Author Topic: [E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS  (Read 3011 times)

E36-italia

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[E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS
« on: March 30, 2011, 08:20:28 AM »
Hey All,

I got my hands on a pair of M3 spindles, so that i can mount a pair of M3 front brakes next trackday.
Since M3 brakes measure 315x28 and the stock 318iS 286x22 ... do I need to use also the calipers from an M3?

would it be a simple spindle swap or do i need more parts?
(apart from the obvious M3 brake discs eh!)

possible wheel bearing+hub and an M3 brake master cil.?
950kg E36 from 3/94 ex M42B18, now with Saab B204l turbo power.

a930rocket

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[E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2011, 09:31:31 AM »
I can't answer your question if the old calipers will bolt up, but I would think the swept area for both is different, meaning you'll need the bigger calipers.

By adding bigger rotors, you are adding more heat sink capabilty, which will help prevent brake fad.

What is the surface area of the stock and M3 pad?
1991 318is

1987 911 Turbo

DesktopDave

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[E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2011, 09:59:01 AM »
You might be able to get away with some sort of an adapter for the caliper, then drill a four-lug pattern to make the rotor fit, but I'd go whole hog & do the 5-lug swap.

The 5-lug swap for the e30 uses a bunch of parts to make this happen.  On our side of the Atlantic, the later model e36M3 (1996-99 IIRC) had slightly shorter control arms.

From what I've gathered, you'd have to:
Press new e30 ball joints into the later model e36M3 control arms
Use e30M3 offset control arm bushings
Be sure the M3 has the skinnier (96-99 model over here) front coil springs, the fat ones are too wide for the e30 towers
Use the e30 upper strut bearing cap with the M3 struts, knuckles, etc.

Of course, you'll need the whole rotor, brake caliper, etc.  

The back is easier, find a Z3 M52 to donate the rear suspension.  It's similar to the e36 Compact (318Ti over here) but has larger bearings and maybe even a torsen diff.

Some people reported problems with the e30 ABS, and you'd have to sort the master cylinder too.  I'd attempt the 750iL master swap at the same time.  Your e30 would stop & handle much better after all this work, I'd assume.
'08 Karmesinrot 128i 6MT
'86 Zinnoberrot 635CSi (M30B32/G265/3.46 torsen LSD)

Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS

E36-italia

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[E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2011, 02:34:18 AM »
hehe dave, with all respect... did you read my post with only 1 eye half open? :P
it's for my E36 ;-)
950kg E36 from 3/94 ex M42B18, now with Saab B204l turbo power.

DesktopDave

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[E36] M3 front hubs/spindles on a 318iS
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2011, 03:50:37 PM »
Duh.  Reading one thing & thinking another...and I spent like 1/2 hour on that post...

Where's the bone-head smiley?

I think the bearings and most everything else are different on the M3.  Not an easy upgrade, but I'm not sure about the Euro model.
'08 Karmesinrot 128i 6MT
'86 Zinnoberrot 635CSi (M30B32/G265/3.46 torsen LSD)

Sold: '97 Montrealblau 318iS, '91 Brilliantrot 318i, '91 Brilliantrot 318iS