BMW E30 brake service and common faults
Why does the E30 brake drag or the pedal feel soft?
Usually the cause is a seized brake caliper, brake hose or master cylinder. If the pedal sinks to the floor and the brakes do not hold, the master cylinder seals are probably worn out. Replace the faulty part and bleed the brakes.
Why might the E30 brake drag after replacing hoses and brake fluid?
Possible causes are sticking slide pins, a clogged vent hole in the brake fluid reservoir cap that leaves the system pressurised, and the piston seal if the piston does not retract.
How do I replace the E30 rear wheel cylinder?
The brake pipe attaches directly to the cylinder, with no hose in between. A seized fitting can be heated, but the pipe may have to be replaced. If brake fluid has got onto the brake shoes, replace all four shoes as a set.
How do I adjust the handbrake on an E30 with drum brakes?
Remove one wheel bolt or the whole wheel and turn the adjuster wheel through the hole using a chisel and a screwdriver. Loosen the cables before adjusting the shoes. The cable adjustment is at the base of the handbrake lever.