Front Brake Options

[StevenHenriksen]

Hey everyone, I am gathering parts to overhaul the brakes on my 733i. I cannot find reman front calipers from any of my usual sources, local or online. Do any of you know who might still have some floating around? Seems like the big manufacturers have stopped rebuilding them due to low demand.
As an alternative, has anyone figured out how to mount a different caliper from a newer car on the front? I suppose I could order new pistons and seal kits from Walloth Nesch but I would prefer to get my hands on a nice clean new set. Thank for any advice.

[kojo96]

Reman or rebuilt calipers are now a thing of the past, nobody seems to carry them. Best bet is to try and find some rebuilders who may stillhave parts.

As far as brakes upgrades they only exist for the rear, nothing bolt on for the front. SOme good info if you do a search (e23 bbk or e23 big brake kit ...)

[StevenHenriksen]

Thanks, I have been searching a lot. I have new E32 stuff sitting here in the shop to do the rear upgrade. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and try to rebuild the fronts myself.

[kojo96]

Look here, scroll down for rebuild kits-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-7-SERIE...4383.l4275.c10

[StevenHenriksen]

Thanks for the link, that looks like a nice rebuilt kit. I ordered one, we'll see how it goes!

[dude99]

Rock auto has both rebuild kits and rebuilt callipers for the e23. I just bought a set of the rebuild kits myself so I can confirm they are still in stock

[espoe]

Just last week I bought a set of reman calipers from rock auto. One was defective and they didn’t have any more; apparently I got the last set. I was able to source one more from auto zone and fortunately they had the side I was looking for. The other side they did not. You can get all the rears you want but not front.

The Lesson is grab an extra set if you see them and keep them in stock, and rebuild what you have until you can’t. Fronts are scarce.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Jay535is]

Fronts are scarce as stated.
The fronts really don't need to be upgraded (calipers), get better pads (same size as E28 M5)

[8991XJ]

Fronts are scarce as stated.
The fronts really don't need to be upgraded (calipers), get better pads (same size as E28 M5)

You and I will disagree on the need for better front brake components but yes, do as Jay says and use the best pads you can to make up for the lack of caliper/rotor upgrades.

[StevenHenriksen]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll use the Bigg Red kit that kojo96 shared and see how they work after that. Fortunately I was still able to get E32 740 rear calipers for a good price.

[Hit Man X]

E32 rear vented is a real nice upgrade. I do this on cars I build now, much more even braking. I dig Porterfield R4S pads now also after using them on my dually.

[Jay535is]

Keith, In my opinion, the combination of the E32 rear brakes and stock front calipers with good pads is an incredible combination.
The car brakes evenly with minimal nose dive, and feels good going into corners after heavy braking.
Are there better options? Maybe
Are there better options at a reasonable price point? I don't think so.

[8991XJ]

That is the issue there isn't an available option that is reasonably priced. Since I can overuse the brakes in 10 miles of twisties, easier to do when one does not have turbo lag and is saddled with 30% more horsepower than a stock US M30 and stickier tires than were available 35 years ago. Not often I suffer this now that I don't drive those roads regularly so this is a good thing.

I have a set of rear brake upgrades to install. Don't know if they will go on the 5 of the 7.

[gizwiz]

I ran into the same issue with my '79 e23 last summer. I was able to find rebuilt calipers for all but the right front. I bought a rebuild kit for the right front, installed it, and all was well.