My Bastardized E36 5-Lug Conversion

[BenM]

Aren't the strut tube diameter different? Maybe use the M3 upper mounts or redrill them.

I was working on some Z3M struts yesterday. Cut the tops to insert Koni's as well since I had a line on some Bilstein Sport/H&R race but seller never responded back and they sold.

I haven't checked the differences, but since I'm using coilovers the difference I was worried about was in the strut nut size.

What springs are you going with? I know the front E36 M3 are usuable, but E30 are optimal. I really liked the Koni Adjustable Inserts for the 96+ M3/Z3 M housings.

Stock e30 strut mounts will fit with e36 m3 bilstein sports. I am running them myself at the moment.

Good to know, thanks!

[BenM]

Alright, here's a small update with another crappy cell pic since I still need batteries for my regular camera.

The rear is all back together and even has the proper ABS Sensor spacers (I can give anyone dimensions if they want). Put on the ASAs with 235/40-17s and holy crap are they big! I will be rolling the fenders this weekend for sure.

The front is almost there, but I need to do a few things. The front adjustable sway bar links still need to be put on, then preloaded. Still need to figure out what to do about the front ABS since I refuse to splice in the E36 sensors. Might just go without it for a while.

Also, the car is getting an M50TU tomorrow, so that gives me 3 days to get everything sorted, then I should be able to drive it for an alignment on monday. Then off to V@V on Friday morning.

[BenM]

BTW, in case anyone was wondering, the E36 M3 Koni Front Insert fit fine into the stock E30 Upper strut mount. I plan on shimming the strut to spindle with M30 head bolt washers to get a little more camber.

[jrdeamicis]

Just make sure to use longer bolts :)

[Cha Ching]

I know I'm a noob to the e30 scene, but surely some sort of jig and/or fixtures could be put together to make converting e36 325/318Ti/M3 suspension parts fit the e30 a fairly easy, safe & cost-effective swap?!?!

The parts are plentiful & (relatively) cheap. Enough swaps have been done using various methods and/or parts combinations that there should be several ways to, "skin this cat."

Bigger brakes, greater selection of wheels/styles, etc. seems like the way to go...

[bimmer630]

I might pick up a set of E36 M3 koni sport inserts for the front. i am running H&R sport springs... will this setup be cool as far as strut travel? right now with stock M3 front housings i dont have a whole lot of room till the bumpstop touches, and if this is not ideal i dont wanna waste putting nice strut inserts in the housings.

[rkettner]

BTW, in case anyone was wondering, the E36 M3 Koni Front Insert fit fine into the stock E30 Upper strut mount. I plan on shimming the strut to spindle with M30 head bolt washers to get a little more camber.

i think these might help you like they worked for me.

http://store.bimmerworld.com/product610

[e30jieve]

I have set of konis right now on my e30 and planning doing a 5lugs converstion, I have the 318ti stuff for the rear and I'm planning to get parts I need for the front soon to complete the swap.

Do you guys know if possible to fit or use my e30 koni front insert on to e36 m3 housing?

[MR 325]

Not possible.

[BenM]

Just to update this thread a little bit, but I'm going back to Spec E30 4-lug stuff on my track E30 (and possibly M20 as well lol). I really liked the suspension setup with the M50 and the braking was phenomenal as well, but as many have mentioned prior the Front/Rear Brake bias on the M3 Front/Ti Rear leaves a little to be desired.

I didn't exhaust all possibilities to help the rear braking bias, but I picked up a '98 318ti back in December that needs suspension, and I want to turn this car towards SpecE30. A win-win in my book. :D

[bimmer630]

We need to find cheap big rotor swap options for rear z3/ti setups!!! I ran mine on the track Saturday and was actually happy with my braking, but if I want to run it any harder I feel like I'm gonna start having issues

[M-technik-3]

We need to find cheap big rotor swap options for rear z3/ti setups!!! I ran mine on the track Saturday and was actually happy with my braking, but if I want to run it any harder I feel like I'm gonna start having issues

Already been done, see 318Ti.org and check it. Using E46 rear stuff.

[bimmer630]

Wouldnt the E brake have to be deleted in order to use a rotor that doesnt have the super offset hat?

[M-technik-3]

Yes, it normal does. Massive was selling a BBK set up for Ti rears as well

[bimmer630]

Yeah. I tried checking out the 318Ti.org thread but they want me to log in to see it