axle size difference

[91Saleen#15]

I have been wrestling with an ABS problem in my 5 lug conversion. The rear sensors seemed not to be working. I was using the e30 sensors with the 318ti trailing arms and trying to space them matching the difference between the e30 sensors and the 318ti sensors which are shorter. When they didn't work, I spliced in the 318ti sensors and installed them. They didn't work either, and when I pulled them out, they showed abrasion from hitting the flux ring. I was somewhat puzzled by this as they were supposedly the right sensors for the trailing arms. Then, I remember that I had swapped the axles out for a pair of newer axles because the boots on the 318ti axles were torn.

I just found another late model axle and compared it to the 318ti axle. The flux ring appears to be about an eighth of an inch larger. See the picture:



I haven't notice any mention of this difference in the various write-ups that I have read, so I thought I would post it here. Has this been mentioned elsewhere?

[91Saleen#15]

In switching back to the other axles, I just noticed that the 318ti axles are substantially less sturdy than the later e30 axles. In particular, the part that connects to the differential uses a smaller flange and smaller bolts. I'm not happy about that since I have an S52 in this car. I wonder if it will hold up. Can the smaller flux ring be transferred to the heavier later axles?

[MR 325]

You WILL break those 318ti axles. I broke 3 in my old S50 E30.

I highly recommend running the E30 axles.

[91Saleen#15]

You WILL break those 318ti axles. I broke 3 in my old S50 E30.

I highly recommend running the E30 axles.

right, now that I have the ABS running, I think I can make the rear sensors work with them. I just need more spacing. I am using nuts from half inch electrical conduit fittings to make spacers. I set the gap at about 20 thousandths.

[el bimmer]

Are 318ti even compatible with e30? I'm currently trying to do the rear on my 91 325i and the 318ti axles won't fit. So as of now looking to buying new axles from e30 325i

[91Saleen#15]

Are 318ti even compatible with e30? I'm currently trying to do the rear on my 91 325i and the 318ti axles won't fit. So as of now looking to buying new axles from e30 325i

They fit if you change the differential flanges.

[el bimmer]

Sorry to jack the thread, but I have the car in the air. Now on the rear conversion 318ti set up using e30 calibers, the rotors that I purchased 318ti ones won't fit, they are thicker (rotors). Do I purchase 318ti caliber or what could be the problem? Thanks

[el bimmer]

Sorry to jack the thread, but I have the car in the air. Now on the rear conversion 318ti set up using e30 calibers, the rotors that I purchased 318ti ones won't fit, they are thicker (rotors). Do I purchase 318ti caliber or what could be the problem? Thanks

Ok the problem is is that the hub bracket or something like that will not fit with the rotor, anyway to get around that? What do I need?

[MR 325]

You have to run 318ti or Z3 caliper brackets along with any E36/7 caliper.

[el bimmer]

Great thanks! The search continues