Rear subframe, arms and hub interchangeability

[yyi]

I was wondering if all e30's (non-M, all years, 2dr, 4dr, 318, 325e/i, vert, auto, manual) used the exact same Subframe or were there any differences?

I compared part numbers on realoem for trailing arm, rear hub and bearings. The results for a 88 vert 325i was different than a 85 4dr 325E.

So, I'm asking, are all e30 rear subframes interchangeable or are there limits between years and models that can be interchanged?

[jlevie]

I believe the subframe may be the same, but the trailing arms changed for ABS equipped cars.

[yyi]

I believe the subframe may be the same, but the trailing arms changed for ABS equipped cars.

Thanks! So, both types of arms can be used as long as they are matched accordingly with abs and non-abs hubs and axles?

Can anyone who has had experience mix and matching chime in please?

[jlevie]

Your car has ABS, so you certainly have to have ABS hubs. I sort of think those won't fit in a non-ABS trailing arm and the port to mount the sensor may not be present. Your best bet is to get the parts from an ABS car.

[yyi]

My car(85) has no ABS, and I spoke with a local that has a rear assembly that seemingly does have ABS. My plan was to see if I can just do a direct swap. This way I can ditch the rust caked/covered subframe and arms for a very reasonable price.
So, from what I understand now, the arms have to match the hubs, but does the subframe have to match the arm?

I should have explained better where I'm coming from with this from the start, sorry about that.

[MR 325]

84 and 85 325/325e had the smaller wheel bearing than the 87+ cars. They hubs are different between the 2 versions but the axles and subframes will interchange. If your car is a non-ABS car you can still use the ABS arms if that's what you end up finding.

[jeffnhiscars]

You can use any subframe with any disc brake trailing arm and your non abs axles should work. Hubs and bearing need to match the axles.

[MR 325]

hubs and bearing need to match the axles.

No they don't.

[jeffnhiscars]

No they don't.

I may have my bits and pieces mixed but there are some fitment issues related to the ABS ring. I thought that tied in to the change in bearing size as well but its been a little while since I visited this