E 24 help.

[Ron E Rojas]

after driving around town all of a sudden the car started dragging as if the hand break was still on. when I let off the gas the car hesitated to roll freely as if I was breaking. Can someone please tell me what is going on. Thanks.

[e24mpwr]

after driving around town all of a sudden the car started dragging as if the hand break was still on. when I let off the gas the car hesitated to roll freely as if I was breaking. Can someone please tell me what is going on. Thanks.

Can you give some additional details? Auto vs. stick, any other situational details?

[Bert Poliakoff]

Sounds like a stuck caliperebrake shoes not releasing or possible the master cylinder. You don't specify what year your car is.

[smtguy]

Master cylinder was the poblem when mine did that. My e24s front brakes were stuck on until everything cooled down - then it was normal again .....until temperatures went up.

[1986series6]

+1 on sticking brake calipers.

[DesktopDave]

+2 on sticky calipers, likely a seized slider pin on a rear caliper. I'm just guessing because it looks like you have a late model E24. Since you have a hydraulic booster, I'd also be interested in seeing if the brake booster has any leaks (ATF will appear to be leaking from under the master brake cylinder). The regulator could have a broken pressure switch or harness, the accumulator could have an internal pressure leak (they're commonly nicknamed "the brake bomb"). If this all sounds nonsensical, get it towed to a competent independent mechanic that's familiar with European makes.

The master cylinder did tend to overheat on the early cars; it'd bind up internally when the fluid got hot and prevent the calipers from releasing. There's a spacer that tends to swell over time, sticking inside the cast iron cylinder when it gets warm. I believe BMW resolved that problem with the later aluminum master cylinders and 'slider' style calipers.

Here's a quick Yelp search for Euro indie specialists in your area. I have no idea how accurate these reviews are, but I'd be tempted to try out A&B Euro, Bertini's, Salerno Motorsport or Dave's European.

[marc79euro635]

Calipers, or hoses. I replaced both front calipers , but still had brakes dragging. Look for a bump on the hose.

[Ron E Rojas]

Can you give some additional details? Auto vs. stick, any other situational details?

Thanks for your reply. the car is a 1986 with auto trans. I have decided to take the car in and have the breaks checked and the fluid changed.

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Thanks for your reply. the car is a 1986 with auto trans. I have decided to take the car in and have the breaks checked and the fluid changed.