Hi Chaps,
Am restoring my old 1983 323i ( L Jetronic )and had recently replaced my discs to ATE Power Disc ( fronts ) and standard disc rears, slapped on Pagid Fast Roads ( got them from GSF Lincoln ...) and installed braided lines - all done with the necessary re-bleeding etc.
Whilst there's some improvement - I am still not satisfied! It still takes quite an effort to activate the brake pedals for any real speed retardation. I have driven my two other mates' cars - a 323i Motronic version & a 325i and theirs requires less effort and bites better.
My questions are :
- anyone done a servo size upgrade? which model fits? e28?
- does a master cylinder upgrade to a larger size help?
I am keen on straight bolt-on swaps for the e30.....I have a E36 system lying around too, can they be of any use?
Cheers ( from sunny Malaysia ) and thanks for the help/advice!
Julian
Improving the E30 Brakes
Moderator: martauto
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Julian_Jules
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:00 pm
Just to add :
Via a Haynes Manual, I checked the vacuum system for the brakes and they seem to be holding the pressures okay i.e. no dip in pedals when the engine's turn off etc. Hence I think a leak is not the cause.....
Cheers!
Via a Haynes Manual, I checked the vacuum system for the brakes and they seem to be holding the pressures okay i.e. no dip in pedals when the engine's turn off etc. Hence I think a leak is not the cause.....
Cheers!
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Adammcf
- E30 Zone Squatter
- Posts: 1578
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:00 pm
Sounds like a dodgy master cylinder. If you pump the pedal up hard when the car is turned off does it stay where it is or does it slowly sink to the floor?
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k130
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 131
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Essex
Hi
Ive got an '83 232i too -probably very similar to yours (assuming yours is RHD!).
The front discs are grooved (dont know the type though. probably ATE) and the pads are nothing special but the brakes are still firm and responsive.
I take it the brakes are bedded in (takes up to 100 miles sometimes) If the brakes arent properly bedded then premature heavy braking can cause glazing on the disk/pad
I can check the part no on my master cylinder to see if they match if thats a help...
Ive got an '83 232i too -probably very similar to yours (assuming yours is RHD!).
The front discs are grooved (dont know the type though. probably ATE) and the pads are nothing special but the brakes are still firm and responsive.
I take it the brakes are bedded in (takes up to 100 miles sometimes) If the brakes arent properly bedded then premature heavy braking can cause glazing on the disk/pad
I can check the part no on my master cylinder to see if they match if thats a help...
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Julian_Jules
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:00 pm
adam,
The brake pedal holds its position when I turn off the engine - which was what the Haynes Manual suggested for a vacuum leak check. I gather this means my vacuum system is still okay. It also means the master cylinder seals are okay since I could just stand on the pedal and it does not sink - engine on or off.
K130,
Mine's right hand drive too and was imported from UK.....anyway, I was real careful to avoid any hard braking for at least 500kms so I think my bedding in went to plan.
My complaint is really the EFFORT i need to activate the brake pedal. Some have suggested a master cylinder size upgrade but I think this will stiffen up the pedal plus reduce the travel and this is not what I am looking for. I am happy with the travel & IN COMPARISON with other E30s, my pedal just feels stiff....
I suspect my servo's probably due for a change ( maybe the diaphram's just old & stiff ). Due to this, I might just take the chance to upgrade the size as well, hence the question if the E28 servo will fit popped up. I have also an access possibility to a E36 servo but wonder if they will fit the e30 firewall. Any ideas?
Anyway, thanks for your suggestions and advise..
The brake pedal holds its position when I turn off the engine - which was what the Haynes Manual suggested for a vacuum leak check. I gather this means my vacuum system is still okay. It also means the master cylinder seals are okay since I could just stand on the pedal and it does not sink - engine on or off.
K130,
Mine's right hand drive too and was imported from UK.....anyway, I was real careful to avoid any hard braking for at least 500kms so I think my bedding in went to plan.
My complaint is really the EFFORT i need to activate the brake pedal. Some have suggested a master cylinder size upgrade but I think this will stiffen up the pedal plus reduce the travel and this is not what I am looking for. I am happy with the travel & IN COMPARISON with other E30s, my pedal just feels stiff....
I suspect my servo's probably due for a change ( maybe the diaphram's just old & stiff ). Due to this, I might just take the chance to upgrade the size as well, hence the question if the E28 servo will fit popped up. I have also an access possibility to a E36 servo but wonder if they will fit the e30 firewall. Any ideas?
Anyway, thanks for your suggestions and advise..