This isn't really making sense, what was your bench bleeding procedure ? Do you have a kit with hoses to return to the reservoir? By "no pressure" you mean no air either? You were not able to "pump up" the brakes at all when bleeding?

Is the front of the master cylinder also the front brakes ?

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1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)