e30 brakes

[booomer]

hi guys just looking into a brake upgrade for my M50 engine'd 316i and as far as i can tell from bmwfans.info, the only difference between 325i and 316i brakes (non ABS) is the disc. the caliper and master cylinder look to have the same part numbers respectively. Can anybody tell me if there is actually anything to be gained from simply upgrading to 325i brakes? the brakes that are on the car are ancient and shockingly bad at the moment so it would no doubt benefit hugely just from some new discs and pads but if i've got to shell out for new bits i just thought i'd try and get the best i could for similar money.

[Grrrmachine]

The caliper is different, as a vented 325i disc won't fit into a standard 316i caliper. You'd also benefit from swapping to rear discs if you're using the old drums.

Read more here:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... e_Upgrades

[daimlerman]

Depending on your body shape(car,not you!)there are several significant changes.

4 pot saloons and 320i had smaller diameter front struts.
Base spec 316i saloon had non-vented front discs.

Touring and cabbie's of all engine sizes came with the uprated brakes and front struts,so if yours is a saloon,this is a good starting point.

After that,stainless steel braided flexi's,new disc's and good quality pads will get you brakes plenty good enough for road use.

Not convinced that rear disc's give a 'better' brake,but they are far easier to maintain!

[booomer]

ah right, mine is a 2 door saloon/coupe manual 316i (originally). So best place to start is a pair of new front 325i discs, and grab a set of 325i calipers and change the flexi's and fluid.

[Brianmoooore]

Whole new strut touring, cab,. or 325i saloon assemblies, complete with brakes. The 316i saloon struts bend easily.

[booomer]

do they bend from braking forces or from suspension loads?