New Product: AP Racing by Essex Competition Brake Kit for BMW E30 M3

AP Racing by Essex CP8350 Competition Big Brake Kit for the BMW E30 M3

For many car enthusiasts, the BMW E30 M3 really needs no introduction, but we'll give it one anyway. With factory wide body fenders and a 7000+ rpm engine with individual throttle bodies, it is the quintessential "homologation special". That is, a variant produced for the road primarily to meet sanctioning body regulations and allow it to compete on a race track...and compete it did! After its FIA Group A debut in 1987, BMW's first M3 won multiple touring car championships in German DTM and British BTCC racing, competed successfully in the IMSA Firehawk series stateside, and was even used as a rally car!

Driving one of these legends on-track today, however, demands much more of the factory setup than ever intended. Combine sticky modern tires or aero with calipers and discs made for the 1980's, and the need to upgrade for consistent, repeatable braking performance quickly arises. That’s exactly where the Essex Parts CP8350 Competition Brake Kit for the BMW E30 M3 comes in. Built around proven AP Racing components and Essex’s deep motorsport expertise, this system provides elite-level stopping power, consistency, and control—the kind you can rely on when every braking zone matters.

CP8350 Calipers: Forged in motorsport...just like the E30 M3!

At the core of these kits are AP Racing CP8350 4-piston calipers, lightweight yet tough components with a well-established pedigree in racing. Originally developed for R2 rally competition, they were designed with exceptional rigidity, which translates directly into precise pedal feel and improved modulation. Under extreme conditions, they maintain consistent clamping force and resist the flex and inefficiencies that can plague lesser systems. The result is a braking experience that feels direct, controlled, and repeatable every time you hit the pedal. Plus, pad changes are easily accomplished via a single bolt/nut and without removing the caliper!

Key Features:

• AP Racing CP8350 4-piston calipers (now with black logos)
• Saves roughly 5 unsprung lbs. from the nose versus OE E30 M3 brakes
• Increased disc diameter by 45mm and thickness by 7mm
• Championship-winning 325x32mm 70 vane floating 2-piece AP Racing J Hook Discs
• Eliminates the need to remove calipers during pad changes
• Designed to work with OE rear brakes
• Note- Due to increased brake torque over stock, we strongly recommend using Ferodo Racing DS1.11 as your baseline pad compound in most situations, rather than DS3.12. If you'd like to discuss pad options to suit your exact modifications (engine swaps, big aero, slick tires, etc.), please contact the Essex Sales team.

Kit Link:

Front - AP Racing By Essex Competition Brake Kit (Front CP8350/325mm)- BMW E30 M

Special thanks to Eurowise Performance / Off Road for allowing us to borrow their stunning E30 M3 for test-fitment during the R&D process. Be sure to check out their many products and services for European cars and SUV's here.