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E30 suspension upgrades

13 Nov 2011, 12:17pm
Hi all,
I have not started my build yet and, although I have the full E30 suspension reconned and ready to go, I thought it would be worth looking around at upgrades before I start. I quite like the idea of 5 stud hubs too but would not make that change unless it was part of a major upgrade.

I found this document which was interesting - its a huge link, sorry!

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=bmw%20e30%205%20stud%20spacer&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CF8QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.optusnet.com.au%2Fsashamansour%2FBMW%2F5-Lug%2520conversion%2FE30%25205%2520stud%2520e36%2520brake%2520conversion.doc&ei=_Ky_TvehKIuT8gPAxYSYBA&usg=AFQjCNEgFy-5BMWgFnET6lCOh9HL-rPZjw

What do you think?

John
14 Nov 2011, 8:58pm
Hi John,
I guess it depends what you are trying to achieve?
There is a greater choice of 5 stud wheels versus 4 stud, but apart from that I can't see it a necessary expense.

Maybe I missed the point?

br, Peter
14 Nov 2011, 9:36pm
There's more choice of wheels, but that's it really. You want to be looking for bits off an E36 Compact 318ti for the back which would bolt right on to an E30 chassis. The front you could use any E36 bits if you've not yet had your E30 suspension modded yet - you could get them to supply the bit need for an E36 front end. Anything off a 328i will give you some decent size brakes.

Some info from Richard's 328 Compact build:

http://328compact.co.uk/brakes-front
http://328compact.co.uk/brakes-rear
15 Nov 2011, 1:07pm
Hi Peter,

No, I dont think you missed the point at all. The problem I have is that, not having started yet, I dont really know the questions to ask! I am immersing myself in the available wisdom (and there is a LOT about) and trying to plan. The basis of this enquiry was that there is more choice in 5 stud wheels (although I quite like the 4 stud BBS diamond ones) and then i thought is there anything else to be gained in the process - like a much improved suspension. It seems not without a whole heap of effort.
Patrick, thanks for the information.
Gosh, so much to learn!
John