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Thread: Master cylinder upgrade

  1. 10-05-2009, 10:34 PM #1
    dhlthr
    dhlthr is offline Member
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    Master cylinder upgrade

    So here are some pictures of a Mercedes w123 master cylinder as compared to an e21. I picked this up for 50 on ebay. I will be installing this on my 79 323i with Volvo front calipers. Everything fits but the nipple for the clutch slave is tight fit at the wheel well. So is there any advantage in using the larger w123 reservoir? If not I will just use the e21 reservoir.

    e21-w123 master cylinder.jpg

    e21-w123 master cylinder 2.jpg

    e21-w123 master cylinder 3.jpg
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  2. 10-05-2009, 10:47 PM #2
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    Richard454
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    I'd go w/ the E21 resv- Shouldn't need the larger capacity-and the extra sensors don't look as clean.

    Do you know what the bore size is on the MB cylinder?

    Richard
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  3. 10-05-2009, 11:17 PM #3
    dhlthr
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    23 front and 19 rear. 2 front outlets and one rear outlet. Picture one shows the 23 and 19 stamped on the unit.
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  4. 10-06-2009, 08:24 AM #4
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    Greg323i
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    I always thought the E12 master cylinder was the way to go with Volvo calipers. Does this MC have the extra ports?
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  5. 10-06-2009, 09:58 AM #5
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    E21Adam
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    doesn't look like it. What is the advantage of the merc master over the e21's?
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  6. 10-06-2009, 10:37 AM #6
    dhlthr
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    The advantage for the Merc. Master is the volume that is pushed to the calipers. If you have upgraded to a Volvo caliper, you will have noticed longer pedal travel. I hoping that the w123 caliper will eliminate this. Also this is an easier install than a e12 M/C which you would have to run extra lines to.
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  7. 10-06-2009, 11:55 AM #7
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    Layne
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    You could also use an E28 master cyl (same bore as E12, but less ports), or an E32 740/750 one (25mm bore).
    http://community.webshots.com/user/Layne20584
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  8. 10-06-2009, 12:34 PM #8
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    milotrain
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    This is a great thread for master cylinder sizing and it's effect on effort and pedal travel.

    http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopi...aster+cylinder
    Karl Buchka's Engine Swap FAQ
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  9. 10-06-2009, 03:31 PM #9
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    E21Adam
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    installing e12 master + lines was easy. I guess since I did that with my Volvo calipers, I never felt the longer pedal travel. Actually, with the e12 master, travel was much shorter and stiffer feeling.
    this is a cool upgrade for not going the e12 route. Let us know how the pedal feels, etc when it's all done.
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  10. 11-29-2020, 03:08 PM #10
    nsbone
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    after over a decade, was this upgrade using merc w123 master cylinder a success?
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  11. 11-29-2020, 03:41 PM #11
    nsbone
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    Quote Originally Posted by dhlthr View Post
    So here are some pictures of a Mercedes w123 master cylinder as compared to an e21. I picked this up for 50 on ebay. I will be installing this on my 79 323i with Volvo front calipers. Everything fits but the nipple for the clutch slave is tight fit at the wheel well. So is there any advantage in using the larger w123 reservoir? If not I will just use the e21 reservoir.

    e21-w123 master cylinder.jpg

    e21-w123 master cylinder 2.jpg

    e21-w123 master cylinder 3.jpg
    kind of like this upgrade. Let us know the result...
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