E30 brakes and odometer issues...

[mitsugalant]

Hi,
Bought a 323i ('83 model) and need some advice on a couple of things:

*Brake pedal - takes a bit of travel before the brakes seem to bite. Need to give it a brake bleed, but is there anything else that is a known problem for these cars in this area?

*Odometer - i've seen the post and had a look, my one has the same problem - broken gears. It's a VDO model. I'm tempted to try the Jaycar gear version, but is there any places in Melbourne that stock the gears off the shelf? I tried a place in Heidelberg and Ringwood Speedos and they are saying they only do repairs on them, no parts off the shelf.

Thanks in advance.

[nate89]

Hi,
Bought a 323i ('83 model) and need some advice on a couple of things:

*Brake pedal - takes a bit of travel before the brakes seem to bite. Need to give it a brake bleed, but is there anything else that is a known problem for these cars in this area?

*Odometer - i've seen the post and had a look, my one has the same problem - broken gears. It's a VDO model. I'm tempted to try the Jaycar gear version, but is there any places in Melbourne that stock the gears off the shelf? I tried a place in Heidelberg and Ringwood Speedos and they are saying they only do repairs on them, no parts off the shelf.

Thanks in advance.

Can't help you with the gear issue, but Brakes-wise you can replace the master cylinder with a 7 series cylinder which will give less travel. Common mod although haven't done it myself so can't tell you how hard it is. I hear it isn't that hard though.

[SimonM]

It is also possible to adjust the brake linkage which runs across the inside of the firewall (look under the glovebox). Haven't done this myself yet, am planning to do so. I have changed the master cylinder though. It wasn't that hard.

[iS088]

Look for thread on E30 BMC Modification started by Norm's 325iS.
All the best mate!

[mitsugalant]

thanks for the replies so far - looks like i'll try the adjustment first and if no luck, then its MC swap time. I'm in the trade so it shouldn't be hard for me.

Another question - coming from a turbo Saab background, I know how sensitive they are to non-OEM brake pads and discs. I was wondering what brake pads and discs others use that are not for track work (ideally OEM spec - but don't want to pay OEM prices if you get what I mean)? Are the E30's sensitive to brake pad and disc combos (i.e of the same manufacturer)?

[m_jermyn]

Apparently the flexible brake hoses bulge under pressure when they get old... Although they seem fine to look at as they age and pressure is applied to the brakes these flexible hoses expand resulting in more pedal travel..

Since your E30 is around 20 years old and may still be running on the original hoses it might be worthwhile changing them..

I too have the same problem as you and this is the advice given to me..

Mike

[Ade]

Check all related components and replace as necessary. Fluid, pads, lines, etc., etc. I did that and the E32 BMC swap and have a fantastic pedal now.

[nomis3613]

Can't help you with the gear issue, but Brakes-wise you can replace the master cylinder with a 7 series cylinder which will give less travel. Common mod although haven't done it myself so can't tell you how hard it is. I hear it isn't that hard though.

E32 master cylinder is fantastic! I have it and the difference is great. For upgrading the pads, I've heard lots of good things about EBC Green Stuff. Just be careful that you don't buy race pads- which suck when they're cold (ie sudden emergency stop)