I want to remove and paint the calipers on our 2006 330I. Has someone on the forum done this? I am thinking it should on a basic level just be ... crack lines and remove, unbolt calipers, remove pads/wear sensors, collapse pistons, clean, and paint. Right? Anything to watch out for, I.E. any way the job differs from any other car?

Additionally i think removing the calipers is the proper way of doing it to get 100% paint coverage, especially with all of the nooks and crannies on the calipers BMW uses. I suppose i could try the brush on laquer and if i don't like how it covers I can then go the removal route. What say you?

Bleed brake hydraulic fluid after, make sure to plug all the hydraulic lines when you have the caliper off for painting.

Do not use brushed on lacquer. Powder coat it if you're going to remove the caliper.

Do not use brushed on lacquer.


Why is that, is it crap? I used Plastikote rattlecan caliper paint on the Brembos on my 928 and i am pretty impressed with how it turned out and has subsequently held up well. I will say that the Brembos are a far more "simple" (for lack of a better word) looking caliper and appear to be easier to paint.

The reason the calipers are not painted is most likely for heat concerns. If you were to put a lacquer on the rotor hats they will not shed heat as easily (or the calipers either). That is why most people will recommend powder coating, so you are not trapping in excessive heat on the rotors/calipers.

Why is that, is it crap?

Yes. Lacquer does not react well to heat.