E36 M3 5-Lug Swap Questions and maybe Answers.

[BMW_TUNER]

I am getting ready to do my Five lug swap with E36 M3 Parts ( I know about the caster problem, E30 M3 Purists)
I will be using
E36 M3 Spindles
E36 M3 Bilstein Sport Struts
E36 M3 Calipers and Rotors
1997 E36 M3 Control arms
Tree House racing CAB's
Ground Control Adjustable Camber Caster Units

318ti Rear arms complete.

I am wondering how far off the caster will be? I am working with a buddy of mine, that owns a machine shop, on CAB spacers.

Essentially what they will do is Bolt into the factory location and move mounting location forward whatever the needed amount is to properly center the wheel. The units will be made of 1/2 plate steel and for those who are still affraid of strenght issues they can be welded to the frame.


Question is how far forward do the CAB's mounts need to move to make the 5 Lug Perfectly Centered.

(For all of the Purists, E30 M3 Parts are gettign so hard to come by that I am simply trying to create a good solution for all of those who can not afford or locate E30 M3 parts)

[matt]

It doesn't work that way.

[BMW_TUNER]

It has been done before and worked perfectly.

The machined offset control arm bushing mounts that Jordan posted are mine that i used on my 5-lug swap i did 2 years ago on my 318is. That helped a little but what solved my wheel centering problem was a relocation plate with guides that positioned the mounting point for the control arm bushing brackets closer to the wheel well. I wish i had taken a picture of those cause they were machined out of billet and looked super trick. The custon made bushing mounts (green) look pretty cool too! If they were used on a race car you could run roller bearings instead of bushings. It would rattle your teeth but it would corner as if it were on rails.

Link to the old post.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...6+wheel+center

[matt]

I still don't buy it... Moving the CAB toward the front of the car with a spacer off the framerail won't make any difference because the main balljoint will keep the control arm from moving forward.

If you want the wheel farther forward in the wheelwell, you need to move the CABs out toward the sides of the car. Then the control arms pivot around the main balljoint and the wheel moves forward.

[BMW_TUNER]

Ok I see what you are saying. I plan to do some R&D in the near future. I think you have a good point. I beleive that the answer may be the correct combination of both. But I do appreciate your input. It would beno problem to desing a spacer thatmoved them outward. As a matter of fact it would be easier and could then involve an adjustable ecentric (SP) to get spec in perfect.

If anyone else has done this and can chime in about moving the CAB's either forward or outward that would be great.

[matt]

An eccentric bushing is not a good idea. The location of the CAB vertically is critical, as it controls anti-dive in the front suspension.

I think the setup you will have now will be fine. You should put it together and get it aligned and see how it works.

[BeirBrennerE30]

use 97+ m3 control arms.... they center the wheel better WITH e30 m3 offset CABs... you are never going to get your suspension perfect like it sounds like you want it using e36 parts... they just arent the right parts for the e30 mounting locations

[BMW_TUNER]

I am going to use 1997 E36 M3 arms I just would like to figure out a way to get it as close to spec as possbile. If I have to custom machine new CAB arms to get it close then so be it. I figured using the combined experiences of the forum I could come up with a number and a viable solution.

[BeirBrennerE30]

when its all in measure your camber gain in bump and post it... as well as your alignment numbers( camber caster toe)

[BMW_TUNER]

Parts are here. Now I just need rims. Ordered studs for the hubs ( I hate lug bolts)
The front struts are a bonus as well as the rear rotors and rear springs.



Also I think I have contracted virus or something. Ever since my f-ing Audi S4 puked a turbo at 50k I have pulled the plug on all things Audi and suddenly started painting the walls in my den like this.

[FredK]

Wow it sure is dark there. Did they cut off your alotted 8 hours of power to supply Las Vegas with electricity? :mrgreen:

Anyway it looks like you'll be up and running in no time. It's a fairly straightforward swap, moreso because you have a non-airbag steering column for the rack swap.

[BMW_TUNER]

Must not have had the flash turned on. O'well.

[BMW_TUNER]

Well after wome time this is what I ended up with. Not to shabby.




Pics do not show how low the car actually is. Front spoiler is about 4 inches off the deck and the sides are just a little to low to get a standard jack under. I have dialed in about -4 degrees of camber and the car is insane. It sticks like glue and the tires are total crap. M3 Brakes will give you a nice black and blue mark on your shoulder if you are not carefull.

[PiercedE30]

very nice! those are my favorite m wheels....

[Eric]

caster doesn't look as bad, what are the alighnment specs?