300mm.de hub conversion.

[padi]

Hi guys,
I'm looking to convert my e30 to 5 stud. I'm not a big fan of using the mix and match ofe36 bits, and unfortunately m3 suspension is rather pricey now at 1k for just the front struts! However I noticed that 300mm.de do an adapter kit.
http://www.300mm.de/325mm/325mm.htm
This has a 5stud hub, however I can't find out from them if it's an e30 m3 hub and the bearings to mount it, or a custom hub, and standard e30 bearing.

Does anyone have any experience with these kits, or any more information?
Any help would be good. Cheers Chris.

[Motorhole]

It looks like they use some kind of sleeve to fit over the stock E30 stub axle allowing you to use the bigger hubs. Then spacers are used to correct for the reduced offset of 5-stud wheels.

My first impressions are that 950 euros is a lot of money for a bit of a bodge! Although the E36 setup is a lot of work, it would work out cheaper and (if feedback from people who have done the conversion properly is to be believed) will end up with a far superior result.

[padi]

I wondered if that might be the case. I had thought about buying an e28 hub, as these are the same as the m3 item, then speaking to a bearing manufacturer to get the appropriate bearing to make it fit the e30 hub. That way you have an original hub, and the standard suspension.

The only thing that puts me of the e36 conversion is that you have to use a bit from here and a bit from there. It just doesn't seem quite right.

Cheers for the reply.

Chris.

[Gouki]

Snooka on this forum IIRC has that setup from 300de. I still think E36 Evo stuff is the way to go though. Have a larger choice of springs shock setups or coilovers and bigger brakes.

[Kos]

there are plenty of decent suspension choices for an e30 and several brake options

[padi]

Kos, I've got all the bits to do a 312 mm brake swap using Brembo four pots, but I'm really doing it so I can bbs style 5 wheels. I'll bang a pm over to snooks and check whether he used it or not and has any feedback etc.

Cheers Chris.

[Kos]

i was going to say the main reason people go 5 lug is for wheel choice lol

[MattTheHat325]

I'm interested in this also, i've got a couple of wheel ideas floating round in my head but i don't really want to swap out all the brand new billys i fitted not long back. The E28 option sounds attractive, does anyone have anymore info on this regarding bearings etc?

[padi]

Thought I'd just update this a little. I spoke to snooka he did look at this option, but in the end he didn't, as he only wanted to buy the hubs, and they only sell them as a complete kit.

Unfortunately this still leaves me in the same spot. I'm going to try and find some bearing that will allow the m3 hub to run on the standard e30. Or I might just either buy e36 m3 evo or just have the wheels converted!

Too many options!

Cheers Chris.

[Grrrmachine]

If you're just doing this for your choice of wheels, then buy different wheels!

[padi]

Well to be honest it started with the wheels and brakes, but long term I'm looking at swapping engines, so semi tempted to go with the e36 swap.

[Grrrmachine]

Exactly. If it's for serious performance, then welded wheels and adapter plates just aren't up to scratch. If it's cosmetic, then any bodge will show it.

The wiki has a full list of the parts you need, if that helps.

[kilrone]

you guys need to look at a bmw front hub the bearing is the hub they are not two separate parts as found in most cars the sleeve is the most practical way to fit a five stud hub. hope this helps with your choices.

[padi]

Thanks Kilrone, I didn't realise that. Theat will save me a lot of time trying to source something that doesn't exist!

Thanks grrrmachine I'll have another look. I keep looking for m3 stuff, as I'd prefer to use that, but it's so silly expensive, I don't think. It's going to happen!

Cheers Chris.

[Bob_S]

what exactly is wrong with e36 bits? you still get the same geometry and thus the same outcome.
I think that is your easiest way to go and cheapest.. you do realise M3 front hubs are horrendously expensive?

[padi]

Yeah I know they are, that's why I was looking for another option.

The only thing that puts me off the e36 option is that you have to use a mixture of bits. I haven't seen one done in the flesh, and even though it's a proven option, it just seemed a little bit of a bodge. Having said that, having thought about it more this weekend, it seems the best option.

I seem to remember Glenn used e30 m3 rear hubs etc, which are interchangeable but used e36 fronts, but there was some issues with offsets etc. is this the case? if so is it easily solved, or is the compact rear end the only option?

Cheers Chris.