As the car (1998 528i 5sp 165K) is getting older, I need some real-world experience...
I already overhauled the brake calipers (seals, boots) and all 6 brake hoses a few years ago.
The braking system is fine, but being almost 19-20 years old...
1- When did your Brake Master Cylinder fail? At what miles? Was it scary?
2- Should we approach this in a preventive way, i.e., replace the Brake Master Cylinder at ___ miles? The FTE Master Cylinder is only $80 at rmeuropean dot com.
1. I have not needed to and (touch wood) won't for a bit.
2. Looks like most of the net is recommending 100k but I am not sure that is real or just trying to get business. Clearly yours (and mine @ 164k) lasted longer.
Love to see the diy and autopsy though to help me decide. :thumbup:
I had brake booster failure from neglecting the drains at 175,000 miles. I replaced the brake booster but kept the original brake booster all good at 192,000 miles. I do plan to keep the car for as long as possible and would also like to know if this is something that needs to be addressed as well.
Almost 350,000 miles on the car now. Original master cylinder and booster still going along for the ride. I'm more concerned about the booster for the concern, that sometimes when coming to a quick stop the engine flutters a bit and then returns to normal after a few seconds. These boosters are not cheap and are a pain to replace. If I do replace the part, a new master cylinder will be in the equation.
When I first got my car, I installed Stop Tech ss braided brake hoses. 5 years ago I replaced the two hoses in the engine compartment with new OEM ones. Other than that, never touched the brake system, other than normal maintenance, such as pads or fluid changes...that's it. I'd wait until you have symptoms...I don't believe master cylinder issues are generally catastrophic in nature....but don't hold me to that. Almost 17 years, 261,000 miles and counting...
The reason for this post is that: my sister 1999 Honda Civic's master cylinder went out while driving, it scared the heck ouf of her. She had to have the car towed!
Well, it is a Civic and not E39...
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