At some point in the near future, I'll need to upgrade my brakes with the M20 going in.
I've done some searching on here, and from what I can see, I'm best converting to a 323 rear end and adding E30 rear calipers, so that's fine.
What's best for the fronts? Can I use E30 325i brakes (obviously with some modification)? Some people suggest the Volvo 4 pots, does anyone know which ones it is that you need?
JFI Classics sell a pair of Lucas Girling 4 pots for £276, he claims they work well on '02s and he's done it on the E21. Are they worth it or is there a cheaper option that offers half decent stopping power?
The car won't be a "performance" car, but obviously it's going to need something reasonably decent with the new engine in.
Cheers
Brake Upgrade
- croma_man
- E21 Pro
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- My E21(s): '83 EU 327i
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Re: Brake Upgrade
I have the volvo 4 pot upgrade and rear 323i complete with brake discs.
follow this pictures and serial numbers, i did, everything works superb, breaking from 200 to 0 no problem.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... pgrade-DIY
follow this pictures and serial numbers, i did, everything works superb, breaking from 200 to 0 no problem.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... pgrade-DIY
- Eddie.
- E21 Fanatic
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Re: Brake Upgrade
Yeah, it seems to be the favourite, but I can't find any Volvo 4 pot brakes on eBay... or certainly not that are a decent price.
- Jeroen
- Site Admin
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Re: Brake Upgrade
You can get overhauled Volvo 4 pots everywhere after a brief Google session, Wilwood provide a decent alternative that works slightly better in our practical test and reduces unsprung weight.
More info in these front brake upgrade topics:
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=756
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=9043
More info in these front brake upgrade topics:
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=756
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=9043
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
-
Aus323i
- Upcoming E21 fanatic
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- My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
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Re: Brake Upgrade
Eddie, I think I have Volvo 4 pots that I have absolutely no use for. They are quite rusty and will definitely need an overhaul but if they are actually Volvo 4 pots I'm happy to organise to have them shipped to you for nothing. Obviously, you would only have to pay for and possibly organise shipping which shouldnt be too hard online.
I don't have much knowledge of these old cars and with the amount of help I've got from this forum I think its time I should give back a little. So, I'll get some pictures taken and see if you're interested. It would be shipped from Sydney, Australia so in the end it may not even be financially viable but hey if you are interested send me a pm and we'll try figure out how to get them to you
I don't have much knowledge of these old cars and with the amount of help I've got from this forum I think its time I should give back a little. So, I'll get some pictures taken and see if you're interested. It would be shipped from Sydney, Australia so in the end it may not even be financially viable but hey if you are interested send me a pm and we'll try figure out how to get them to you
-
Aus323i
- Upcoming E21 fanatic
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:00 am
- My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
- Location: Sydney, Australia
Re: Brake Upgrade


If these are Volvo brakes you're more than welcome to them haha. As I said they arent in the best shape but maybe the refurb will cost less than just buying them off ebay. Hopefully shipping isnt too much
- croma_man
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Re: Brake Upgrade
this are the right ones, each caliper has 3 nipples, unique to bleed
buy from here :
http://www.ebay.de/itm/BOSCH-0986473796 ... 51b472d8d0
send them the used ones back (they pay for the shipping costs after the new ones arrive) and get 30€ discount.
buy from here :
http://www.ebay.de/itm/BOSCH-0986473796 ... 51b472d8d0
send them the used ones back (they pay for the shipping costs after the new ones arrive) and get 30€ discount.