I just installed e-46 330 front brakes on my e-36 325i.
After all was done the pedal has a different feel.
On initial braking the pedal goes down about half. It still bites though and will bring the car to a full stop.
If I push the pedal down the first time then make a quick second application it feels like normal (quarter movement on the pedal)
Kind of a quick pump.
Is this due to the larger caliper piston ?
I bleed them well. Both engine on and off to get it through the ABS pump.
Could there still be air in the lines
Thanks
Jason

To answer the soft pedal question (twice :stickoutt posted the same thing on the other thread)

Calipers:

Larger caliper piston area results in...
* more pedal travel
* a softer pedal
* more hydraulic advantage

Smaller caliper piston area results in...
* less pedal travel
* a firmer pedal
* less hydraulic advantage

FYI: Master Cylinder

A larger diameter MC results in...

less pedal travel

a higher effort pedal

less hydraulic advantage

Works well on vehicles that have high fluid volume requirements since you can get plenty of flow with reasonable pedal travel. Large bore master cylinders tend to give less “feedback” and a somewhat isolated feel.



A smaller MC results in...

more pedal travel

a lower effort pedal

more hydraulic advantage

Works well in lighter vehicles where fluid volume requirements is low and excessive pedal travel is not a concern. Small bore master cylinders tend to give better “feedback” and less isolation from the system.


Usually a larger caliper goes with a larger master cylinder. I have no idea if the MC's are different on the 330 and 325 You can also change the pedal feel by "tuning" the brake booster (this is something that can not be done DIY).

Are the pads brand new? You will need to bed them in before they provide best performance.

Air in the ABS, assuming there is any, will only effect the feel minimumly if at all.

I don't know this for a fact, but I would bet the 325 and 330 have different pedal ratios and different brake booster settings. This would effect feel and travel.

Click link below in my signature, I have some info on pedal feel on my site.

Hope this helps!

Thanks
Yes new pads and rotors.
Sorry about a double post. I didn't have any replies so I thought to start a new thread. (I thought the que got burried in the first post)

Originally posted by jmargo
Thanks
Yes new pads and rotors.
Sorry about a double post. I didn't have any replies so I thought to start a new thread. (I thought the que got burried in the first post)


New pads and rotors will not have optimal friction and feel, it will improve. If it improves the point of before, maybe or maybe not.

My prefered pad/rotor bedding process:

If the pads came with a bedding procedure best for those pads, use it.

If not then:

While the vehicle is stationary, pump brakes to ensure a firm pedal.

Drive the vehicle cautiously to test fit and function.

The brakes should be smooth, with no vibrations, judder, etc.

Drive the vehicle to a remote area and perform at least 30 brake applications of 3-second duration. Use light/medium deceleration with varying starting speeds. Leave at least 10 seconds between each brake application.
The purpose of this procedure is to gradually increase the temperature in the components without inducing thermal shock, and to mate the brake pad and disc friction surfaces.

After the repeated stops, drive the vehicle for a few miles with little or no braking in order to adequately cool the components.

After the above process is completed, the system is ready for normal use.

When the system achieves elevated brake temperatures for the first time, a slight increase in pedal travel and pedal effort may occur. After this first "fade" and proper cooling, the system will maintain its optimum performance at all temperatures.