Converting to 5 stud for a 328 conversion yes or no?

[Tommy85]

I'm in the process of restoring an e30 and were putting a 328 in it a few people are telling me to convert to 5 stud and others are saying don't bother I'm sure I will get similar responses but if anyone has done it and could give me a few tips or common problems let me know thanks
Tom

[HairyScreech]

Only worth pursuing for the improved brakes aspect. (both front and rear)

Can be done a couple of ways (see the wiki) and there will soon be custom front hubs from turk (~£400 a pair) for those that want a way that dosen't involve a sleeve on an e30 non-m3 strut. (as some people seem really adverse to the sleeve method)
I am just working on a way to do it with a sleeve and have proper thread locking for those that don't mind the sleeve.
Using the e36 struts is a little suspect as the steering is effected, the e36 struts are set up for a slightly longer wheel base than the e30 has so people have reported poor handling hence the quest for better ways of doing it.
The e30 m3 bits are the most correct way of going about it but also the most expensive in initial purchase and upkeep.

But as said don't bother unless you want the improved brakes aspect.

[harry_p]

the problems are that you need a specific list of parts.

you need e36 m3 evo front arms, m3 evo front spindles, eccentric front arm bushes, e30 topmounts with springs to match, as well as e36 m3 callipers and pads, and if you want m3 evo floating disks thats another £250 for a pair.

at the rear you'll need e36 318ti rear arms, disks, callipers etc, and can use existing rear springs and dampers.

if your car has abs you'll need to adapt the sensor wiring, and you'll need wheels to suit, 17s to clear the front brakes, although some 16s supposedly fit.

unless you have the parts already, of can get hold of them for a decent price then if all you want it for is better brakes it's probably easier to get an uprated setup for the standard e30 struts.

[bss325i]

I don't see what the problem is with a sleeve as long as there is full thread engagement.

[Demlotcrew]

There is no problem with a Sleeve

Seems to be a really fashionable modification this 5 stud malarky

[HairyScreech]

With nice 4 stud wheels getting more and more expensive (even 15" bbs have doubled in price since i joined) it looks like more people are looking at alternatives.

[GemE30]

Shall be following this as we are looking into converting mine to 5 stud.