5 lug hub conversion

[stappin]

Hi Everyone

I'm contemplating doing a 5 lug conversion on my 1986 E30....

What I need to know is how ?!?!

Do the E30 M3 hubs fit direct, if so where can I get some?

If not the M3 route what else is there?

Cheers

Simon

[astondg]

I think the M3 suspension came from a 5 series. I could be wrong though, I just thought I read it somewhere. Also if it did then I don't know how much BMW modified it to fit the M3. Anyway I just thought that if that is true then maybe 5 series suspension might be easier to find or cheaper than M3 suspension.

Aston

[ian332isport]

You can't fit M3 hubs to standard E30 stub axles. Sorry. You have to fit the complete E30 M3 front suspension legs to get it to work.

5 series stuff is no good either. The M3 front hubs are the same as some 5 series hubs (except the M3 hubs have a different ABS ring), but that's where the similarity ends. 5 series is mucho different.

You also need to change the back end as well. M3 is the easiest, but you can also use parts from an E36 Compact which is similar to the E30.

Ian.

[stappin]

Has anyone done this then? I read somewhere about a guy using Roadster parts to do a conversion?

Ian you say the compact is similar, question is how similar? i.e. can I buy the bits off the shelf and bolt them on or am i gonna have to get someone to machine something?

[ian332isport]

Has anyone done this then? I read somewhere about a guy using Roadster parts to do a conversion?

Ian you say the compact is similar, question is how similar? i.e. can I buy the bits off the shelf and bolt them on or am i gonna have to get someone to machine something?

It's not something I have done personally, so don't know the exact details.

I believe you can bolt compact or Z3 roadster rear trailing arms (complete with brakes) straight onto the E30 subframe.

The front is not as straight forward though. E30 M3 parts would be the easiest.

Ian.

[stappin]

Cheers Ian, I take it this must be a pretty rare mod as not many have responded

[6potWil6pot]

Its just expensive! I think M3 running gear costs quite a bit! Ive heard figures from Ԛ£600 upwards!

[Moofles]

what are the front brakes on the e30 m3 like compared to the z3 2.8 fronts? those brakes would have been awesome on an e30....

[M3Compact]

This relates to using an E30 M3 rear end in an E36 Compact, E30 M3 uses bigger brakes.

Imo 6 pot Z3 is the way to go for your rear end.

I have a complete E30 M3 rear end that I may not need, it has good calipers and new bushes/discs, (it stands me at Ԛ£200). If you're not looking to do this soon, I will know in a few weeks whether I need it or not.

[stappin]

Has anyone got a parts list?

[M3Compact]

Has anyone got a parts list?

On line below Stappin.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?PH ... a7234d37eb

Safety devices have a cage for the touring, the 325 challenge allows all configurations (2/4 door and touring) so they had to develop a cage it's about Ԛ£580

Are you competing in the RWD Challenge?

[Karan]

im doing this on my project brakes are much bigger.... and anti roll bars have droplinks onto the struts like newer bmws.. plus increased track helps..

i paid Ԛ£600 for a good set, and bought grp N coilovers for the odd track by h&r for a bargain Ԛ£350 2nd hand..

Karan

[M3Compact]

im doing this on my project brakes are much bigger.... and anti roll bars have droplinks onto the struts like newer bmws.. plus increased track helps..

i paid Ԛ£600 for a good set, and bought grp N coilovers for the odd track by h&r for a bargain Ԛ£350 2nd hand..

Karan

Which have you done Karan?

E30 M3, or Z3/M Coupe? These have the same track, disc braked E36 Compact has the widest track.

[stappin]

I've decided not to do the challenge. I'm building the car to how I want it so when I compete I should be happy with it i.e new cam, strengthened bottom end bolts, fly off hand brake and the biggest brakes on the front I can fit. Also this means I can play with suspenision setup and gearbox ratios.

I'm planning to fit 17"s all round and would like to convert to the 5 lug as it'll be cheaper to get wheels than the 4 lug.

Looking at the E36 318ti on OEM website the rear trailing arms look exactly the same so I wonder if I can get away with just swapping the drive flange hubs?

E36 318ti trailing armhttp://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30
E30 325i trailing armhttp://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=30

E36 318ti hub http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=40
E30 325i hub http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=40

[M3Compact]

I don't think so Stappin.

The bearing sizes (id & od) are different, you might be able to use 318ti rear trailing arms tho. The 318ti has 40mm wider track than an E30, the extra width is all in the hub.

Have you looked at a Z3 hub? They have the same track as an E30 M3 and seem to use the same bearing sizes as a 325 so may just go straight on.

[stappin]

OOOoo get you with ya bearing sizes bloody missed that

I'll have a look at the Z3 bearings and see what happens....

[stappin]

People we have a winner I think

E30 rear hub and bearing http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=40
Z3 rear hub and bearing http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=40

PS Sorry if I'm boring anyone

[stappin]

Still trying to find the fronts not sure if there is any thing relatively painless...

[M3Compact]

Good luck with the fronts Stappin.

I'm pretty sure the Z3 rears will work ok, I'd like to use some Z3/M Coupe vented rear discs myself on the Compact, but I can't afford to lose 40mm track and I don't want spacers.

Where are you based? I know where there is an E30 M3 front end that will be sensible money. (North)

[Karan]

ive got all m3 stuff.... cost me Ԛ£600 for EVERYTHING, although it can go for up to Ԛ£1k, as this is what makes an M3 what it is,,,

Karan

[Jhonno]

that and the engine..