e39 M5 brake pedal feel

[Patrick Bateman]

The pedal in my M5 is very soft compared to my Clio Trophy and I haven't given much thought to doing anything about it before but it's such a big contrast going from one to the other.

Do braided brake lines actually make a difference or are there any other suggestions? (I'm happy with braking performance from the regular discs and pads, it is only feel I'm concerned about here)

[mark.c]

I cant say I ever felt mine was lacking in feel but I can say that changing to steel lines on my old M3 made the pedal feel a bit firmer, might be worth a quick bleed if its not had one in a while?

[Patrick Bateman]

It's not lacking in feel it's just a bit soft initially compared with the Clio.

It's due a brake fluid change soon anyway hence asking about the braided lines.

[mark.c]

Fair enough, I guess if the fluid is old then a change might firm the pedal up a bit but I would be inclined to change the lines at the same. Like i said, I never did it on my M5 but it did make a difference on others Ive done.
If nothing else it's a nice preventative thing to do !

[Patrick Bateman]

If it makes a noticeable difference then I might.

[bennyboysvuk]

When you say soft initially? Is it a long action? If so, this could be more difficult to fix.

[Hereward]

Maybe it's just that the Clio brakes are over-servoed relative to the M5?

I used to have a 911. Wonderful brakes with minimal servo-assistance. Getting into my Touareg after the 911 I would nearly put myself through the windscreen when using the Touareg's over-assisted brakes.

[Patrick Bateman]

It's nothing wrong with the brakes, just the way they are. Wouldn't say the Clio was over assisted, it's just a much firmer feel.