Are all E36 Brake Pads the same size?

[bmwpwr]

Im looking at the pads below but it does not specifiy 318ti for the application. They list 318i, 318is, 320i, 325i. Thay all have the same part number.

Mintex Disc Pads - FRONT BMW E36
SKU: MDB1538AF

400 degree C - Mintex AF material Disc Pads More details...


Price: $70.00

[J!m]

I'm not sure, but one thing I am sure of is the 320i was not an E36 car, that was an E30 car.

The pads may indeed be the same, but since the E30 is a 4-lug wheel and the E36 is a 5-lug wheel, I'd be very careful, particularly mail-order, because the wrong pads will eat up any savings if they have to be sent back...

I could see the E36 318ti and 318i / 318is having the same pads however.

[GDB]

On the front I believe all non-M E36s use the same pads, the only difference are the calipers and the vented versus solid rotors. I really don't know if the back pads are interchangeable or not.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by J!m

I'm not sure, but one thing I am sure of is the 320i was not an E36 car, that was an E30 car.

I think there was a Euro E36 320i. And yes, 318/325/328 pads are the same up front. Not sure of the rears.

[J!m]

I would almost bet the rears ar different, due to the radical differences between the suspensions between the ti and the rest of the E36 stable.

Now to contradict this theory, the M rodster uses the same calipers and therefore pads as the M3...

[GDB]

well, I just checked the etk, and the 318ti and 318is share rear pads, although the calipers and rotors are different. The standard E36 rotors are 8mm larger, same width though.

[cossieturbo]

The front pads are the same for non-M E36s. The rears have an odd bit to watch for. There are actually 2 clip sizes for the rear pads based on the pistons. Both my 95 318ti and our 98 328ic use the rears with the smaller retaining clip, but the 328ic lists that the rears have the larger clip. Not true in this case.

I highly recommend Rotex Semi-Metallic pads as they are outstanding in every facet and they are priced well. I tried the EBCs... not worth the bigger money!!!

If you want more front pad get the E46 323i pads (I think that's the one). Some of the E46 pads fit the front of the E36s, but with more pad. I have not tride this and I'm told it is not needed for our lighter 318ti's. Just an FYI.

cossieturbo

[andy]

Originally Posted by J!m

I'm not sure, but one thing I am sure of is the 320i was not an E36 car, that was an E30 car.

e21, actually.

That's great news about the e46 323 pads, I'm going to definitely have to try that out.

[cossieturbo]

I'll get my arse in gear and get a confirmation on the actual pad to get if you wish to try the E46s.

cossieturbo