5-lug Setup

[Aptyp]

so I cut front spring perches today, to make room for coil-overs...

My search for cheap wheels continues.

[Aptyp]

Just wanted to add this here too!!!!
don't know if you guys over there have the 4cyl. Z3--1.9 (i don't think so)-- but for the euro guys here-- I learned something today!!

Z3 hubs from the 4 CYL. will NOT fit into the e30 hubs--unless you are using the smaller/earlier arms.-- same situation as the 318ti stuff.
the 1.9 Z3 hub has a diameter of 39mm---

Yes, we do have 4-banger z3's rolling around, and I covered that in my write-up. 1.9L Z3 uses all exact same parts as 318ti...

Have you looked into using e36 M3 rotors and calipers? When I have more time I'll compare PNs on realoem, and after I kill some more cars I can pull the M3 out and check crossover compatibility, and the same for e36 325i rear components.

I am messing around with extra trailing arms at the moment, seeing if I can make it work, I have a few crazy ideas. e36m3 and e36 325i use exact same front hubs/bearings, outside of that, I don't know much about e36...

[napabavarian]

Have you looked into using e36 M3 rotors and calipers? When I have more time I'll compare PNs on realoem, and after I kill some more cars I can pull the M3 out and check crossover compatibility, and the same for e36 325i rear components.

[mikeedler]

Just wanted to add this here too!!!!
don't know if you guys over there have the 4cyl. Z3--1.9 (i don't think so)-- but for the euro guys here-- I learned something today!!

Z3 hubs from the 4 CYL. will NOT fit into the e30 hubs--unless you are using the smaller/earlier arms.-- same situation as the 318ti stuff.
the 1.9 Z3 hub has a diameter of 39mm---

[Aptyp]

Yeah, if you use I-6 z3 hubs, you're stuck using z3 I-6 Z3 rotors. I don't know if hub bore is the same, but it looked like 318ti rotors couldn't go over hubs.

[bimmer630]

Ok man rear brake question... your list says that if the Ti/1.9Z3 hubs are used, you have to use rotors from the same vehicle, and cant use 6cyl. Z3 rotors (and vice versa)?
I am trying to gather together the rear parts.. sofar I have ordered Z3 6cyl. hub flanges, and I have a set of rear E36 calipers. Also I priced out FAG bearings for only 50 bucks a side.
A guy on another forum offered me the rear brakes hes taking off his Ti. solid rear rotors for a pre-98 318Ti and calipers. I know i can use the Ti calipers/brackets (and you said i can use ANY e36 caliper right?), But will these Ti rotors work with the Z3 hubs? not according to your parts list but others have claimed to use either/or rotor on the same car

[Aptyp]

answer to your question is BOTH...


z3 and 318ti hubs both extend outward further then stock e30 hubs, so the offset will be changed either way. The only difference is will you need wheels offset 35mm due to hub, or offset 65mm due to trailing arm and hub.

[bimmer630]

Rear is up there in original post with all those questions answered.


.

yeah i know it is but a buddy told me that the z3 hubs will cause too much offset, and others say its the trailing arms that cause it...

[Aptyp]

Rear is up there in original post with all those questions answered.


Hopefully I'll be answering front question this week, as it's been taking forever for me to get to it.

[bimmer630]

Can I use z3 trailing arms?
Yes you can, and again, I must recommend against it.
1. Z3 trailing arm is spaced nearly 2 inches outward, requiring wheels with ET60 offset. No one makes them, unless you're looking at custom wheels, driving you cost way up. If you're building REALLY WIDE body e30, you be able to get away with using them.
2. You'll need z3 axles and differential flanges as well, even further driving up the price of your build.
3. e30 ABS sensor WILL NOT plug into 318ti trailing arms, as e36 ABS/Speed sensors are shorter.

.

so the added width that people run into when swapping in the Z3 trailing arms comes from the arms themselves and not the hubs? That will be perfect because I was always told that the trailing arms are the same for Z3s as the E30s, and I just wanna do the Bearing/flange/rotor/caliper upgrade like you outlined in this thread.
I will not run into any weird offset issues with this setup? my hubs wont stick out too far? I plan on using E36/46 style rims. can i choose between Z3 or 318ti rotors or am i stuck with one or the other (my car is the later larger bearing trailing arm)
There are no problems with backing plates being too small?

Also I already have a set of E36 (i think they're from a 325i) rear calipers. these will fit on Z3/318ti brackets? I think they may have to be swapped side to side.. but any other info would be great.

Heres what im planning on using:

M-coupe(hope they fit the same as M3 struts) front struts with my current H&R E30 springs- (dont know what strut bearing to run yet)
Standard E36 front spindles and brakes
M-coupe lower control arms (same as M3, right?)
E30 M3 offset CABs
Z3 rear hub flanges and bearings
Z3 rear rotors and caliper bracket
Standard E36 rear calipers
E36 rims

does this all sound ok? thanks

[Aptyp]

Another update in FAQ, for another very good question that I didn't cover.


Thanks for questions.

[Mako18]

Awsome info!! Thanks, I am planning a 5 lug swap soon.

[Aptyp]

yup, knowledge is power...

I just thought this knowledge should have already been here. So many people talk about their swaps, and try to get brownie points with community, but can't make an informative write-up for others to see and attempt. I really feel like all the info in this thread should have been covered a long time ago, but I am kind of glad to have a chance to contribute at something.


Thinking of doing one of this for my turbo set-up, and helping Charlie and Beau do their m50 write-ups, since they ran into some issues that aren't discussed.

[asubimmer]

It sure was an experience doing the swap on my car. And then when we did yours and we found out a whole new list of things once again. But hey it turned out great and learned a lot of new things while doin it.

[Aptyp]

Updated and added more info.


I can't wait to have my front done this weekend...

Then I'll jump back to trying to fit e36 standard hubs onto e30 trailing arms (clearance behind the hub is ~1mm). My fear is that installing that hub would hit parking brake, but my solution to this pesky problem will possibly be not using parking brakes at all and making this a track only option. This setup would also allow to run factory offset, which means it will allow better fitment for deep-dish and staggered wheels.