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M3 subframe swap questions
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07-19-2022, 08:42 PM | #1 |
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M3 subframe swap questions
So I'm aware that it has been done successfully. Installing an m3 subframe in a non-m car And I am planning on doing the same project on my 2006 330xi as i have a rotting subframe. I have read as much about it as I could but there are some things I would like to know as I'm getting into doing custom projects like this. I have a very clean m3 subframe with everything but the differential, and axles.
1st question The differential. Is the physical placement of the differential exactly the same? I'm curious if for now I can use my stock diff and drive shaft. I'm hoping I can wait a little longer to get an lsd 2nd question Wheels I'm getting new wheels with the project most likely 18x9.5s to clear the brake calipers of the m3. Question is I don't fully understand how to figure out what offset I need. If anyone has done this I would like to know what wheels are being used. Any help is greatly appreciated! Last edited by B58daworld; 07-19-2022 at 09:48 PM.. |
07-31-2022, 06:54 PM | #2 |
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1st question: Your diff and driveshaft should be fine. Please know that the attach points for the toe link on the M3 subframe are not located inboard/outboard as std/non m3 subframe. You will need to run the M3 specific toe links now. They are beautiful aluminum arc shaped. I am unsure if your non m3 spindles (don't know the bmw part term) will accept these toe links or if you must also run the M3 spindles. Good luck and I'll be reading here to see how you make out.
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08-02-2022, 06:21 PM | #3 | |
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08-04-2022, 03:28 PM | #4 | |
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I did use the M3 rear calipers and also did the front swap with a master cylinder swap. If you aren't swapping the front I then the M3 brakes will be too large especially if you don't have the equivlent of the 335i brakes that I started with. I am not sure if the M3 brakes will fit under 18" wheels, I had 19s on the car before the swap. I didn't really even need an alignment after I did mine. When I took it in they basically didn't change anything after swapping the full front and rear including the front steering rack. -Rich
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2007 E70 X5 4.8i with 10" android screen Running 265/60/18 AT34s All Terrains (Mainly for road trips)
2008 E90 335i with 10" android screen, 7" intercooler, inlets, Dinan intake, JB4 BEF, E85 conversion, Mfactory LSD, M3 suspension, EDC shocks with custom controller. |
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08-05-2022, 04:39 AM | #5 |
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Out of curiosity, can you explain how an aluminum subframe can rot?
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08-05-2022, 06:50 AM | #7 |
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The rear subframe is steel. I went to do my alignment one day and the metal tabs that keep the eccentric bolts in place completely be disintegrated. So can't do my alignment, going through tires atleast once a year. I believe the front subframe is aluminum though. So I'll keep it for now
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08-05-2022, 10:34 AM | #8 | |
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The control arms can be swapped but not the subframe. |
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08-05-2022, 02:02 PM | #9 | |
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2009 118i Monaco Blue "Maximillion"
2009 335i Saphire Black M Sport "Leopold" Cobb stage 2 aggressive tune, Mishimoto FMIC, Cobb charge pipe, Cobb catted down pipes, Forge diverter valves, BMS inlets and DCI, Cyba scoops and M Individual Audio retrofit and M3 gauge cluster retrofit. 2011 328i Titan Silver M Sport "Franzel" <--Wife's car |
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08-05-2022, 03:18 PM | #10 | |
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08-05-2022, 04:57 PM | #11 | |
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In that case replacing it all makes sense but I agree it will likely mean that all of the brake lines will also need to be replaced if there is that much rust. (so glad I moved out of the rust belt).
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2007 E70 X5 4.8i with 10" android screen Running 265/60/18 AT34s All Terrains (Mainly for road trips)
2008 E90 335i with 10" android screen, 7" intercooler, inlets, Dinan intake, JB4 BEF, E85 conversion, Mfactory LSD, M3 suspension, EDC shocks with custom controller. |
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08-07-2022, 03:34 PM | #13 | |
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08-07-2022, 03:38 PM | #14 | |
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08-07-2022, 03:45 PM | #15 |
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I know 17 apex work, and I know just about any 18s will work. My question is, how to decide which offset will work/look best. I see some guys do the same offset front and rear, I see some people do different offset front to rear. How do I find out which offset will look best so I don't purchase a set and think I should've gone with a different offset. I am assuming with all wheel drive I really should go with same offset front to rear. Even still how do I decide sat Et31 vs Et38 for example will look best. This project will already cost a good chunk of change and I don't wanna have to get multiple sets of wheels to find the ones I need. Part of it is personal taste which I understand too. But simpler question i suppose is what offset would work with non M body so the wheels dont rub. I may lower the car by an inch, undecided at the moment
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08-08-2022, 12:42 PM | #16 | |
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The rear M3 and 335i rear lines were exactly the same. The fronts are different and have different brackets and rubber mounting points for the brackets. The M3 also has better subframe brackets. Solid aluminum bushings (like the latest cars) are better but the M3 bushings are much stiffer than the normal ones. -Rich
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2007 E70 X5 4.8i with 10" android screen Running 265/60/18 AT34s All Terrains (Mainly for road trips)
2008 E90 335i with 10" android screen, 7" intercooler, inlets, Dinan intake, JB4 BEF, E85 conversion, Mfactory LSD, M3 suspension, EDC shocks with custom controller. |
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