Rear 5-lug conv. help

[Mike@PureMS]

I've got a 318is and in the middle of the 5-lug conversion.
I've got the fronts all straightened out with the E30M3 complete front end, now it's onto the rear.

I have the 4.10 diff from the M3 and want some help figuring out which parts I can use. Naturally the E30M3 is the easiest and most direct, but new hubs and bearings from the E30M3 cost a fortune, plus with the 4.10 diff I'm told I'll need new axles as well.

I already have E30M3 coilovers, so I need to make sure the rear suspension geometry is close enough so I can still use these coilovers.

Does the 318ti rear work with this diff, and will I need the axles too?
Can anyone shed a little light on a couple alternatives that would be direct fits?

Thanks!

[PeaveyBassist]

318is should already have come with a 4.10. Only reason to change is if your's is an open diff and the M3 one is lsd.

Will

[golde30]

u cant use your 318is halfshafts on the m3 LSD. just find yourself some halfshafts from a 325i and use your 318ti trailing arms and call it a day.

[Mike@PureMS]

318is should already have come with a 4.10. Only reason to change is if your's is an open diff and the M3 one is lsd.

Will

Yes, the M3 4.10 diff is considerably bigger and more robust. It also allows us to put the finned casing on. The stock 318is diff is tiny, and more prone to failure after a few track events.

[Mike@PureMS]

u cant use your 318is halfshafts on the m3 LSD. just find yourself some halfshafts from a 325i and use your 318ti trailing arms and call it a day.

ok, so the E30M3 diff with the 325i shafts and the 318ti arms/hubs/brakes.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

[gazellebeigem3]

i used 318is half shafts with my m3 diff.....

[2002maniac]

318is axles = 325i axles = M3 axles

[1990m3]

i used 318is half shafts with my m3 diff.....

worked with my m3 diff too, and my e28 diff

[Mike@PureMS]

Yeah, I've got 318is axles and M3 axles side by side, and the joints and lengths all appear to be the same.

Finally got our rear hubs/bearings all pressed in. E30M3 hubs and bearings fit perfect in the trailing arms from our 318is.

[Jason89i]

ok, so the E30M3 diff with the 325i shafts and the 318ti arms/hubs/brakes.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

your offset will be different than the front.

e30m3 front offset (for 8" wheel) is 20
e36ti rear offset (for 8" wheel) is 35

my personal opinion.......either all e36 or go all e30m3.

jason

[MR 325]

I'd like to add that my buddy is running E30 M3 axles on his 91 318i with the stock 4.10 open and they fit just fine.