320i caliper question
 

Getting ready to install my 320i brakes, and I'm puzzled as to why there is a bizarre looking little piece of pad taken out of the top of each of the pads (but obviously meant to be there from the manufacturing).

I've got the Mintex aftermarket pads for the front 320i and the box is marked correctly, but the BMW calipers have retaining pins and springs that are quite similar to the 914 front ones (only larger).

Do I have the correct pads for this application? Was there a different retaining spring or something on only some of these calipers? Please let me know. Steve

Going by memory here, the BMW pads had a place for a wear sensor. That could be what you're noticing.

That makes sense. Is it possible to get 320i pads without the cutout for the wear sensor, or is the cutout so small that it doesn't really affect the braking performance? Just curious what others have done.

Does not affect anything. You'll also notice the pads hang over the outer edge of the rotor a little, that will not affect anything either.

Should I even bother filing the edges down a bit befpre I put them on, or will the extra part of the pad that doesn't wear just fall off on its own when it gets large enough? Thanks for all the help. Steve

On both our applications the extra just sort of hangs over the edge and since the pad moves around some it has enough clearance so there is no interference with the pads retracting after the brake is applied.

The machinist finished up the 320i calipers, and I got a chance to bolt them up today...what a difference! Even though they're not fully bedded in, the car is already stopping much faster than before. I guess I'll just have to get used to the pedal traveling a little farther with the increased piston size of the 320i calipers. Steve

Upgrade to a 19mm mastercylinder and the pedal will be better.