BMW 320i Brakes on the rear

[John Rogers]

Last weekend one of the rear calipers failed on my 914 and a search for rebuilt calipers turned up nada so I thought I would try what Mike did and put the BMW 320i calipers on the rear since they were already on the front. I had previously removed the prop valve and was a little concerned about the rear wheels locking up too soon, but they worked really well. I did install new Metal Master pads all around and once the pads beded in the calipers seem to work good. Also no machining was required as on the front so they bolt up, but there is no E-brake so I use a rod from the dash to the pedal to hold the car until I can get the wheel chocks in place.

[Germain]

Is there any reason you guys don't leave the car in gear? Does it hurt the tranny in some weird way? I never use my ebrake, should I???

[JP Noonan]

For me in South Florida (well all of Florida actually) the highest point is the pitching mound in Joe Robby stadium. I never have a problem with leaving the car in gear.

However, a high school freind lost his new Fiero down a ravene in Cleveland because the car was only in gear (I think it was second). If you have ever tried to turn your motor over by hand you notice if you do it fast it isn't possible, but slowly you can turn it over with the plugs in. Parked on a hill as the pressure in the cylinders leaks down the piston moves and so does the car. I think John is a little excessive with the stick thing, unless he lives in San Fran or the mountains.

BTW John are you saying you have 320i brakes on all four corners now? Without a prop valve? Sounds a little scary to me, too much rear brakes. May not lock up in a straight line but if you unload the rear end a little in a turn the rears might tend to lock up, wouldn't that be the WORST time for them to do so. If it works it works, but I'd stop short of recomending it to anyone on the street. Also what about using a "line lock" instead of the stick.

[Joe Bob]

First off, I carry a little plastic wheel chock. Available at most RV stores. I store it behind the seat...that covers the rolling problem.

As to 320i brakes, on all four corners with no P-Valve....I use a more agressive autocross/street pad up front and a street compound on the rear...

[John Rogers]

I did the same thing Mike did, I use the Metal Master organic compund on the rear and the semi-metalic on the front so there is a little more brake in the front. I was used to this type of brake feel since our 1987 Turbo has same size calipers front/rear and no prop valve. Seems to work good so far. Oh yes the new stroker 2.8l ran good, although the highest I reved it was 5500 RPMs since I need to make the engine last. Next month it should be ready for the full 7000!

[ws91420]

Find a parts place that can get calipers manfactured by A-1 Cardone. They remanufacture the rears and the fronts. I know Advance Auto parts carries tham.