5 stud conversion:definitive parts list need asap

[pauldeacs]

Im in the process of restoring a 2Dr E30 and would like to convert to 5 stud hubs. i know E30 M3 is the easiest way of achieving this but ive also been told E36 front struts can be used and rear arms from another 5 stud bmw (z3??? 318ti???)

can any one who has done this please supply me with a list of what parts are needed and from what models so i can get on and source the required parts.

ta muchos

[Dan318-is]

318 compact rear beam

and e36 struts i think mate?

[pauldeacs]

318 compact rear beam

and e36 struts i think mate?

ys but which e36 struts? any other parts other than just the strut and discs? my e30 is a 325i with rear discs.

when u say 318 compact rear "beam" i presume u just mean the rear arms as there is no "beam" as such

[Dan318-is]

you need the whole trailing arm of an e36 copact i believe

as for struts i dont think it matters which ones

obvioulsy if ur doing it i assume m3 running gear would be worth the plunge

[pauldeacs]

im not really willing to pay the over inflated prices people want for a set of m3 front struts and rear arms. if the conversion can be done equally as well using a combo of E36 parts etc then il go for that.

what i need to know is if the E36 front struts bolt straight on or need special top mounts/adaptions to where they connect to wishbone and track rod end etc

[Dan318-is]

i was refering to e36 m3 gear

not sure about the modifications needed

a few people on here have done 5 stud conversions, i cant imagine to must work being needed

johnno has done a 5 stud conversion mate mite be worth PMing him

[Jimbob]

Wasn't that with an E30 M3 ACS kit on Jhonno's?

[Dan318-is]

it certainly was something special

dont no n e thing about special mods to acquaint for it tho johnno do you?

[pacerpete]

Spend the money in one hit and do it properly with e30 m3 parts or spend more and have lots of fun guessing with wrong and mismatched components .

[glenn]

i used a complete e30 m3 back axle, as i managed to source one for Ԛ£250
on the front i used e36 m3 front legs.
i used eccentric control arm bushes to pull the wheel back into the centre of the arch. i might not have had to use them, but i am using 8"x17" wheels with a et20 offset, which gives the steering a bigger radius when turning.
i also changed the e36 offset topmounts to e30 standard top mounts as the e36 m3 spring was touching the inside of the turret.
the bottom of the leg mounted fine, as did the steering rack, although i had to re-adjust the tracking.
hope this helps.

[nikos]

I am looking on this conversion right now Unless you use m3 components I am not sure if it is worthwhile. You dont know the final ET at least I wasnt able to find info and you dont know whether roadholding improves.
I would like to listen from people that have done the conversion.
If the problem is the calipers, then there are other solutions
nikos