1986 325 need help

[yanni gatos]

Gentlemen.
First i want to thank you for accepting me in your forums, and i am hoping that some kind soul can guide me thru a problem
with my 325(e30).
Under the steering wheel closer to the pedals (automatic) a noise
apeared the last two days. The ican describe it is "forsed air
coming from an air vent" needless to say tha it is not the case.
When i step on the brake the sound stops, and it resumes when i
remove my foot from the brake pedal.
The bmw mechanich wants $150.00 just to look at it and tell me
what's the problem, so before he sends me to the poor house
i am hoping that some might know what this is.
This is the most reliable car i ever owned and reading your forums
i see you guys know a lot , so any guidance will be greatly appreciated, my car (gertrude)has 150,000 miles and i live in California, i do not have the technical "know how" that some of you have, but if it's a simple thing maybe i can fixit it my self
and not (pawn)my children to pay this man.

Your reply would be appreciated Thanks yanni gatos(ygemm@hotmail.com)

[Jeron]

You should post this on the E30 forum for two reasons. The M3 forum doesnt get much attention and your car isnt an M3.

Your descrition is that the noise stops anytime the brake pedal is depressed. Does it stop as soon as it is touched or does it stop when the pedal is pressed deep enough to engage the pads.

The first things I would check are the pads and the brake fluid level. I assume you arent having any braking problems other than noise.

[yanni gatos]

JERON, Thanks for the advise, sorry i didn't relize that i posted it on the
wrong section, i am still trying to find my way around the forums.
The forced air sound goes away when i just touch the pedal, otherwise
it is on wether i am driving or idling on the driveway.
The pedal feels a little squishy but i am stoping ok. i hope my description
is helping, Thanks Yanni gatos

[Jeron]

That is very good info.

If it makes the sound with the key ON but the engine OFF then see if it is related to the switch that operates the brake lights.

If it makes the sound only when engine is running then it might be the master cylinder. I know nothing of master cylinders but that is likely your problem. I'll bet some master cylinder research will yield people who have had similar problems.