[Squidget]

Just to be super clear on this, only rear calipers have this insert, right? Not fronts?

[new_owner]

I’ve just come across this thread and I’m in the UK. I went out and checked my rear brake calipers (red colour) and both just have a hole where this emblem is shown on other cars. I think this is how UK cars come as I popped to my dealer and noticed their demo car was also the same, the calipers are in blue.

Interesting 🤔

[ZPD]

Originally Posted by kamichael

Thanks - it appears I am missing this part. Possibly caused by a manufacturing shortage on a non-essential part. I will probably follow up on this with my service advisor when I bring the car in for the run-in service.

This got me curious. I am missing the part on my car too.

[kamichael]

I honestly think this is a parts shortage issue or something they’re missing during manufacturing. There are others in the European market that have these, there’s no apparent reason why they would be missed in a particular market or region of the world. Also, other models like the G80 M3 and G05 X5 have the same design and have this part. Then there’s whet Gcmak brought up with his coming off on their own during his initial run in on the car - there could be a manufacturing flaw on these recent batches as I have never lost these yet on any prior M car - or model with M Performance brakes. These cars are designed for serious hard track use and spirited driving. This type of part should not easily detach from the caliper. Not to mention what that could do if it dislodged in the wheel/brakes while driving! Something is dehinitely not right here.

[kamichael]

Originally Posted by Squidget

Just to be super clear on this, only rear calipers have this insert, right? Not fronts?

Correct, the front 6 piston brake caliper is a different design. It does not have this part and the M logo is a painted decal on the caliper. See these front photos of my G80 (black calipers) and G87 (red calipers).

[kamichael]

I went over to the G80 suspension/brakes/chassis forum and found this issue there. Same situation, some had them from the start, did were missing from the start, others experienced them coming off after driving - often repeatedly! They are apparently a relatively inexpensive $20 part. I’m not going to argue the cost, but they belong on the car and should have at least been included from new. The second issue is that they seem to fall off for some people. It has been reported that the clip can be bent to help tighten the grip. Thus is a poor design on a brake system component that should handle extreme vibration conditions - this sounds poor to me!

In either case, BMW should replace these for any of us - especially on new cars and cars still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

[cmgbk75]

My car was a P1 produced in April for the US. It has them.

[kamichael]

This is a photo of the part that I found on the G80 thread for this same issue.

I’m still thinking these might be more than just cosmetic and could be the cause of vibration/squeaking. I’d love to get an informed answer on this.

[kamichael]

Here are the other threads on the G80 forum - read through these and you’ll find much the same for the M3/M4 folks:

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2020588

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2034208

[kamichael]

I’m definitely NOT advocating buying these. On principle alone, BMW should replace or provide them at no cost. Here is the part info though - it might be the faster route if you don’t wish to “discuss” this with your service advisor.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ip-34206881294

[kamichael]

This may seem like a small issue to some, but I’m bothered to have discovered it on a new “enthusiast” car at this level and cost, by a manufacturer like BMW.

Look at the part details on the above link. There are a number of names - caliper support clip and ABS sensor clip. As well, “please retrofit at your own risk.”

SKU:
34-20-6-881-294

Positions:
Left, Right

Other Names:
Emblem, Caliper Support Clip, ABS Sensor Clip, Bmw Design Clip 349011

Description:
M Sport Black Rear Brake Caliper Clip . For vehicles with M Sport brake option. Please retrofit at own risk. *Sold individually.

[gcmak]

Originally Posted by kamichael

I’m still thinking these might be more than just cosmetic and could be the cause of vibration/squeaking. I’d love to get an informed answer on this.

I bought replacements and installed them myself. I've done brake work on many cars- especially those with the single piston floating caliper - and I can tell you this clip does NOT have any impact on brake noise. It sits on the caliper bracket which does not move and it does not have any contact with the pad or the moving caliper itself. It is so lightweight that it wouldn't be a damper...like the weights attached to the front brake pads.

It is criminal that these clips cost some $20-30 each or more...lol

When I fitted the clips - like the one you shared the photo of, it didn't even 'clip' onto the bracket...it would just slip off and on. I bent all of those tabs inward to create higher clamping force. Another owner did the same thing. I would do it even more if I decide to get a replacement again....because I felt a positive engagement but I did see them both 'slip' a bit after 100 miles (e.g. I could push them flush with the bracket again). I wish we just had the same design as the 2 series where it was built into the bracket or just don't bother with this stuff at all.

Cause here's the thing. It's going to get in the way - slightly when doing a brake pad job. Either thats going to bend/damage the clip or you'll be taking it off and on more often. Sure you could potentially not impact it at all but I don't think a tech will be that careful.

[kamichael]

Originally Posted by gcmak

I bought replacements and installed them myself. I've done brake work on many cars- especially those with the single piston floating caliper - and I can tell you this clip does NOT have any impact on brake noise. It sits on the caliper bracket which does not move and it does not have any contact with the pad or the moving caliper itself. It is so lightweight that it wouldn't be a damper...like the weights attached to the front brake pads.

It is criminal that these clips cost some $20-30 each or more...lol

Thank you agsim for this, it’s very helpful to know that these clips do not impact brake performance or operation.

I agree with you on the cost to replace - at nearly $50 a set, it’s a waste if they are so easily lost during normal use.

[kamichael]

Originally Posted by gcmak

When I fitted the clips - like the one you shared the photo of, it didn't even 'clip' onto the bracket...it would just slip off and on. I bent all of those tabs inward to create higher clamping force. Another owner did the same thing. I would do it even more if I decide to get a replacement again....because I felt a positive engagement but I did see them both 'slip' a bit after 100 miles (e.g. I could push them flush with the bracket again). I wish we just had the same design as the 2 series where it was built into the bracket or just don't bother with this stuff at all.

Cause here's the thing. It's going to get in the way - slightly when doing a brake pad job. Either thats going to bend/damage the clip or you'll be taking it off and on more often. Sure you could potentially not impact it at all but I don't think a tech will be that careful.

My thoughts exactly with regards to maintenance and any tech that might be working on our cars.

On a similar note, have you watched videos where they track these cars - showing close footage of the wheels and tires in slow motion replay? The flexing and vibration on the tires and wheels is clearly extreme - the forces that occur are insane. This part should be securely mounted. Just think of normal driving at highway speeds that we all do on varied road quality. It’s no wonder they come off.

[KevM2]

So many little things like this so far on the M2 are mind blowing!!! Not impressed. .. What else is next

[Axylus]

I’ve read through this thread, and I just want to check. This is purely cosmetic correct?

[Trogster]

Originally Posted by Axylus

I’ve read through this thread, and I just want to check. This is purely cosmetic correct?

It includes bragging rights.

[kamichael]

I am not trying to criticize anyone, although it has been said that these clips are purely cosmetic. I am not sure this is the case. As noted above, the official BMW parts catalogue has a description for them as "Rear Brake Caliper Clip - BMW (34-20-6-881-294)" - when I further searched online for "BMW Rear Brake Caliper Clip purpose" and similar searches regarding brake caliper clips, there is a lot of information going back nearly 20 years about this BMW part.

I found this note from 2005 on a 335is on bimmerforums.com:
"The anti-rattle clip doesn't necessarily touch the pad. It snugs the caliper and carrier together to prevent the pads from rattling around. If all of yours are installed correctly and you still suspect the brake pads, check the metal clip that's attached to the inner pad. If the clip breaks, the pad will no longer be attached to the caliper piston, and it will rattle."

I believe that there is a different part described as a "caliper clip" on the front brakes that is not visible or installed on the outside like in the rear caliper clip. I could be mixing the two up though - it is difficult to get a specific answer on these darn clips.



This said from BMWSportTouring.com website - helps wear and is an issue when replacing the rear pads. Possibly good to replace these as part of pad maintenance.:
https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topi...i-rattle-clip/

Also, this was on E46fanatics website:
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...g-clip.692853/

An older style BMW rear clip from non M models - similar design and listed as anti-rattle clip:
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Brakes/C...4aAty5EALw_wcB


So, based on my novice investigation skills, they are apparently functional and help to abate brake rattling and noise. I could be misunderstanding what I have found though.

[kamichael]

Also, all of the models that this part is installed on are lsited here:

https://www.bmwpartspros.com/oem-par...ck-34206881294

[kamichael]

As noted by others and myself - I could be wrong. This was said on another Bimmerpost thread - by aerobod. So at this point, take what I have said with a grain of salt:

"The ///M badge clips on the caliper are purely cosmetic. They only touch the mounting point on the caliper carrier and have enough space between them and the brake pad backing plate to fit a finger. The anti-rattle clips are separate and fit on the ends of the pads."

[gcmak]

Originally Posted by kamichael

As noted by others and myself - I could be wrong. This was said on another Bimmerpost thread - by aerobod. So at this point, take what I have said with a grain of salt:

"The ///M badge clips on the caliper are purely cosmetic. They only touch the mounting point on the caliper carrier and have enough space between them and the brake pad backing plate to fit a finger. The anti-rattle clips are separate and fit on the ends of the pads."

Perhaps watching how the rear pads and calipers are installed will better help you with what you're struggling to clarify for yourself.

(I wouldn't necessarily follow or recommend this person's techniques)

I know you're seeing pad clips etc. on various sites - yes those on other brake designs can matter to noise and even proper fit and function - but this one has nothing to do with the pads or those other 'spring' style brake pad tension clips.

Glad you're digging in deep to learn more though.

[kamichael]

Originally Posted by gcmak

Perhaps watching how the rear pads and calipers are installed will better help you with what you're struggling to clarify for yourself.

(I wouldn't necessarily follow or recommend this person's techniques)

I know you're seeing pad clips etc. on various sites - yes those on other brake designs can matter to noise and even proper fit and function - but this one has nothing to do with the pads or those other 'spring' style brake pad tension clips.

Glad you're digging in deep to learn more though.

Thanks again Gcmak. This is what I was discovering after reading so many different takes on this - they look to only be cosmetic. I guess at this point it’s just coming down to the issue of them missing for so many on new cars. It’s hit or miss on new builds. That, along with the clips falling off on their own are both problems. Hopefully, adjusting/bending the clip improves the attachment in that case.