Better Brake Felling?

[stonea]

I just got a 1988 325ix and Although I havent driven it much I don't like how the brakes feel. I know pads and rotors will make it brake better, but I was wondring if there was a way to make it feel better. I dont know if this makes much sense, but basically my daily driver is a Z3 and I was hoping there was a way to make it fel more like the Zs brakes. BTW I've already bled the brakes and that helped but I'm looking for more. Also I have a totaled Z3 for parts that I can use if that could help me.

Thanks in advance.

-Stone

[Kozworth]

First off, what brake feel do you want? Something firmer? something that stops sooner? Do the brakes on the ix have any issues as in pedal fade, excessive freeplay, or sponginess?

If there is a sponge or the brake fades there is probably a leak either internal or external. I have never driven a z3 for the feel, but an e30 should never brake sketchy if everything is dialed in.

If your looking for a performance upgrade, there are bbks. I think a popular one is a rx7 bbk but I do not know how many pistons or any info on it. I never really felt the need to dump the money for brakes when mine have been stopping on dime.

[stonea]

I want a firmer feel. My brakes aren't sketchy they stop perfectly just not the same firmness as the Z3s. I'm sure I would get use to them, but I was just wondering if I could make it feel closer to what I'm used to. I'm still REALLY new to E30s and especially the ix, but I think the breaks are the same.

[psigti]

Caliper bushings help.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[jlevie]

Given the age of the car, the first thing to do would be to rebuild all of the calipers and replace all of the soft lines. ATE calipers need new guide bushings during the rebuild. If that doesn't satisfy you, replacing the master cylinder with one slightly larger will yield a firmer pedal.

[Danny915]

I want a firmer feel. My brakes aren't sketchy they stop perfectly just not the same firmness as the Z3s. I'm sure I would get use to them, but I was just wondering if I could make it feel closer to what I'm used to. I'm still REALLY new to E30s and especially the ix, but I think the breaks are the same.

M/C from an e36 will give you a firmer pedal.

[Cabriolet]

start with what jim said. replace the brake lines, rebuild the calipers, and flush and bleed the system.
then replace the rotors and pads, *don't use the Bosch pads 3/4 cars i've put them on people havent been happy with the,*

[yeaseth]

ABS Delete.

[FLG]

ABS Delete.

Why would you recommend an ABS delete just because OP is having issues with a brake system probably poorly maintained and still most likely on original parts. Oh yeah, cause you sell em.

OP do as Jim recommended, also e36 master will help. Made a huge difference for me.

[Victell]

ABS Delete.

Terrible

[brent5631]

Get an e34 mc. They are staggered so your bias won't get screwed up.

[Massive Lee]

Fresh pads are (obviously) thicker and will make the pedal stiffer than a worn pad. If your pads have started tappering, flip them so that they wear equally flat. Bleed your brakes often. Fit a bigger MC. pedal will be firmer. Effort will be higher. But the brakes will not have been improved, just your feel. Get pads with a higher coefficient of friction. The previous info must be applied to the front and rear brakes.

The ABS pump is not related to pedal softness.

ATE calipers are stiffer than Girling.

[Cletonius]

start with what jim said. replace the brake lines, rebuild the calipers, and flush and bleed the system.
then replace the rotors and pads, *don't use the Bosch pads 3/4 cars i've put them on people havent been happy with the,*

Tsrh.
Definitely do a thorough visual inspection of all the lines. Mine were severely corroded everywhere they touched the body. All new lines later and my pedal feel is awesome. It was definitely worth it.

[digger]

dont you people cry about brake feel until youve driven a RHD e30. what a bunch of lazy SOB the germans who designed the E30

[stonea]

Well I got new pads and rotors for the rear and rebuilt calipers all the way around. Next I'm going to get new brake lines (thinking about stainless steel, any thoughts on those?) Then I might get a e34 MC, depending on pricing and current budget. Thanks for all the help guys.