Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 Recently I've come into possession of a reasonably tidy E30 318i. As is fairly typical of a 30 year old car it has knackered shocks, seats with utterly buggered springs, tired sounding diff and a a few other complaints which can reasonably be expected of a car that isn't much younger than me. The general ride quality and TERRIBLE brakes have led me to wonder - I've seen a number of people that have grafted E36 driveline components to the older chassis; what are the intricacies of such a swap? Is the E36 ti the only candidate for the rear end? Or does the sedan stuff work as well? Assuming the latter is achievable will the medium case driveline fit in there? I understand (from very little research) that E36 front suspension and brakes can be installed so long as the relevant control arms are used, so that bit seems simple enough. What else do I need to know? Nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems but i'd quite like to know more on the topic. I have the option of an M54 engine swap if the driveline upgrade is feasible, the possibility of a 200bhp-ish E30 that stops and handles as well as it accelerates is rather appealing! Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 E36TI had an E30 rear end, coupes & sedans are different. Would be simpler to just update whats on there The series cars handle & stop well - updated shocks/springs, stock brakes but performance pads, replace all suspension bushes 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 E36TI had an E30 rear end, coupes & sedans are different. Didn't know the sedans were different, ta! Ok, not going to be the bolt out - bolt in scenario that I had hypothesised. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30ftw 410 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 It basically can be bolt out bolt in, you just need to get the right parts. it honestly blows my mind how much parts are interchangeable between various models and back into an e30, the right parts from the right models and everything is basically made to fit. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 It basically can be bolt out bolt in, you just need to get the right parts. it honestly blows my mind how much parts are interchangeable between various models and back into an e30, the right parts from the right models and everything is basically made to fit. Thats the bit I was wanting to know - I have a perfectly good E36 sedan here with good Koni / Eibach etc suspension & urethane bushings, 188mm type LSD, betterer brakes etc etc and wondered if they'd mate up to the older chassis. Seems the simple answer is Yes, but with a few buts Have to admit I'm less inclined if I need to accumulate more bits to make it happen! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WYZEUP 283 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 Www.e30zone.net is a great site for heaps of knowledge and how to's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2132 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 i guess the question is what you are trying to achieve? Brakes are woeful compared to a new car yes, but do the job well for the age etc, youll get the biggest jump in performance with some better pads (NOT racce type) and getting rid of the 10 year old fluid in the system. Although i havent driven an E30 with E36 suspension, i dont see the advantage really, unless you wanted to go to 5 stud wheels. An E30 on new shocks springs and bushes is a very good drive (well unless it has no roof like mine lol) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 i guess the question is what you are trying to achieve? Brakes are woeful compared to a new car yes, but do the job well for the age etc, youll get the biggest jump in performance with some better pads (NOT racce type) and getting rid of the 10 year old fluid in the system. Although i havent driven an E30 with E36 suspension, i dont see the advantage really, unless you wanted to go to 5 stud wheels. An E30 on new shocks springs and bushes is a very good drive (well unless it has no roof like mine lol) 5 stud lugs mean I could use the OEM 17s I have on the E36, can also step up to E46 330i rotors and callipers if desired. Main reasons I guess are that I have new, good quality suspension in the E36, and IF I were to go down the M54B30 transplant route it makes little sense to buy in all new suspension and brake upgrades for the E30 IF the E36 items would fit. Cert already needed for engine swap so makes sense to do driveline mods on the same ticket. Add to that the possibility of using the medium case LSD I currently use its a case of "Can I make what I already have fit??" as opposed to a how-to. If that makes sense. Seems I'd be able to use sedan front end stuff but I'd have to go for the rear end from an E36ti. So that kills off using my current diff etc. Will give the brakes a flush and call it a day. Ta Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
