Author Topic: 5x120 swap (Read 23290 times)

Boosted E30 · « **on:** January 27, 2009, 09:52:21 PM »

I have all i need together to do the 5x120 swap except for wheels i dont know what offset i will need or what will fit. Im using all E36 M3 parts except for the rear hubs they are E30 M3. I know i can't use smaller then a 17" wheel due to the m3 brakes which is fine. So if anyone has done the 5-lug swap or knows what wheels fit info would be appreciated.

Vladi · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2009, 02:24:00 AM »

You can use 16'' and even 15''(not entirely sure), depends wich size is your disc.

ponchiz318 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2009, 07:37:34 AM »

With E36 M3 brakes, the minimum is 17". I know, I also bought the suspension....

As for offset, I have no idea buddy. I'm sure some guys will come in and clarify things.

tony92ic · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2009, 05:06:07 PM »

Since no one has chimed in yet...I am running a full e30 M3 swap on mine, but I believe the answer would be the same.

Anything that fits an E30 M3 will work. Generally anything that fits an e28 or e24 (5 series to 1988 and 6 Series to 1991) will also work. At least with e30 M3 brake calipers. Offsets are generally in the 18mm-20mm range.

E36 and E46 wheels will also fit, but their offsets are generally 40mm or more so you'll need spacers which are plentiful for this application.

Later 5 and 7 series will generally not work as their hub is a different size. Although I have seen cars with these later wheels so there must be some spacer/adapter availability.

I have run 17"x 7.5" on mine and there were no issues, but my car isn't radically low. 17"x 8" seems to be a more commonly available wheel size in new wheels. I have never tried an 8" wheel, but I think width is going to depend on how low you've got your suspension set. It seems to me that an 8" rim is going to be a tough fit under stock e30 bodywork.

Somebody else can maybe answer that better.

Boosted E30 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2009, 06:44:22 PM »

Ok great atleast i have somewhat of an idea of where to start.

thanks and if anyone know more detail that would be great.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2009, 10:08:47 PM »

Well offsets are completely dependant upon wheel width as far as fitment goes. Maybe you should do a bit of reading on how different offsets in different wheel widths affect strut clearance and the like. Obviously wheel diameter will depend on what swap parts you use and the subsequent rotor/caliper size. Good luck.

Boosted E30 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:16:42 PM »

What suspension are you guys running that have the swap. Anyone using the bilstein pss9 kit or has anyone driven a car with those coilovers?

tony92ic · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:51:36 AM »

Its just a spring and strut insert. You'd still need either the e30 M3 or e36 front tubes, hubs, brakes etc. In the rear you just need the e30 M3 hubs or e36 318ti hubs.

The e30 M3 set up is a simple bolt on. Kind of. M3 calipers are bigger and you also need the bigger M3 master cylinder so there are a number of downline modifications in order to make the swap.

I think the e36 suspension requires some modification. But am not sure.

I am running a full stock e30 M3 suspension. Stock springs without the spring pads etc. Its not the lowest set up but works great for the crappy roads we have here.

Do some searching here. There have been a number of discussions of pros and cons of each and what you need to get it done.

Boosted E30 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:09:25 PM »

I'm doing a mix and match setup.

E36 M3- front knuckles, lower control arms, rotors, calipers, pads, front shock mounts, and bilstein pss9 coilover kit.

E30 M3-rear hubs they fit without having to change the whole trailing arm assembly or half shafts.

As for master brake cylinder im gonna use one from a early model 750il as they are the cheapest and have an awsome pedal feel.

tony92ic · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2009, 11:23:20 AM »

Sounds like a great set up. The only thing I'd question is the Bilstein coil over set up. I am assuming you are using the e36 M3 part since i don't believe there is an e30 Pss9 kit. Wouldn't this be designed for a much heavier car? How will that affect performance and your range of adjustability?

Boosted E30 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2009, 06:41:26 PM »

Yes im using the kit for the e36 m3 and yes i know the car is heavier and the springs will be alot stiffer then for an e30. i dont really have an answere as to how it will perform just have to wait and see.

bme30 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 07, 2009, 11:02:52 AM »

I've heard of a caster issue using the e36 front parts... I'm doing the swap as well using the 96ti rear and the ti fronts. i was told there is a caster issue that the front wheels will not be total center to the wheel well. i was also told that camber/caster plates will help the issue but not solve it. Have you heard any of this? also is there any difference with the e36 front parts to the e36 M3 front parts.

Danny707 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 07, 2009, 01:15:39 PM »

E36s have high offsets, E30s have low offsets.

Basically you'll need high offset rims in the front and low in the back if you do go with this setup.

Boosted E30 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2009, 06:08:10 PM »

Quote from: bme30;67854

I've heard of a caster issue using the e36 front parts... I'm doing the swap as well using the 96ti rear and the ti fronts. i was told there is a caster issue that the front wheels will not be total center to the wheel well. i was also told that camber/caster plates will help the issue but not solve it. Have you heard any of this? also is there any difference with the e36 front parts to the e36 M3 front parts.

there is a difference in the e36 and the e36 m3 front parts and yes the caster does get messed up but it is fixable with the offset control arm bushings and the e36 front control arms.

bme30 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 08, 2009, 06:41:23 PM »

Quote from: Boosted E30;67875

there is a difference in the e36 and the e36 m3 front parts and yes the caster does get messed up but it is fixable with the offset control arm bushings and the e36 front control arms.

so all i need to do is get the E30 M3 offset CA bushings along with the caster/ camber plates with the e36 non M parts and that should work?