320i conversion in a day

[Tonyakavw]

Yesterday I managed to do a complete 320i brake conversion. I machined the calipers on Friday and they came out to be wthin about 2 thousandths of an inch flatness on the flanges.

I replaced the rigid brake lines on the struts and the flexible lines that go to the master cylinder rigid lines. I purchased a tube bending tool at the FLAPS, along with a gallon of DOT4 brake fluid, which came in handy in a long and somewhat tedious bleeding process.

Overall it went great and I could immediately feel the difference. The combination of the new calipers and the 911 master cylinder allow for a bit more pedal travel, maybe an inch? But the response of the braking system is much improved. I have not yet 'bedded' the new pads, so I can't really tell how well it stops in heavy braking.

Some notes for the next time I do this, or for anyone else who is thinking of doing this:

The instructions and many people reccomend power bleeding systems. I managed to bleed the brakes well with 2 other people helping, one watching the fluid level and another stomping on the pedal.

The Master cylinder removal and installation is a real pain. And thats al that can be said about that

Being able to put the car on jack stands on all four corners would be great for bleeding the system.

Make sure to have lots of wrenchs and sockets, including a breaker bar to remove the bolts from the calipers, they are on there with 61.5 ft-lbs of torque.

Buy in advane, a brake line wrench, I used an 11mm for the lines and 7mm for the bleeder valves on both the BMW and 914 calipers.

[Speedo959]

I did this conversion over the weekend. What a difference! I know exactly what you mean concerning the master cylinder. That was a challenge, I had to walk away a few times. All in all it was definately worth it though.