BMW M5 G90 & G99 Touring Brake Upgrades

Floating Steel Rotors and Steel-to-Carbon Ceramic Conversions by Triton Motorsports

The BMW M5 G90 and BMW M5 G99 Touring represent the most technically advanced M5

platforms ever produced. With dramatically increased power output, advanced chassis systems, and a significant rise in vehicle mass, the latest M5 places unprecedented demands on its braking system. These cars are faster, heavier, and more capable than any previous M5—requiring braking solutions that go beyond traditional aftermarket adaptations.

At Triton Motorsports, we identified these requirements early. Our engineering team invested extensive development time to design platform-specific floating steel brake rotors and steel-to-carbon ceramic conversion systems engineered specifically for the G90 and G99. These solutions were not adapted from previous BMW platforms—they were developed from the ground up to deliver OEM-level integration with performance headroom that exceeds factory specifications.

This article explains the limitations of factory braking systems, the engineering behind Triton’s solutions, and why our offerings represent the most advanced brake upgrades available for BMW’s newest M5 generation.

Understanding the Demands of the G90 / G99 BMW M5 Platform

The G90/G99 M5 introduces several key factors that dramatically increase braking loads:

• Increased curb weight from hybridization and structural reinforcement

• Higher torque delivery across a broader RPM range

• Greater sustained speeds due to advanced drivetrain efficiency

• More frequent high-energy braking events

BMW engineered capable factory braking systems, but like all OEM solutions, they are designed to balance performance, comfort, cost, and longevity across a wide range of ownership profiles. For drivers who regularly push these cars—or plan long-term ownership—those compromises become evident.

Factory Brake Systems on the BMW M5 G90 / G99

Factory Steel Brakes

The standard steel braking system provides strong stopping power for daily driving, but is limited by:

• Quasi two-piece rotor construction

• Higher unsprung and rotational mass

• Reduced thermal efficiency under repeated braking

• Increased susceptibility to vibration and heat saturation

For aggressive street driving or high-load scenarios, these limitations affect consistency and pedal confidence.

Factory Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCM) – Strengths and Limitations

BMW offers carbon ceramic matrix (CCM) brakes as an optional upgrade on certain G90/G99 configurations. These systems use a carbon fiber core with a thin silicon carbide (SiC) friction layer applied to the braking surface.

Strengths of BMW’s CCM System

BMW’s CCM brakes deliver meaningful advantages over steel rotors:

• Substantial weight reduction

• Improved corrosion resistance

• Reduced brake dust

• Consistent braking feel within their intended operating range

• Excellent refinement for high-performance street use

Within this design scope, BMW’s CCM brakes perform exactly as intended and represent a well-engineered OEM solution.

Technical Constraints of Thin-Layer CCM Architecture

The limitations of CCM systems are not flaws, but rather material and design trade-offs inherent to earlier carbon ceramic technology:

• Thin SiC friction layerThe relatively thin silicon carbide coating limits total thermal capacity during sustained high-energy braking.

• Surface durability considerationsUnder aggressive use, the thin SiC layer can be more susceptible to localized surface chipping or edge wear, which may affect long-term consistency.

• Thermal ceilingWhile effective at elevated temperatures, thin-layer CCM systems are not optimized for repeated exposure to extreme thermal loads compared to newer carbon ceramic architectures.

These characteristics define the operational envelope of factory CCM brakes and explain why BMW positions them primarily as high-performance road systems rather than sustained track solutions.

Triton Gen 3 T700 CCB-H Carbon Ceramic Technology

Triton Motorsports’ Gen 3 CCB-H carbon ceramic discs, constructed using continuous T700 carbon fiber architecture, were developed specifically to exceed the thermal, structural, and durability limits of thin-layer CCM designs.

BMW M5 Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor by Triton Motorsports

Key Engineering Advancements

Unlike surface-coated CCM rotors, Triton CCB-H discs feature:

• Thicker, fully integrated silicon carbide structure

• Deep, homogeneous SiC infiltration throughout the rotor

• Continuous long-fiber T700 carbon reinforcement

• High-density core designed for sustained thermal exposure

This construction significantly improves:

• Thermal stability at elevated temperatures

• Resistance to surface chipping

• Structural integrity under repeated high-energy braking

• Long-term durability on heavy, high-output vehicles

Where factory CCM brakes are optimized for balance and refinement, Triton’s Gen 3 T700 CCB-H system is engineered for sustained thermal load without degradation, making it particularly well-suited to the mass and performance envelope of the G90/G99 M5.

Floating Steel Brake Rotors for BMW M5 G90 / G99

For owners seeking improved braking performance without transitioning to carbon ceramics, Triton offers true floating steel brake rotors engineered specifically for the new M5 platform.

BMW M5 Disc Brake Rotors by Triton Motorsports

Design Highlights

• High-carbon steel friction rings

• CNC-machined billet aluminum hats

• Fully floating hardware allowing controlled thermal expansion

• Directional internal vane design for improved airflow

Performance Benefits

• Reduced unsprung and rotational mass compared to OEM steel rotors

• Improved heat dissipation and recovery

• More consistent pedal feel under repeated braking

• Serviceable design with replaceable friction rings

This system offers an ideal balance of durability, performance, and long-term cost efficiency for aggressive street use and occasional track driving.

Steel-to-Carbon Ceramic Conversion for the G90 / G99

Triton’s steel-to-carbon ceramic conversion kit allows M5 owners to upgrade directly from steel brakes to Gen 3 T700 CCB-H carbon ceramics while retaining factory calipers, sensors, and control systems.

Benefits of the Conversion

• Up to 20–25 lb reduction in unsprung mass

• Dramatically increased fade resistance

• Improved braking consistency under sustained load

• Reduced brake dust and corrosion

• Long service life exceeding OEM CCM systems

Unlike factory CCM brakes, Triton’s system is designed with serviceability and longevity in mind, including modular hats and replaceable floating hardware.

Fitment Accuracy and OEM Integration

Significant engineering effort was dedicated to ensuring flawless integration with BMW’s advanced vehicle systems:

• Exact rotor offset and caliper centering

• ABS and DSC compatibility

• Proper sensor positioning

• NVH control through tuned floating interfaces

The result is a braking system that installs like OEM equipment while delivering a higher performance ceiling.

Long-Term Ownership Advantages

Both Triton brake solutions offer meaningful long-term benefits:

Floating Steel

• Lower lifetime cost than OEM steel rotors

• Replaceable friction rings

• Excellent durability under aggressive use

Gen 3 Carbon Ceramic

• 100,000+ mile street lifespan

• Minimal wear and corrosion

• Reduced long-term replacement cost compared to OEM CCM systems

Why Triton Was First—and Why It Matters

Developing braking systems for the G90/G99 M5 required early investment, advanced modeling, and physical validation long before widespread market demand. Triton Motorsports committed to that process to deliver purpose-built solutions, not retrofitted designs.

Supported Platforms

• BMW M5 G90 (Sedan)

• BMW M5 G99 Touring

Both floating steel and carbon ceramic options are available for front and rear configurations.

Conclusion: The Definitive Brake Upgrade for the New BMW M5

The BMW M5 G90 and G99 Touring demand braking systems that match their unprecedented performance envelope. Triton Motorsports delivers:

• True floating steel brake rotors for durable high-performance use

• Gen 3 T700 CCB-H carbon ceramic conversions for ultimate braking capability

• OEM-level integration with next-generation materials

• Long-term value and performance headroom beyond factory systems

These are not incremental upgrades—they are engineered solutions designed specifically for BMW’s most advanced M5 platform.