Brake/suspension upgrades for 318i

[E30_Don]

Ive got an 89 318i and the mot's due shortly, the back brakes, front shocks and front flexi's are going to need to be changed.
I was given some new front shock inserts when i bought the car but when i got round to fitting them they're too wide and i assume for a 6cyl, would 6cyl front struts fit straight onto mine?? And also what is required to change my brakes to vented front and disc rears??? Cheers - Nick
(and no i dont wanna go out and buy a 325 to save the hassle, thats no fun!)

[Jhonno]

buy some complete 325i front struts (51mm) with the brakes attached!! A nice easy swap

[E30_Don]

Yeah i'm going touring the local breakers yards at weekend, gonna put new the new inserts in and new wheel bearings for peace of mind! Do you need to put a better master cyl to run discs all round???

[Andy325i]

Do you need to put a better master cyl to run discs all round???

nope


Front:
316/318/320 legs are all the same diameter.
325 and M3 legs use the same (51mm?) leg

M3 Bilstiens fit straight in the 325 legs

316/318 brakes use solid discs
320/325 use vented discs

Rear:(4 stud)

Only 325i cars and all Abs cars used rear discs

I converted my 318i using 325i legs and trailing arms, then fitted the M3 shocks later from C3.

Front bushes are also well worth changing for Powerflex or simular.

Other ideas while its apart:
Areoquip hoses and a decent brake fluid

[BadDave]

Do you need to put a better master cyl to run discs all round???

nope


Front:
316/318/320 legs are all the same diameter.
325 and M3 legs use the same (51mm?) leg

M3 Bilstiens fit straight in the 325 legs

316/318 brakes use solid discs
320/325 use vented discs

Rear:(4 stud)

Only 325i cars and all Abs cars used rear discs

I converted my 318i using 325i legs and trailing arms, then fitted the M3 shocks later from C3.

Front bushes are also well worth changing for Powerflex or simular.

Other ideas while its apart:
Areoquip hoses and a decent brake fluid

You'll find some,if not all the tourers have 51mm front struts as well as disk brakes.Vented on the front and solid disks on the rear.

[E30_Don]

Yeah was planning on getting some braided hoses, no idea who sells them though, i'l have a shop around! Cheers for the info

[Jimbob]

http://www.proven-products.co.uk for Goodridge braided stuff

[E30_Don]

Cheers Bruce!