Brake Problems

[RVA_Zinno]

I've owned my 1986 325e for 2 days now and have already run into problems (as expected). the most prominent of these is the brakes. they work fine most of the time but a low speeds like when parking or staring up, the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and I have none or almost negligible stopping power. I turn off the car, pump the brakes and they still do not have any pressure. after pumping them about 25 or so times it gets nice and stiff again like nothing even happened. I have not done a proper bleed yet and the fluid does look a little crummy. The master cylinder looks OK and i have not spotted any leaks so far but there could still be a problem there.
thanks!

[dnguyen1963]

How long has the car been sitting around? You should do a proper bleed of the brakes before driving your car. Check all brake lines, master and slave cylinders again with someone pumping the brakes for you.

[RVA_Zinno]

probably a few weeks or so. Thanks for the help sorry if this question is a little premature

[goldenbb]

Classic master cylinder failure.

[RVA_Zinno]

alright thanks. there is quite a bit of dirt and junk covering it so that is probably where it is leaking. It needs new fluid anyways so I'm going to do a full flush and bleed of the system and check out the cylinder.

[uturn]

Classic master cylinder failure.

The plunger seals can fail so you'll never see a leak.

[RVA_Zinno]

OK I just picked up a master cylinder from a parts yard that is in good condition. im not sure if the seals are in good condition though.

[uturn]

Looks like you had to shoot the car you took the m/c out of. It didn't give it up without a fight huh?