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1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:08 pm
by leonardgreggE21
Hi everyone,

My brake booster had failed on my e21. When applying the brake the pedal stays stuck to the floor and I have to hook my foot underneath it to bring it back up again. So assuming it is the booster, I have looked everywhere for a replacement, new, used or a refurbishment service and can’t find anything!

Do any of you guys know anywhere I can get a replacement. It’s a 1981 316 RHD. I think I’ve read on here that all boosters are the same across 4 and 6 cylinder models. Not sure if there’s a difference between LHD and RHD models?

I’ve also read that a Porsche 924 ATE booster will work and a straight swap on to these cars, definitely read it on someone else’s post. I’m just confirming if anyone knows the part number than will work with them, or whether anyone knows where I can find a replacement BMW one (ATE).

Look forward to any information any of you have.

Cheers

Gregg

Re: 1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2025 10:02 pm
by Jeroen
According to BM ETK the RHD brake booster is different to the LHD version and used on 316-320/4-320i models produced from August 1977 onwards. With the linkage system om RHD cars, is that all moving freely? Did you remove the brake master to make sure that's also ok? Vacuum on the brake booster ok?

Can't really find any RHD items, but there must be a bunch of brake master repair/overhaul businesses in the UK I guess?

Re: 1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2025 8:23 am
by nic65
sicuro che non sia la pompa freni?prova a sganciarla e verificare

Re: 1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2025 11:25 pm
by mr edd
I would loosen the bolts in the brake linkage levers slightly and if the brakes stop sticking then the pivots in the levers need a clean and re grease..

Re: 1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2025 11:29 pm
by mr edd
I would loosen the bolts in the brake linkage levers slightly and if the brakes stop sticking then the pivots in the levers need a clean and re grease..

Re: 1981 316 RHD Brake booster replacement options

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2025 12:33 pm
by leonardgreggE21
Sorry for the late reply. Great shout regarding the linkage and well worth me trying. The only thing that made me think that it was the booster is several years ago on my previous e21 the exact same thing happened and it was my booster. When I get some time I will check this. I have checked the vacuum and that's fine, haven't removed the booster yet. Fingers crossed its a simple fix. I will update with my findings.

Cheers all.