of the suspension components. (We have mtb's that we needed to haul)

Which led him to trading in the RS5 for the X3M comp lol. As you said it's fairly stiff but I think in comfort it gives the perfect balance to still feel like a performance SUV. During the test drive we noticed it a lot more vs hardly at all now while daily driving.

Honestly, the S7 as meh. It felt only slightly faster than my A7. I loved the dynamic light show but that’s it. I’m not a fan off the touchscreens since I had to take my eyes off the road to do anything, even to heat the steering wheel, since they don’t have steering heat buttons on the steering wheel in the C8. Powerwise, the S7 NEEDS a V8. The 2.9TT works in the RS5. Not so much in the S7.
I drove the M550i right after I drove the S7 and boy. That car was so much better. It’s like a fighter plane readying for take off in sport mode. Didn’t do sport+ since the car was running in high performance summer tyres and roads were slick. But yes. The M550i blows the S7 out of the water.
And yes. The M5C is better. But like I said. I don’t remember it being so much faster than the M550i feelwise. Definitely faster, but M5C vs M550i as like the S7 vs my A7. But for $86.5k for a decently loaded M550i vs $97k for the S7, it’s a no brainer. BMW it is.

Yeah i saw that with just a tune and no hardware they are running like 3s flat 0-60 and 10.7ish 1/4 miles

I dont want an SUV so how the X3M handles isnt too important to me, Im eyeballing an awd M3 when it comes out. I can only imagine what that is going to do, especially since it should be around 1000 lbs!!!!!! lighter.

Whats the bootmod3? that a piggy or an ECU tune?

BM3 is an ECU tune. I got one for my 330i but it kinda bricked my car and freaked me out since BMW has some new software lock on it which prevents ECU tuning via obd without unlocking the DME via bench flashing first. Apparently it’s only on new cars for now (someone said post around May 2019) and cars built before May 2019 are fine, for now. Either that or mine was just a freak accident. But yes. I returned my BM3 and went with a JB4 instead.

Edit - You can’t revert to stock on the fly (as in, while the car is moving). You can only do it with the car off. But you can flash it from your phone. And it does change the counter and bmw will know if your car is flashed. The ease of flashing and gains are what works in its favor.

[BrockDM]

Honestly, the S7 as meh. It felt only slightly faster than my A7. I loved the dynamic light show but that’s it. I’m not a fan off the touchscreens since I had to take my eyes off the road to do anything, even to heat the steering wheel, since they don’t have steering heat buttons on the steering wheel in the C8. Powerwise, the S7 NEEDS a V8. The 2.9TT works in the RS5. Not so much in the S7.
I drove the M550i right after I drove the S7 and boy. That car was so much better. It’s like a fighter plane readying for take off in sport mode. Didn’t do sport+ since the car was running in high performance summer tyres and roads were slick. But yes. The M550i blows the S7 out of the water.
And yes. The M5C is better. But like I said. I don’t remember it being so much faster than the M550i feelwise. Definitely faster, but M5C vs M550i as like the S7 vs my A7. But for $86.5k for a decently loaded M550i vs $97k for the S7, it’s a no brainer. BMW it is.



BM3 is an ECU tune. I got one for my 330i but it kinda bricked my car and freaked me out since BMW has some new software lock on it which prevents ECU tuning via obd without unlocking the DME via bench flashing first. Apparently it’s only on new cars for now (someone said post around May 2019) and cars built before May 2019 are fine, for now. Either that or mine was just a freak accident. But yes. I returned my BM3 and went with a JB4 instead.

Edit - You can’t revert to stock on the fly (as in, while the car is moving). You can only do it with the car off. But you can flash it from your phone. And it does change the counter and bmw will know if your car is flashed. The ease of flashing and gains are what works in its favor.

Ahh okay good to know. I haven't looked into it much. The gains seem really nice but I know my dad would not be down to flash lol. I might be able to get him into a JB4 though if they release it.

Sooo if I'm following, are you getting rid of the A7 for the M550i??

[VipinLJ]

Ahh okay good to know. I haven't looked into it much. The gains seem really nice but I know my dad would not be down to flash lol. I might be able to get him into a JB4 though if they release it.

Sooo if I'm following, are you getting rid of the A7 for the M550i??

Only problem with JB4 is the slightly complicated install (similar to how it is in the Audis). If BM3 releases a tune for the X3M and no one faces the software lock issue, then I’d suggest getting a tune. Though there is the issue of warranty as with any tune.

And I’m seriously considering it. Problem is the A7 hasn’t done much in the 4 years I’ve had it (only 12k miles so far). Wife says I should hold onto it and get an M5C a couple of years down the line.

[SHCKR]

I wanted to share a few updates that will be going on the car tomorrow. I'm having a local shop tackle the install but here it goes:

- ECS 2-piece rotors F/R
- ECS stainless steel lines F/R
- Centric/Stoptech Posi-Quiet Semi Metallic pads (F: 104.18940, R:104.18980)

Pads:
I previously ran Powerstop z16 pads with the rest of the braking components OEM. It served a good purpose in the dust and noise categories but I found myself missing more of an aggressive initial bite. I've heard too many mixed reviews with EBC pads producing noise, a lot of dust etc so I didn't care to give those a try. Since the Posi-Quiet are made by Stoptech they seem like they'll be a great medium between all three categories. I don't track the car nor plan to so I didn't see the need in buying high end performance pads for daily driving.

Rotors:
There are a few options out there now from various companies. Most are still monoblock like the OEM and I wanted to give 2-piece a try and shed some weight. Most of the 2-piece options were out of my price range or what I was willing to spend on rotors alone so I gave the ECS a shot. I've seen pretty good reviews on the bmw side, no real common complaints. They seem like a good quality rotor on the surface so I'll report back with my experience.

Please let us know how your like the rotors (durability) and how is the initial bite of those pads. I'm only at 16K but I feel that it's not long before I'm due for brakes (and tires). Just like you, I have no intention of ever hitting the track, but aggressive daily driving is a possibility.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[BrockDM]

Only problem with JB4 is the slightly complicated install (similar to how it is in the Audis). If BM3 releases a tune for the X3M and no one faces the software lock issue, then I’d suggest getting a tune. Though there is the issue of warranty as with any tune.

And I’m seriously considering it. Problem is the A7 hasn’t done much in the 4 years I’ve had it (only 12k miles so far). Wife says I should hold onto it and get an M5C a couple of years down the line.

Being brand new I know he wouldn't want to go down that route. The power would be nice but he isn't that dedicated lol. I don't mind the JB4 install once you get the hang of it but man the engine bay of the X3M is dense as hellll!

Your wife has great taste lol. Even if you go for a CPO for an M5C you can probably find one under $100k no? We debated that route but ultimately he wanted more space. (Hence the Sportback)

[BrockDM]

Please let us know how your like the rotors (durability) and how is the initial bite of those pads. I'm only at 16K but I feel that it's not long before I'm due for brakes (and tires). Just like you, I have no intention of ever hitting the track, but aggressive daily driving is a possibility.

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I definitely will man. It's all going on tomorrow and I'll be out and about this weekend to get a feel for it. I have yet to see any info out there regarding this combo let alone the pads or rotors on a B9 so I'll be brutally honest even if it means eating my own words. Hopefully being the guinea pig can benefit some others. Brake upgrades seem to be a hot topic around here

[VipinLJ]

Being brand new I know he wouldn't want to go down that route. The power would be nice but he isn't that dedicated lol. I don't mind the JB4 install once you get the hang of it but man the engine bay of the X3M is dense as hellll!

Your wife has great taste lol. Even if you go for a CPO for an M5C you can probably find one under $100k no? We debated that route but ultimately he wanted more space. (Hence the Sportback)

I’m not surprised. The X3M has more than enough power for our roads. I’d probably leave my car stock too if it did 0-60 in 4.0s the itch to floor it would be unbearable.

And yes. She does have great taste. Unfortunately, she doesn’t like preowned. It’s new or nothing

[BrockDM]

I’m not surprised. The X3M has more than enough power for our roads. I’d probably leave my car stock too if it did 0-60 in 4.0s the itch to floor it would be unbearable.

And yes. She does have great taste. Unfortunately, she doesn’t like preowned. It’s new or nothing

And that's being overstated, it's closer to 3.7s But oh man my pockets hurt for you lol!

That's exactly how my old man is too, new or nothing lol.


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[davidbowers13]

Brock, once the pads and rotors get bedded in would love to meet up to see if it stops better 60-0 than a stock setup. Not sure where you took the video of you launching the car last year but seems like that might be a good place to try it? Also would love to get a feel for how your car performs with the jb4. Debating between that and the apr tune once available.

[Paintedblack]

I’m not surprised. The X3M has more than enough power for our roads. I’d probably leave my car stock too if it did 0-60 in 4.0s the itch to floor it would be unbearable.

And yes. She does have great taste. Unfortunately, she doesn’t like preowned. It’s new or nothing

Its never enough! Im doing about 3.8-3.9 sec 0-60 with a launch (im on 91 octane nothing better near by) and i feel like a slug now.

[BrockDM]

Brock, once the pads and rotors get bedded in would love to meet up to see if it stops better 60-0 than a stock setup. Not sure where you took the video of you launching the car last year but seems like that might be a good place to try it? Also would love to get a feel for how your car performs with the jb4. Debating between that and the apr tune once available.

We can definitely do that David. That vid was shot near Joliet, its a good area for some testing. It might be best to so it while I'm not on snow tires, that could definitely hinder the results.

Let's find a good time to do it, I'll happily take you for a ride


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[BrockDM]

Its never enough! Im doing about 3.8-3.9 sec 0-60 with a launch (im on 91 octane nothing better near by) and i feel like a slug now.

I hear ya man. I need to get a draggy and see what I can put down with 93 and a little e85


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[BrockDM]

[RoB9]

They look great! I still practically get whiplash if I'm not consciously braking on my OEMs.

[BrockDM]

They look great! I still practically get whiplash if I'm not consciously braking on my OEMs.

I know what you mean. These have a mild-aggressive initiation so they aren't jarring like OEM. They definitely grab when you get on them though


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[Yabi]

They look really good Brock! Well done!

[BrockDM]

They look really good Brock! Well done!

Thank you sir, I think so as well.

Most importantly they perform much better than my last set up!

[z_wrecker]

Thank you sir, I think so as well.

Most importantly they perform much better than my last set up!

Please keep us updated on these rotors long term. This is the route I am leaning as well. I had 18z set up on my B7 with EBC yellow and they performed well but were dusty, especially after spirited driving. Never had any issues with fade or noise on them. Two piece rotors look great!

[Yabi]

Please keep us updated on these rotors long term.

This!

[BrockDM]

Please keep us updated on these rotors long term. This is the route I am leaning as well. I had 18z set up on my B7 with EBC yellow and they performed well but were dusty, especially after spirited driving. Never had any issues with fade or noise on them. Two piece rotors look great!

This!

I definitely will! I'll report back in a couple thousand miles

[will13k7]

ooh, nice rotors! I have those pad on the wife's B8 S4, there's an occasional slow speed squeal, but other than that, I really like them.

[BrockDM]

ooh, nice rotors! I have those pad on the wife's B8 S4, there's an occasional slow speed squeal, but other than that, I really like them.

Time will certainly tell but so far so good!

Meant to ask you, how are you liking the H&R VHT kit after having it for quite a while?

[will13k7]

Meant to ask you, how are you liking the H&R VHT kit after having it for quite a while?

they are just okay, they feel the same as when I had lowering springs on one of my cars in the 90's. ditching them for coilovers this summer probably.

[BrockDM]

they are just okay, they feel the same as when I had lowering springs on one of my cars in the 90's. ditching them for coilovers this summer probably.

Do you plan on sticking with H&R or like KW v3's?

I found a killer deal on a set a little while back but I feel like i would miss the dampening selector

[will13k7]

Do you plan on sticking with H&R or like KW v3's?

Waiting for Bilstein PSS10s, they came out with some for the previous b9 s4 suspension revision (53mm front strut body) not too long ago, just not the current one (48.5mm front strut body).