bmwe21.net forums

Hello all,
My name is Pete, I joined the forum last year, but due to family difficulties(cancer) i have neglected doing things with my E21 Baurs. I have got them all up and running and presented them for an mot.
I have a 320/6 which has been standing for a while which I am trying to get through the mot, it failed on minor electrical things( lamps bulbs etc), a couple of bits of welding needed etc brake lines, pads. The exhaust past emissions, but was blowing and excessively loud.

As the front brakes need doing, (but as they are only solid discs) i was thinking about an upgrade?
I have read a number of posts on the forum including technical and placed a query, but no response yet.
it looks like 323i vented, but as i will have to replace the discs, pads, callipers, brake lines etc it could well be worth going for mini cooper 276mm, Volvo/girling 4 pistons and better brake pads? I know i will have to get spacers as the mini disc is 44mm and e21 is 75mm high, the centre diameter of 63mm and 64.1mm of which i will probably need help from members as to sourcing them.
is it possible to upgrade the exhaust system with off the shelf parts? It currently has two 3 to 1 manifolds, and two single down pipes into the middle section.

Is it worth changing the manifold from a E21 323i or will a E30 325i fit? with bigger exhaust?
If its not worth it, its holed and blowing from the front left down pipe, i will need to replace it plus the centre box. Has anyone got these parts?

The 316 Baur only needs two small bits of welding inner rear arches but otherwise very sound and original. As i am only the second owner and it has 75k on the clock I am going to keep this one as original as poss. It was standing for a while and some of the brakes are binding i will have to order some OEM solid discs upfront and shoes for the back, i will replace the hoses and copper brake lines, put a new thermostat in and check the hoses or replace?

All this will give me something to get my teeth into this summer, any help or thoughts ideas most welcome

look forward to hearing from you

Pete

Had a quote and I can source the callipers quite easily and the cooper discs but I have no idea as to where I can get the correct spacers?? Can anyone help?? Plus I will probably need some nice wheels and tyres to go with them?? Any ideas??
BTW How much for the 323i 255mm vented discs and callipers and pads anyone got prices for some? So i can compare prices?

What about upgrade to manifold and exhaust?? all thoughts most welcome

Pete

Sorry to hear, but glad you're back!

Lot of Q's, let's start with the brake upgrade. If you're planning to keep the engine stock and not planning to use the car for lots of trackdays or other challenges, you may want to consider using stock vented brake discs combined with the Volvo 4 pots or those from Wilwood. Keeps things simple. Some good pads and you're quite ok. The Mini discs were a suggestion but I'm not sure if anyone really tried to fit them yet.

The exhaust system isn't much different than that of the E21 323i, at least not the front. An upgrade could be to a complete stainless system for a 320/6 or 323i with the two r4ear boxes. Believe E30 doesn't fit.

As for the 316 Baur: I'd give the front brakes a rebuild, fresh discs, pads and hoses. Give all hoses some extra attention, especially the rad hoses, brake hoses and the fuel hoses all the way from the rear.

Thanks for the reply Jeroen,

What maker for the OEM discs and pads would you recommend for both E21 316 and 320/6?? I have heard of you mentioning Hawk pads in other posts? I will probably get the Volvo callipers.

E21 316 255mm solid discs, Brembo have a pair for @£45 ( i dont think they are OEM, but are they acceptable for future resell?) I already have a pair of Quinton Hazell pads(OEM I think)
E21 320/6 255mm vented 323 discs (Maker?) and Hawk pads? Any recommendations or clue as to prices?

cheers Pete

Brembo or Ate are good stuff in oem quality. For pads I'd use Ferodo, their DS Performance series already does a good job. Hawk won't add value, prolly only extra wear on the discs if used on the road only.