The BimmerWorld View: when it comes to rebuilt calipers you absolutely get what you pay for. When you buy at the cheapest price you get the cheapest rebuild in return. We have learned the hard way that cheap rebuilt calipers are only good for a quick repair and you might get another year of use before another replacement is required. Some independent shops won't even install them. We have adopted the approach that it should be done right and done once so we didn't take any shortcuts when rebuilding these E46 330i rear calipers.
These are Genuine E46 330i, X3, calipers that have gone through our "Gold Medal" rebuilding process.
Did we use OEM seals? Yes, properly installed.
Did we reuse the pistons? Yes, but only after going through a fitment check and thorough cleaning. If a piston doesn't pass our tests it gets replaced. Each piston is checked for correct bore clearance after the plating process and the final assembly is done by hand.
Are the threads chased or repaired? Yes, with a new bleeder screw installed.
Is new hardware included? Yes, new rubber guide bushings and pins are installed.
Did we coat it or did we protect it? The gold cadmium finish on this pair is a true protective metal layer that covers the iron for maximum rust protection. Nearly every other rebuilt caliper has a thin "rust inhibitor" oil film to guard against rust while it's in transit or sitting on a shelf. That shelf coating will burn off as soon as the caliper is used, exposing the metal, and it will rust immediately. We wanted to stop the cycle of installing cheaply rebuilt calipers that also look awful.
Cheap caliper rebuilds will rust right away. They don't have a long-term effective rust prevention coating. Not only is the rust unsightly but it leads to more rust as moisture is absorbed through the casting and sneaks past the caliper seals. The bare iron inside the piston bore is a prime spot for rust to form. Factor in a used piston that was likely rusty to begin with and you have a recipe for another stuck failed caliper. This is why we had to take caliper rebuilds to a new level with more care and attention to the seals, piston, and coating.
Note: cad plating is not rust-proof but we believe it is the most durable protective coating available for brake calipers, outlasting paint and powdercoat. It will eventually fade or wear away just like the factory calipers.
The price shown includes a $300 core charge that can be refunded upon the return and inspection of your original calipers. The supply of original parts for rebuilding keeps the final purchase price low. The core must match the part that was supplied in terms of fitment, type, application, accessories, and hardware. Damaged or modified cores will not receive a refund. A core charge can only be refunded once the core has been inspected and approved. Click here for our Core Policy.
BMW Fitments:
3 Series
E46 (01-06) > 330i
E46 (01-06) > 330ci
X3 Series
E83 (04-05) > 2.5i
E83 (04-10) > 3.0i
E83 (06-10) > 3.0si
