What is the purpose of an additional brake caliper adapter?

Second caliper adapters (also known as additional calipers) for BMW are products that allow the installation of a hydraulic handbrake by using an additional set of brake calipers. This setup enables significant modifications without altering the original braking system. However, the adapter also allows for increasing the braking efficiency by adding a second set of calipers that work in conjunction with the factory calipers. Importantly, these adapters fit the factory mounting holes in the car.

Which BMW models benefit from additional brake calipers?

First and foremost, this setup is ideal for vehicles used in drifting. The BMW 3 series, especially the BMW E36, is a common candidate for this modification. The condition for installation is that the car must have a disc brake system on the rear axle, as it would be impossible to install the adapter otherwise. This setup is typically found in higher-performance BMW models like the BMW E36 and BMW E46. Therefore, CNC71 offers the following sets:

• Second caliper adapters for BMW E36,
• Second caliper adapters for BMW E46.

Is it worth installing a hydraulic handbrake?

A hydraulic handbrake is a great solution for those looking for an extremely effective braking system. It is far more efficient than a traditional mechanical handbrake, as it operates hydraulically, while a regular handbrake works by pulling a cable to engage the brake pads or shoes.

With a hydraulic handbrake, the braking force is significantly greater, allowing for more effective vehicle stops, especially in cars like the BMW E46. This is due to the brake pump, which multiplies the force transmitted by the driver to the handbrake. Although installing a hydraulic handbrake comes at an additional cost, its performance and reliability will certainly make it worthwhile. This setup can elevate the performance of a drift car or one used in rally events (KJS).

How to install additional brake calipers on a BMW?

The second caliper adapter is easy to install—simply bolt it onto the control arm. There's no need to weld or grind anything. The entire process follows a plug & play design. Importantly, installing the BMW E46 caliper adapters doesn't require removing the entire hub assembly. The only part that needs to be removed is the ABS sensor, which is a small sacrifice for the ability to connect a hydraulic handbrake without extensive modifications to the car's standard braking system.

The second caliper adapter kit for BMW E36 from CNC71 includes adapters for both the left and right sides, so there's no need to worry about compatibility with your vehicle. The entire kit is bolted, meaning you won’t need to get familiar with a welder. You can easily perform the entire replacement in your own garage. However, remember to ensure the installation follows all safety guidelines, as brakes are a crucial element for your safety.

For the additional brake calipers on the BMW E36 or BMW E46 to function properly, ensure the additional caliper is the same type as the one already installed in the car.