318i suspension on 318is

[KevyWevy]

hey guys, i was just wondering how interchangeable suspension parts (struts, springs) are between a 1984 318i and a 1991 318is. im looking at a parts car with some after market stuff that i would like to put on my 318is that i bought yesterday. just curious if the suspension differs since the engines are different.

thanks guys!
KEVIN

[Erik j]

The 318i will have drum rear brakes while your 318is has discs. Thats the only thing I know of. Struts should fit, and so should springs. But I wouldnt swap anything else.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Dont use anything from the front if its an 84-85 318i.

[Jean]

84-85 318i will have smaller diameter front struts. rear trailing arms will have drum brakes. front struts will have thin solid rotors. no abs.

I should do it the other way, not this way you are thinking.

[gearheadE30]

I think that all of the suspensions from the 325s are the same. Spring rates are obviously different, though.

[KevyWevy]

so then the struts aren't interchangeable, but the springs may fit?
im not sure if its really worth it then... hmmm

[gearheadE30]

no, it's not. You will end up doing a bunch of work to get inferior parts installed.

[Jean]

I think that all of the suspensions from the 325s are the same. Spring rates are obviously different, though.

Was 325 mentioned anywhere by the OP ?

[gearheadE30]

No, it wasn't, but I didn't know if he might also have access to a 325 parts car.