The EBC Apollo-4 Front Big Brake Kit for the BMW M3 E46 (2000+) is a premium braking upgrade engineered for drivers who demand powerful, consistent stopping performance with excellent pedal feel for both fast road and track-day use.
Designed, manufactured, and assembled 100% in the UK, the Apollo system represents EBC Brakes’ latest generation of high-performance big brake kits, combining advanced caliper technology with large-diameter two-piece rotors to significantly outperform the factory braking system.
This front axle kit features EBC Apollo-4 four-piston forged aluminium calipers paired with 355mm two-piece floating brake discs, delivering increased braking torque, superior heat management, and improved resistance to brake fade under repeated heavy braking.
Performance & Driving Characteristics
The Apollo-4 system is engineered to handle the high braking loads generated by the E46 M3 during spirited driving and track use. Compared to the OEM setup, this kit provides:
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increased braking force with reduced pedal effort
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firmer and more consistent brake pedal feel
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improved brake modulation and control
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excellent thermal stability under high temperatures
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reduced risk of brake fade during repeated hard braking
The larger 355mm disc diameter increases braking leverage and heat capacity, while the multi-piston caliper design ensures even pad pressure and optimal contact across the entire braking surface.
Apollo Caliper Design & Technology
EBC Apollo brake calipers utilise an advanced 2-piece bolted caliper design, reinforced with high-tensile 12.9-grade steel bolts across the caliper bridge section.
Using extensive computer-based FEA (Finite Element Analysis), EBC has demonstrated that this reinforced bridge design offers significantly higher stiffness compared to traditional mono-block aluminium calipers. Increased stiffness reduces caliper bridge elongation under braking load, resulting in:
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a firmer and more responsive brake pedal
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improved consistency during prolonged hard braking
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reduced pedal degradation as temperatures rise
This design ensures reliable performance even under conditions where mono-block calipers can begin to soften due to sustained heat exposure.
What’s Included in the Kit
Each EBC Apollo Big Brake Kit is supplied as a complete, vehicle-specific package, including all required components for installation:
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355mm two-piece floating brake discs with aluminium bells
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EBC Apollo-4 forged aluminium front brake calipers (red finish)
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Braided stainless steel brake lines
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Vehicle-specific mounting brackets
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Performance brake pads
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Brake fluid
Vehicle Compatibility
Why Choose EBC Brakes from Torque Lab
Torque Lab supplies genuine EBC braking systems with full technical support and fitment guidance. We assist with brake pad compound selection and setup advice to ensure optimal braking performance tailored to your driving style and intended use.
