front end rebuild

[4banger]

its time to do some front end work. ive heard of guys using non e30 318 parts in the front end. what all do i need to buy? figure i may as well do some ugrades while im at it. ive got new struts and springs going in as well. but i assume after 19+ years the control arms balljoints tierods ould use replacing as well. if there is any parts i can use that are better than stock list em up. im trying to build a definitive list of non e30 parts that will swap in to a e30 318i/is cars.

[max123]

Standard front sway bar on all M42 and M20 E30s is 20mm with no factory upgrade.
The only factory option is a 21mm unit that was standard on all convertible models part#31351132337

Factory rear sway bar on all e30s was 12mm with a 14.5mm upgrade for those that checked the mtech box.
the 14.5mm unit came standard on the 325ix, part# is 33551129194.

Both are the beefiest options available.  Remember to get the right bushings and mounts - They are diameter specific.
Also, check what you have before you look for a new sway bar, you may be pleasantly surprised.

[max123]

Instead of getting the offset M3 control arm bushings another option which I took advantage of is from the Z3 M-Coupe.  The M-Coupe uses the standard E30 front suspension setup and does not use the M3's offset bushings.  Instead, it uses a solid bushing which is much stiffer and will likely never wear out.  Part #31129069035

[max123]

A third stock upgrade which is on the lottery wish list would be E30 M3 control arms - they are aluminium rather than the stock steel units.  However, at about $350 each, vs about $100 each for stock - this upgrade will likely have few takers.  Real world benefits would be questionable anyway given what the $500 difference could get you in much needed maintenance and high quality replacements.

[max123]

A good rear end upgrade is suggested under the Pelican Part tech articles:  Rear Shock Mounts.

E30 Rear shock mounts are underachievers to say the least.  Even upgrading to the E30 Convertible mounts isn't stellar.  The gold standard for stock replacements is to go with E46 Convertible/M3 Mounts (Part# 33-52-6-754-096) combined with a Z3 mounting plate (Part# 51-71-8-413-359).

The upgraded mount will decrease that annoying rear end rattle and the mounting plate saves sheet metal.

[DesktopDave]

I agree with all the above points.  I'd also do the little rubber bits like steering bellows & sway bar bushings & links.  Cheap & easy when you have it all apart.

I don't know about other makes that cross.  I'd bet that a few do, but I haven't heard of any offhand.  I was surprised to hear that VW lifters worked.  I'll bet most of the FI system is shared as well as some electronics, all cars adapt to Bosch stuff rather than the other way 'round.

[ww318is]

You might also want to consider replacing the rear subframe carrier mounts.