5-Lug Setup: Is this one worth looking into?

[MikeLenoch5]

I'm interested in converting to a 5-lug setup with my S54-powered 1985 323i so I could have wider tires to hold down that power. (The car's in the shop as of this writing, just FYI).

Is this a good price and source to purchase parts?

What other sort of fabrication/parts costs would be associated with pairing an E36 spindle to an E30, if any?

Thanks for helping the new kid on the block!

http://store.bimmerworld.com/invento...les-p1066.aspx

[nrubenstein]

The best 5-lug by far is the E30 M3 as it will allow you to space out the rent knuckle for improved suspension geometry without spring for custom control arms. (Which are also not suitable for street use.)

[kalib0y]

e30 m3, hands down

[CrusherCurtis]

Wow your like 20 min from me and you have an s54'd e30. You've got a friend in case you need help with said swap. :-)

[MikeLenoch5]

Wow your like 20 min from me and you have an s54'd e30. You've got a friend in case you need help with said swap. :-)

It's being installed at a place in Plainfield, IL called Fluid MotorUnion. (Go here to see: http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/performance)

But when it's done, you're more than welcome to meet up to check it out!

[PeteD]

Wow, a 323i with an s54.

That is a decent deal for those spindles - but you can probably find them in a package deal elsewhere. The e30 m3 set up is a straight forward swap and much less of a headache when compared to the e36 set up. However, one advantage to the e36 set up is the ability to use e36 m3 front brakes; but if you are shelling out the money for the s54 swap, then the cost of big brakes and an e30 m3 set up shouldn't phase you.

[Pantless Spency]

cant wait to see how this car turns out!

[AsharC]

Wow your like 20 min from me and you have an s54'd e30. You've got a friend in case you need help with said swap. :-)

x2.

It's being installed at a place in Plainfield, IL called Fluid MotorUnion. (Go here to see: http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/performance)

But when it's done, you're more than welcome to meet up to check it out!

I've heard of them before. They are pretty big in the Bmw scene in the Chicagoland area. Post some pictures of your car.

Welcome to the forum.

[McGyver]

thats where i got mine when i did the swap. you also need:

Front:
the springs for the front (e30 or e36m3), the late model e36m3 shocks, late model e36m3 control arms, offset control arm bushings, e36m3 brakes (rotors and calipers), e36m3 front wheel bearings, lathe down the correct sized deep impact socket for the e35m3 nut so you can tighten it inside e30 shock mounts

Rear:
e36 318ti trailing arms, hubs breaks, half shafts

Optional for correct geometry:
treehouse racing eyeball control arm bushings, caster/camber plates.

Optional for correct brakes:
control valve to move more bias to the rear brakes, e36m3 speed sensors wired into the e30 ABS wires for the front, 318ti speed sensors wired into the rear e30 ABS wires

This swap is very straightforward, just time consuming. But what are you trying to get? if you want bigger brakes for the extra power, try UUC or massive big brake kit. if you want 5x120 wheels, depending on the offset you may need to roll the fenders. also, you HAVE TO run 16" wheels so they fit over the e36m3 brakes and where the e30 tie rod comes into the knuckle that you linked to.

[jimjim69]

Im work on this 5 lugs swap SOON

I working on the 5 lugs 5 x120 NOW with Rob @ UUC.
Will use lot's there parts and my hubs and E36 brakes parts.
Do out SOON .


James

[M3TROY]

not worth it IMO and i have both setups.
my white vert with wilwood BBK, steal braided brake lines stops shorter then my vert with 5x e36 m3 fitted vert.
one has a M52 with M3 cams and the other a euro S50, both have 17" alpina kops, one 5x and the other 4x, both manual with 3.75 LSD.
my point is there both very similar in mods and weight other then HP.
granted its not by much (3-4 feet) but still shorter with the same if not better feedback and fade as the e36 m3 brakes.
either way you cant go wrong but for the money i would go with the E30 BBK kit.
if its wheels your worried about that's really not much of a problem unless your brand specific.
there are a lot more options now then there where 3-5 years ago when 5x swaps where all the rage.

hope this helps you out,
look forward to seeing your ride.
cheers

[MikeLenoch5]

x2.


I've heard of them before. They are pretty big in the bmw scene in the chicagoland area. Post some pictures of your car.

Welcome to the forum.

This calls for a party!

Here's what Fluid posted about my car thus far:













http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/archives/11210

http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/archives/11169

[AsharC]

Looking good.

Here are some more members on here from Chicago

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=178634

[Aptyp]

hi... check my sig or e-mail me with more questions.