I have been having intermittent brake problems with the LR. Occassionaly, I would need to stop and would have no pedal and a burning electrical smell. l If I had the "very little" brakes with a burning smell instance, I would simply bleed them and all would be good for a while. I am getting ready for winter again, so I am trying to get it ready. I replaced the rubber brake lines with braided stainless steel thinking that air was getting into the crappy rubber hoses somehow. Drove it for about 20 mins after replacement, but had the brake pedal to the floor, no brakes till you pump, and the burning smell that accompanies that situation issue again. I am at a loss here. The burning smell comes into the cabin and is also prevelant outside for a short time at the beginning of this mess, but disipates eventually. Note that I can get stopped, but with pumping effort. I am NOT losing any fluid.

 

Sounds like a bad master cylinder.

As for the burning smell, that could be the brakes overheating as you are trying to stop fast.