M Roadster Suspension

[Derek 350i]

I just lined up a complete M Roadster front and rear suspension, (minus front struts which aren't compatible). The rear suspension actually is mounted to a powdercoated e30 6cyl subframe. Does anyone know which front struts would work better for the weight of the e30, the standard e36 325i or e36 M3. I am considering the M3 because of the additional weight I'll pick up from the aluminum v8.

If anyone has any experience with this, input would be greatly appreciated.

The thing that sucks is I'll have to wait for new rims and tires before I can even put the sh!t on.

[Digitalwave]

Are you converting to 5 lug?

[lose2abmw]

Id go for the E30 M3 strut housings because the swaybar mounting points are included. The real benifit is the REAR Mroadster suspension. You could use the stock front susp. Peter

[dave92ic]

Originally posted by Derek 350i
I just lined up a complete M Roadster front and rear suspension, (minus front struts which aren't compatible). The rear suspension actually is mounted to a powdercoated e30 6cyl subframe. Does anyone know which front struts would work better for the weight of the e30, the standard e36 325i or e36 M3. I am considering the M3 because of the additional weight I'll pick up from the aluminum v8.

If anyone has any experience with this, input would be greatly appreciated.

The thing that sucks is I'll have to wait for new rims and tires before I can even put the sh!t on.

When you say complete front suspension minus the struts, what are you talking about? The control arms and sway bar? I assume you know you will need all the brake components as well (including master cylinder)? You may also want to research any compatibility issues with your current brake system (non-ABS) and that of the donor car. You may want/need to get this from the donor car as well.

The ETK lists different parts for the front strut tubes for the e36 325, e36 M3 and Z3. They all seem to be a similar design, however, which is different than the e30 setup. From what I understand, it is possible to make the e36/Z3 front struts work in the e30, but it will take some customization. With the exception of some reinforcements, the rear trailing arms are basically identical between the Z3 and the e30.

Yeah, I am all ready for my M3 suspension/brake swap, I am just waiting for my new wheels to be made. I was just told another week or so...

Dave

[Derek 350i]

Originally posted by dave92ic


When you say complete front suspension minus the struts, what are you talking about? The control arms and sway bar? I assume you know you will need all the brake components as well (including master cylinder)? You may also want to research any compatibility issues with your current brake system (non-ABS) and that of the donor car. You may want/need to get this from the donor car as well.

I said struts when I should have said shocks. The spindles, control arms, ///M brakes, etc. The guy from whom I am buying these has the full dets on the conversion, and from my understanding, the non Z3 shocks are a more straight-forward setup. The trailing arms are the same except for the reinforcements and the BIG rear wheel bearings. If memory serves me correctly, the m3, mz3, and 8 series share rear wheel bearings.

I don't think there should be compatibility issues with the ABS, I just won't have it. I am not sure on the master cyl situation anyway, it is going to be right in the way of my valve cover(V8). That issue still has to be addressed.

Digitalwave, I am doing the five lug conversion. I need the big brakes, bearings, etc..., Also, some WIDE wheels.

Lose2a, my front suspension sucks, I have a 318i, with the d@mn 45mm struts, sh!t brakes, etc...