M3 Strut supports in compact

[vesku]

Does someone know if there are space enough in e36 compact to use the following M3 supports with normal oem springs? I'm afraid spring starts to touch chassing when caster and camber go more negative.


http://seekpart24.com/lemfoerder/sus...earing-2499901

[vesku]

Originally Posted by vesku

Does someone know if there are space enough in e36 compact to use the following M3 supports with normal oem springs? I'm afraid spring starts to touch chassing when caster and camber go more negative.


http://seekpart24.com/lemfoerder/sus...earing-2499901

No experience by anybody really?

[vesku]

The answers to my question, if any other interested:


http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...t=34473&page=2
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1767775

[islandtime]

From the base of the windshield forward anything E36 is the same. The mounts are a good option to add caster/camber if you want. The full M3 suspension will fit but it will sit a bit higher due to the lower weight of the M44. The M3 uses narrower springs so it has different struts and upper spring hats but the mounts are interchangeable.

[zoner]

Sorry- didn't see this when it was originally posted. It's not the springs, but the spring plates that cause the rubbing problem when you add additional caster. Use the smaller spring plates and you should be good to go- the top of the spring is identical for all E36's and the smaller M3 plates will work with all E36 springs. Or, you could just use the stock spring plates and just shave the excess material off of the plate where it would otherwise rub against the shock tower.

[vesku]

I ordered the parts, M3 struts, smaller upper plates and new rubbers following the list done by "Zoner", OEM part numbers:
31332227897
31332227898
31332227348 2pcs
31332227342 2pcs
31331128523 2pcs
Let's see then, when the parts arrive, how they fit with the new Eibach -30/-30 springs and Koni sports, which I already have in use. What I have measured, there will be no too much space anyway. I hope increased caster will improve the back-force of the steering. The steering should correct itself when drifting and hands released (IMO) what the stock geometry does not do.

[vesku]

Now the parts are in, fit well even there is not too much space between spring and the tower. One of the most valuable swaps I've ever done! Now the steering feels as it should in a RWD car on slippery surface and when drifting.

Many thank's for Zoner, valuable information

[zoner]

Good work!

I would also recommend running the factory reinforcement plates on top of the strut bearings- especially if you are running lowered/stiffer springs. It helps to prevent 'mushrooming' the top of the strut tower. BMW p/n: 31312489795

Reinforcement Plates

[vesku]

Good point!
I ordered the reinforcement plates together with "Wishbone rubber mounting set front excentrically" 31129064875 + a couple of new "Holder for wishbone rubber mounting" 31121139789 + 31121139790 to get even more caster and the spring a little bit farther from the tower. I'm afraid it will touch the the tower in hard brakings if std bushings are used.
The Eibach -30mm springs gave exactly the same ride height as the std M-sport -15mm springs. Maybe because of the M3 bearings or because the springs are brand new? The reinforcement plates will rise the front some millimeters again, won't they? Next shorter springs again...This is a loop...

[vesku]

Now the eccentric bushes are in, nicely more caster. Some pictures from removing old and installation new using basic tools if helps anybody