84 318i brake master cylinder

[knunger]

I'm a newbie here and to the world of BMW. I just bought an '84 318i 5 speed to teach my kids to drive. It needs some work: brake master cylinder.

heres my choices:

1. Dealer new $500.
2. Inet new $250
3. Rebuild kit $85

ODO reads 130,000 miles but I have no way of verifying.


I know which end of the wrench the bullet comes out of - I'll do the work.

I prostrate myself at the feet of some of the BMW Guru's I've read in this site..

Peace,


Kim

 

[bichmgnt]

Kim,

If you're going to keep the car for a while get a Bentley Service Manual. The one for your car is $35-40 on Amazon. Best investment you can make. Great instructions on all aspects of maintaining your car from checking the oil to fully rebuilding the transmission and engine. Although it doesn't say how to rebuild the master cylinder (maybe too many different kinds to effectively cover the subject?) here's what it does say:

Athough master cylinder parts and rebuild kits are available for most models, relpacing the master cylinder as a complete unit may be preferrable. It will take more time to rebuild the master cylinder than replace it. (Editor's Note - DUH!) Also, whether or not it can be successfully rebuilt depends on it's internal condition. This is difficult to check until after it is disasembled.

And then it doesn't say how to check to see if the master cylinder is good or not once it is out.

Someone else may be able to give you a better idea of what you should do but getting a good rebuilt might be the least risk for the money. Just be careful where you point that wrench.

Steve

 

[knunger]

Thanks for the advice re:master cylinder but more important the Bentley manual. I bought a Haynes and it was a complete waste of money.

Do you know a good wbsource for old beemer parts?