How much do BMW carbon ceramic brakes cost? F8X CCB swap.
This kit from BMW includes everything you need to convert your BMW M3 or M4 to carbon ceramic brakes if it wasn’t originally ordered that way. This kit includes calipers, rotors, pads, pad wear sensors, dust shields, and a new brake booster. Carbon ceramic brakes offer superior braking performance and stunning good looks behind your favorite set of wheels. Cross Reference 34112358378
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Carbon Ceramic Brakes for BMW F80 M3 & F82 M4: Everything You Need to Know When it comes to taking your BMW F80 M3 or F82 M4 to the next level, upgrading to carbon ceramic brakes is one of the most impactful performance modifications you can make. Whether you’re chasing lap times at the track or just want the ultimate in braking performance and aesthetics, carbon ceramics deliver on all fronts. But they also come with unique characteristics and considerations. Let’s break down everything you need to know before making the jump.
What Are Carbon Ceramic Brakes? Carbon ceramic brakes, often referred to as CCB or carbon-carbon brakes, are made from a composite of carbon fiber and silicon carbide. The result is a rotor that’s: Significantly lighter than traditional cast iron rotors Capable of withstanding extreme heat without fading Incredibly durable, especially in high-performance environments BMW offers carbon ceramic brakes as a factory option on the F80 M3 and F82 M4, labeled as option code S2NK.
What’s Included in the Carbon Ceramic Brake Package? The full CCB setup for the F80/F82 includes: Front: 6-piston gold calipers with 400mm carbon ceramic rotors Rear: 4-piston gold calipers with 380mm carbon ceramic rotors Special brake pads specifically engineered for ceramic discs Brake wear sensors and adapted ABS/DSC software tuning These brakes are visually distinctive, thanks to the gold calipers, making them popular not just for performance but also for aesthetics.
Pros of Carbon Ceramic Brakes  Lightweight Rotational Mass Reduction CCBs are up to 50% lighter than iron brakes. Reducing unsprung weight improves: Steering response Suspension performance Overall handling balance. Incredible Heat Resistance Carbon ceramics do not fade, even during extreme track use. While iron rotors might overheat after several hard laps, carbon ceramics maintain consistent performance, making them ideal for high-speed driving and heavy braking zones. Longevity Under normal street use, carbon ceramic rotors can last over 100,000 miles, often outliving the car itself. That’s because they don’t wear nearly as quickly as cast iron in daily driving scenarios. Zero Brake Dust No more dirty wheels. CCBs produce virtually no brake dust, keeping your wheels cleaner for longer. Corrosion Resistance Unlike iron rotors, carbon ceramics do not rust, even in humid or salty conditions.
Cons of Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Cost The biggest drawback is the price. Factory-optioned carbon ceramics cost around $8,000–$10,000 on the M3/M4. Retrofitting them after the fact can be even more expensive.  Cold Performance CCBs need heat to perform optimally. At low temperatures (like cold morning drives), brake feel may be slightly less responsive until the system warms up. Specialized Pad and Rotor Replacement You must use pads compatible with carbon ceramic rotors. Using the wrong compound can destroy the rotors. Also, replacement rotors are extremely expensive — upwards of $3,000 per corner.  Less Feedback for Street Driving Some drivers prefer the initial bite and feel of iron brakes in day-to-day driving. CCBs can feel softer or less predictable at low speeds.
Retrofitting CCBs on Your F80 M3 or F82 M4 If your car didn’t come with carbon ceramics from the factory, retrofitting is possible but requires: All four carbon ceramic rotors OEM gold calipers or compatible aftermarket big brake kits Specific pads and lines Coding the DSC/ABS system Many owners source used CCB setups from wrecked M cars or buy new from suppliers like BMW OEM Parts, IND Distribution, FCP Euro, or ECS Tuning. Expect to spend $8,000–$14,000+ depending on parts condition and labor. Aftermarket Alternatives While OEM BMW CCBs are top-tier, companies like Brembo, AP Racing, and Surface Transforms offer aftermarket carbon ceramic kits that may provide: Better pad options More aggressive performance Modular rotor designs for lower replacement cost These kits are popular for track-built F80s and F82s, especially for those pushing serious lap times.
Are Carbon Ceramic Brakes Worth It for Your M3 or M4? It depends on your driving style and goals: Daily driver with occasional spirited runs? Probably overkill. Frequent canyon carver or track enthusiast? 100% worth it. Show car? The gold calipers are a flex on their own. Carbon ceramic brakes offer unmatched performance, durability, and visual appeal for the F80 M3 and F82 M4. If you’re serious about performance and want to reduce unsprung weight while gaining confidence under pressure, CCBs are a solid investment.
