E30, 318Ti, and Z3 Part Compatibility Guide

Overview

While the E36 was in the middle of its production period, BMW decided to reuse some of the older technology from the E30 to create the love it or hate it E36 318Ti and the Z3. Although these cars retained the E36's modern styling and front suspension, they utilized the rear suspension components from the older E30 (with a few minor tweaks of course). This made these specific models very reliable, requiring less strict of maintenance to the rear suspension. Eventually, people realized they could use components from these vehicles to upgrade their E30's to 5 lug, and conversely, E36 owners realized they could upgrade their vehicles to the larger and stronger E30 differential and axles. This article will cover what parts are interchangeable between the two, and which Garagistic products can be used on each chassis.

E30

 

E36 Ti/Z3

Notes:

E36

E30 Diff swap to Ti

• Output shafts from E30 must be from a car with ABS
• Use E30 output shafts and axles with a medium case diff
• E30 LSD is clutch-type, Z3M is Torsen
• E24/28 Diffs require Diff cover swaps
• Most input shafts are the same (4 bolts), M cars may have 6 bolts

E30

5 lug swap

• Use Ti trailing arms
• Z3M trailing arms can be too wide depending on wheel and tire combo
• Use 96+ front components from E36 Hub, strut, and offset bushing.
• E30 arms will work. E36 arms ~25mm wider/more camber. E46 arms ~50mm wider/all the camber
• E46 non-m hubs are also an option
• E36 front strut with E30 top hat. Coilovers are recommended for this application.
• No welding required
• Subframe adjustment recommended
• E-brake is the same cable-driven drum setup
• Pair with Garagistic adjustable FCAB bushings
• Trailing arm bushings are the same
• E30 subframe bushing is taller 

E30

E30 Front end options - 5 lug

• E30 arms - E36 non-m spindles - E36 non-m or E46 non-m brakes
• E30 arms - E36 M3 spindles - E36 M3 brakes
• E30 arms - E46 spindles - E46 non-m brakes
• E36 arms 1996+ - E36 non-m spindles - E36 non-m or E46 non-m brakes
• E36 arms 1996+ - E36 M3 spindles - E36 M3 brakes
• E46 non-m arms - E46 non-m spindles - E46 non-m brakes
• E46 M3 arms - E46 M3 spindles - E46 M3 brakes
• All E36 and newer arms require offset bushings or offset adapter bushings. Adjustable FCAB bushings recommended.
• E30 M3 complete front suspension

Links:

E30 bushing kit:

BMW E30 Complete Polyurethane Suspension Kit

E30/Ti/Z3 RTABs:

BMW E30 Z3 2002 Solid Rear Trailing Arm Bushings

Offset FCABs for E36 arms:

80a/95a E30 E36 Offset Poly Front Control Arm Bushings FCAB

E30/E36 offset adapter bushings "treehouse" for E46 Arms:

E30/E36 Offset Control Arm Eyeballs for E46 Control Arms Treehouse

E30/E36 adjustable FCABs stock or E36 arm swap:

E30/E36 Adjustable Front Control Arm Mount

E30/E36 adjustable tie rods for E36 or E46 arms:

E30/E36 ADJUSTABLE TIE RODS (E46 CONTROL ARM VERSION)

E30 Adjustable Subframe:

Adjustable BMW E30 Rear Subframe