The brakes on my '95 850 @ 145K have me worried. The pedal is immediately going "toward" the floor, then braking requires a LOT of effort. Pumping does not change the pedal pressure.

The previous owner had the ABS pump unit replaced after complaints of a "spongy pedal". This had been taken in several times with the complaint before the part was electively replaced. This was a dealer-replaced unit at $1500 plus < 40K ago.

It is a weird feeling that could go either way. I've had master cyl's go out and they generally could be pumped up. This can't. But, if it is the ABS pump unit, why does it go to the floor? Shouldn't a failure there just cause hard braking with no pedal drop? The pedal drops immediately...it doesn't 'leak down'. I'm at a loss. Either part is very expensive on this 850.

I love this car and want to keep it, but it is a second car. I have put a lot into it, including a full suspension rebuild, engine mounts, timing belt, rotors, etc. I do all the work myself, as I did on my 740. It runs like a champ except for a few rattles. I can't afford to throw a lot of cash at it, yet I can't sell it very well with the brakes like this.

Am I cursed or am I missing something small and obvious?

Thanks in advance.

Tom