Do I need to do this?

[Major]

I'm planning on running upwards of 300HP in my car, a 1984 323i, and I was wondering whether converting to 5-lug would be a better idea? For brakes, etc. The parts needed for it would be rather difficult to source, but should I be doing a 5-lug swap? Or does it not really matter?

[kenika65]

no need

[CorvallisBMW]

Bigger brakes = Yes

5-lug = No

There are big brake kits for 4-lug cars, and that will be a much cheaper setup than going to a full 5-lug.

[dpgrand]

look up Lee at Massive Brakes. If you're worried about brakes, he can set you up with some bigger ones.

[DSP74]

Bigger brakes = Yes

5-lug = No

There are big brake kits for 4-lug cars, and that will be a much cheaper setup than going to a full 5-lug.

+1


I'm not sure why everyone is so gun-ho about 5 lug swaps. One extra lug doesn't make the car so super awesome.:D

[Van Westervelt]

Dont go through the hassle until you have rebuilt your calipers and put on High quality pads and rotors.

Then, if you need more brakes, upgrade.

[DSP74]

Agreed again. Most people think that "ceramic metallic" pads from the parts store are the best you can get...

Slap on new blanks and HP+ pads. Bed them in properly, and be done........Get used to washing wheels though.

[Major]

Thanks guys! Then can I ask why people do 5-lug swaps in the first place? Broader wheel selection? Bragging rights?

So the best 5-lug brake setup is as efficient/effective as a 4-lug brake setup? I will be tracking the car, so if there's any real benefit to doing it (even if it's just to have better/lighter suspension components) I would most likely do it.

[SpecRaceM5]

Dont go through the hassle until you have rebuilt your calipers and put on High quality pads and rotors.

Then, if you need more brakes, upgrade.

I disagree to some extent. If you are putting down that much power, you WILL need bigger brakes. If you are going to track the car, you WILL need bigger brakes. Pads, rotors and a caliper rebuild will not cut it for those circumstances, so don't even waste your time. I put on Zimmerman x-drilled on my old car with stainless braided lines, Porterfield R-4 Race pads, and Motul fluid and it was great for canyons, short of the noise the brakes made!!! The first time at the track however, even with a substantially lightened e30 and no power upgrades, I had brake fade like a mother F*#*er! Just my 2 cents from personal experience. Also, the shop next to me built an M30 e30 w/ stock brakes and even on street driving, they did not suffice.

Cheers,

Brian

[madformx5]

I believe one of the major benefits of doing the five lug conversion is a greater availability of wheels with five lugs. I am not an engineer but I also believe that five lugs would be twenty-five percent stronger than wheels with four lugs all things equal.