E21 323i Brakes

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Joaco2208
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Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2015 7:19 pm
My E21(s): '82 323i 5th gear dogleg

E21 323i Brakes

Post by Joaco2208 »

Hi Everyone. This is my first post on the forum. My name is Joaquin and I'm from Uruguay in South America. I'm finishing a very nice 323i. I need some advice with the brakes.
As you can imagine, In my country there aren't a lot of E21 323i, actually less than 10, however 320s where assembled here during the 70's, so there are a lot of people who own a 320. That means that's easy to find parts when they are shared with its less powerful brother.

I'm about to change all four discs and brake pads. I have bought all discs and front pads, as they are the same as the 320's (Pads only, I bought front vented discs, different from the solid-fitted 320). The problem comes with the rear brakes, as they have solid rotors. Around here, E21 had drum brakes at the back. So I could get the discs from an E30, but there are no pads for 323i E21. I have to import them and it will take days, maybe a month!.

My main question is: Is it possible to put front E21 brake pads at the back?, I can get Brand New ATE pads, for not much money. For what I've seen they have different part number but they look very similar. Are they the same size? Have you done this?

Thank you very much for your help, it will be very appreciated! :thnx


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Jeroen
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Posts: 29994
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:23 pm
My E21(s): '81 323i Baur
Location: The Netherlands
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Re: E21 323i Brakes

Post by Jeroen »

Welcome here Joaquin!

The answer for the rear is simple, move to E30 rear calipers as well! They fit without much modding and then you can use E30 rear pads as well! All the details can be found in the Top Tech Topics here: viewtopic.php?f=61&t=20181
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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