5x120 and coilovers

[toldownhill13]

Hi guys, just got my first E30 and wanted some help on this issue!

i want to run coilovers and also want to covnert to 5x120 at the same time can anyone enlighten me on how to do this? do i need get e36 hubs and fit the coilovers to those or what??

hope you guys can help here


thanks

[Motorhole]

There's a 5 stud guide on the wiki. There is only one bolt on solution that will give you close to correct geometry, which is:

E36 M3 Evo control arms (important that it's the later Evo arms - post 1996 - and not the earlier ones). Note that if buying new, many vendors list their arms as fitting the later cars but it is NOT the correct part. Cross-check part numbers on RealOEM.

E36 M3 Evo kingpins (and struts, if not using coilovers).

E30 eccentric rear lower control arm bushes.

Obviously, the E36 M3 parts are expensive. It also means expensive consumables in the way of discs/pads. But using regular E36 parts means the wheel sits too far back in the arch, will rub at any amount of lock, it will look awful and will handle like a shopping trolley.

There are various cut and shut ways of getting around this if you look around the internet. Not many of them are recommended by those on here for safety/correctness/OEM preference reasons.

If you use E36 front parts as advised, the rear is easily enough followed using E36 Compact trailing arms. Coilovers that fit an E36 Compact or Z3 are the ones to use.

There are also some bolt on hub solutions involving kingpin sleeves, locking nuts etc which retain the E30 struts and allow use of 5x120 wheels. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to enlighten you on these options.

I've done the E36 M3 Evo route and it makes for a decent handling car with awesome brakes (provided you can sort the front/rear bias issues you will introduce, unless you get a hold of mega expensive, much coveted Z3M rear arms) and bigger, more durable wheel bearings - but it's still not ideal and if starting from scratch, I'm not sure I would do it again. If doing it purely for wheel fitment/choice, it is absolutely not worth it.

[toldownhill13]

thanks motorhole, was looking to do it just for a certain set of wheels i realy like in 5x120 but i can see it is not worth it, going to order coilovers this week!

[Motorhole]

No worries mate

[milescook]

Hello and welcome! Just be aware the common wisdom (unless it's changed with better quality sets available these days!?) here is coilovers are really overrated! It's amazing what refurbished OEM suspension does these are great handling cars.

You see loads of cheap ones on ebay (to be avoided) or reputable ones like Gaz or Avo for about a grand. But these need servicing and checking every few thousand miles and pretty hard ride! Not worth it for a daily driver. If it's just for looks though crack on, just be aware of the daengrously poor quality out there. Have you got a link to the set?