First post newbie so be gentle... :)
I have just bought a 1985 BMW E24 M635CSI to restore. It is a Metallic Black car with Oxblood-Red leather interior and in pretty good condition. It was restored (new panels, bare metal respray) 20 years ago, used for 5ish years then stored in a barn for the last 15. I have had my eye on it for a while as it was always one of my dream cars as a kid and last week I finally persuaded the owner to let it go. We did a deal to part-exchange with the 1966 Land Rover I recently finished restoring and now the shark sits in my workshop! :)
First thing to do is fully recommission the car. New tyres, hoses, fluids, service parts etc so I am looking into sourcing the parts.
One thing that definately needs replacing is the braking system. I am going to replace brake lines, fit braided hoses and new seals to the master cylinder etc. Whilst I am at it I would like to consider an upgrade to the brakes as I have read a number of reviews that say the standard items lack feel and power. However, I would like to keep the car as original as possible so the idea (and cost) of fitting Brembos or AP is out of the question.
After some research I came up with the following information:
- The best upgrade at a reasonable cost is E31 front callipers/rotors and E34 540 rear callipers/rotors.
The best upgrade for the least possible cost is E32 750 front callipers/rotors and E34 540 rear callipers/rotors
This seems to be repeated in a number of places but is referring to an upgrade of the standard E24, rather than the M6/M635CSI car which had a better braking system anyway. I would really appreciate some advice from you experienced E24 owners. Would it be best to simply restore the existing M635CSI braking system, upgraded with braided hoses all round and performance pads? Or should I upgrade and if so, what is the best way to go please?
Many thanks,
Ian