Wilwood Front AERO6R/ST Road-Race Brake Kit for BMW E46 M3 (2001–2006), Thermlock Calipers and Dynamic 14-Inch GT Rotors

This E46 M3 front race conversion uses six-piston AERO6R/ST calipers, dynamic 14-inch GT rotors and BP-35 pads. Thermlock pistons serve the high-temperature caliper arrangement, while the kit retains the specified BMW hubs and supplies its front flexlines. Founded by Bill Wood in 1977, Camarillo, California-based Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures disc brake systems plus their individual components. Its work serves specialized applications, motorsport and street-performance vehicles, with a range of calipers, brake rotors, master cylinders, valves, fittings and brake lines. A compatible complete system governs the selection of each part.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer part number — 140-14978.
• Rotor construction and friction surface — Spec-37 Iron; Vented; GT Slotted; surface finish: Plain.
• Caliper color, finish and hydraulic inlet — Anodize; Type III Anodize; inlet 1/8-27 NPT.
• Wheel bolt circle — 5 X 4.72 in; 5 X 119.89 mm.
• Nominal minimum wheel diameter — 18 in; 457.2 mm; verify full spoke and barrel clearance using the kit drawing.
• Mechanical package contents — no separate hubs included; mounting hardware included: Yes; spindles included: No.
• Flexline specification — Line kit included (manufacturer): 220-11983 (18.00 in); Front line-kit reference: 220-11983.
• Brake function and supply — Front road-race brake kit; Disc braking; front axle; Sold as a kit.
• Service caliper assembly — AERO6; 6 pistons in each caliper; Thermlock pistons; Forged Aluminium body; Radial mounting.
• Supplied pad compound — BP-35.
• Hat wheel-stud clearance diameter — 0.610 in; 15.49 mm.
• Rotor mounting hat — aluminum; Black E-Coat; hat offset 0.850 in.
• Hydraulic package contents — brake lines included: Yes; master cylinder included: No; booster included: No.
• Race pad operating range — BP-35 pads are intended for high-temperature racing; extended low-temperature operation causes premature pad and rotor wear.
• Rotor dimensions — outside diameter 14.00 in; 355.6 mm; thickness 1.25 in; 31.75 mm.

Fitment & Compatibility

Use the documented 2001–2006 BMW E46 M3 application and verify the retained hub interface. DS1275 requires cutting the front dust shield and adapting the line-retention details shown in the guide. Check the complete 18-inch wheel envelope; the race pads are unsuitable for extended low-temperature operation.

Listed model families are M3; the individual year and brake/spindle conditions remain decisive. Use the fitment table below to confirm year, model, trim and brake or suspension options.

PMB Performance brings over 20 years of parts and fitment experience. Send the vehicle details and installed brake/suspension configuration if you need help checking this package.

Check the Installation instructions for the full assembly and wheel-clearance requirements.

Manufacturer Warning

Applicable to brake pads only. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium (Hexavalent compounds), Lead, Nickel, Cobalt and Antimony Trioxide which are known to the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.