Looks like early E24 calipers might be a drop-in replacement...

sreams

sreams

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Thought I'd let the group know about my experience with front calipers.

In my search for rebuilt calipers for my '72 cs, I have come to the conclusion that they simply don't exist. The only options are rebuild kits or brand new calipers (very expensive). Rebuilt calipers show up from many suppliers, but all are always out of stock.

So I decided to switch the whole front system to that of the early E24s and E12s. I purchased rotors, rebuilt calipers (much more readily available), and pads. When I got to the point of installing the rotors, I realized that I'd missed the fact that the hubs must also be replaced in order for them to work (I may still do this later).

So... I thought I'd just try fitting the E24 calipers without changing anything else. Looks like they fit just fine and can even be used with E9 pads. I do have 16" wheels, so I can't be sure they'd fit inside 14" wheels, but they do go on easily and they just clear the E9 hub.

The bottom line is that it is now much easier to maintain the front brakes on my driver cs without breaking the bank. Hopefully this is helpful to others.

-Scott
 
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Might be a(nother) sign of age, but IIRC it was known since the days of the Coupe Registry and Art Wegweiser that 6 series calipers would fit.
 
sreams said:
In my search for rebuilt calipers for my '72 cs, I have come to the conclusion that they simply don't exist. The only options are rebuild kits or brand new calipers (very expensive). Rebuilt calipers show up from many suppliers, but all are always out of stock.
-Scott
Click to expand...

I found several suppliers that had 3.0CS calipers, not in stock, but available in a few weeks. All had the correct calipers, but without the spacers that allow them to fit over the vented rotors. Bavarian Auto had the correct rear calipers, but the front calipers were missing the spacers. I ended buying new pistons and caliper kits from W&N and rebuilding them myself.

If you could find the O-rings and new caliper bolts, you could buy the rebuilt calipers that are available and add the spacers from your old calipers.
 
I just did exactly what m_thompson suggests for a rear caliper. You will need to reuse two of the little internal o-ring seals when you add the spacers from your current caliper or purchase new seals. RockAuto.com had a couple of brands that were very reasonably priced.

Rich
 
FWIW, I just received four rebuilt calipers and new rotors from Centrics.

Haven't installed them yet, so there might be issues, but the boxes are sitting in the hallway. RockAuto (of all places) had three of the four calipers in stock with two weeks to deliver the fourth.

E
 
so Evan,

do they have the spacer plate in them? you might want to check before you go to install them.
 
I have found that Centric uses bleeder screws that have a long tip and only three screw threads engage into the caliper which can cause leaks. I have been buying new bleeder screws from BMW.
 
We had a very detailed muliti-part post here some months ago from an apparently professional brake builder. IIRC he stated where/how correct o-rings could be obtained.

Lotsa luck for me to find out who that was...
 
Keep in mind the pin and spring kit is specific to each caliper and not interchangeable
 
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