From digest.v6.n486 Sat Apr 5 10:48:52 1997
From: Jeff Krause <m5jeff@driversedge.com>
Date: Sat, 05 Apr 1997 09:29:38 -0500
Subject: double-clutch tip
Just read a post about the addition of pedal pads. I do this to all my cars,
but the thing that lets you dial them in is the adjustment in the brake pedal
height. Almost all (I can't think of any, but I hate absolutes) BMW brake
pedals are adjustable for height by loosening the 17mm lock nut on the brake
rod as it comes into the passenger compartment. It is a major PITA as the folks
who put these things together don't want a liability issue from loose nuts.
Take two 17mm wrenches, remove the underdash valence, and crawl under as far as
you can. follow the brake pedal up to the linkage, and you will see a threaded
rod that threads into a u-shaped bracket that attaches to the pedal.
Jammed against this bracket is the 17mm lock nut that keeps the threaded rod
from unthreading, which is what you want to do. Use one 17mm wrench to hold the
bracket, (it's a little loose, but it works) and the other to break loose the
nut. On over half the cars I've done this to I have had to heat the nut with a
lighter or SMALL torch. Open flames under the dash at NOT recommended if at all
possible for lots of reasons we won't get into here. Fill in the blank, guys.)
Once loose, spin the rod clockwise to raise the brake pedal to the desired
height. Lock the nut down, and drive. If it's not right, do it again. One thing
I did find out the hard way, is that if you adjust out too far, the brake pedal
hits the stop and then you push the rod into the master cylinder, appying the
brakes! Went to drive the car and it wouldn't move. Oops. Just make sure you
can roll the car by hand, and you're set. Make sure the nut is TIGHT, replace
the valence, and Good luck!
Taken from http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/brakes/all_adjust_brake_height.html