E30 brake system

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kennytey

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Joined
Jun 7, 2005
Messages
243
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A lot of work has been done to my E30 braking system but it still not up to expectation.
 
kenny

you have practically replaced all the parts making your system new...

basically what are yo looking for in the brakes? more grip? better feel? please explain your expectations

another common upgrade would be to use the 25mm brake master cylinder from the 7 series

or one mistake that many people make is ,not bedding/running in the brake pads properly

and last but not least, ABS systems are difficult to bleed air,
you can try doing it manually, but be prepared to have an aching leg for a few days - it takes 20 pumps per side, with car running to activate pump......
you need a those air pressured valve hydraulic units to suck out the air, there is also a possibility of the pockets in the brake master, which need to bleed using a release valve on the cylinder body

other than that, its time you got a new car........
 
Kenny,

This is in addition to master teejay's comments...

If you are not satisfied with PEDAL TRAVEL in particular be advised that it is a known shortcoming of the E30. Most E30 drivers will experience this to some degree.... some more than others.

This a quote form a well known website about the E30s brake setup (B.Purcell's 318iS site - http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isdriving.html) :

"The right-hand drive cars use a pushrod from the pedal, across the rear of the bulkhead into the master cylinder which causes up to 25mm free play in the pedal which can be disconcerting at first (even though a backlash spring is fitted)"

Although this site is 318iS specific I believ the setup is the same across the E30 model range.... especially the Right Hand Drive versions.

I remeber reading a late 80's BMWCAR Mag article about a Bird's modified 325i (Hartge H26) where the writer talks about RHD cars suffering from this free play or pedal travel thing due how they are set up.... apparently not a problem in LHD cars.

Anyway, pedal travel can be reduced by:

Adopting the aforementioned 25mm master cylinder upgrade (see here for an idea of this - http://e30m3performance.com/installs/insta...25mc/25mc.htm);

Choice of pads and/or discs (apparently some discs/pads will affect subjective pedal feel. I think it has to do with the compressibility of the product.... I have read some pad adverst talking about their products being less compressible and therefore providing better feel. As to which one.... dunno dude... gotta ask around :)

Use of stainless steel hoses e.g. goodrich, pro rs etc. This is a contentious area but subjective feedback says there are improvements. Its also logical too... if the hoses expand less, due to steel braid sheath, less 'force' will be lost in said expansion....

Pedal travel adjustment.... apparently the brake pedal can be adjusted.... was told this is time consuming and must be done by someone experienced to avoid problems like brakes jamming up etc.....

Damn.... cant think of anymore....
 
Thanks for your helpfull tips...and detail knowleg to share with me.. pading on it feel soft, only have to push harder down than it work great, from some artical E30 brake system should work great as benz..I am also suspect the ABS pump (air)..so will try work on it againt never give up :aggressive:
 
Kennytey,

Its really Good to spend time doing some maintenance service than salivating at people's ride... hehe

@@@ You've Done a Good Job @@@

Anyway... are u using shell fully synthetic on your M20 ??
 
Originally posted by kennytey@Nov 21 2005, 09:44 PM
Thanks for your helpfull tips...and detail knowleg to share with me.. pading on it feel soft, only have to push harder down than it work great, from some artical E30 brake system should work great as benz..I am also suspect the ABS pump (air)..so will try work on it againt never give up :aggressive:
Is your caliper an ATE or Girling? Cause ATE is the better one.
 
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