M3 rear suspension into 328is?

[BMWAUDIJPS]

Has anyone put a E36 M3 rear suspension assemble into a '96 328is coupe?

[-Matt-]

Mine was factory supplied with m-tec suspension. I could be wrong but doesn't that mean that it should just be a direct swap.

[jasonf860]

The rear is a direct swap on ALL E36's except for the Ti. The difference is the height.

[whosyadadie01]

i was under the impression that it wouldnt fit

[jasonf860]

You can swap the shocks and springs. They are a direct bolt on from ANY E36 except the TI. There are differences in the height of the spring and the damping characteristics of each though. The sub frame from the M3 is 99.8% identical to the other E36's (again, except the ti) and bolts in also. The trailing arms are dimensionally the same also however M3's have a larger hub and require a larger axle due to their larger brake set-up.

[ronpapworth]

Sway bar fits and is better/bigger too... they are 19mm and 20mm depending on what year M3 they are off of.

You may end up with a weird raked look though by not bringing the front down as well... Why only doing the rear?

[jasonf860]

the E36 sport rear bar is an 18mm which is a decent upgrade from the stock 15mm bar. I also have one and it happens to be for sale!

[BMWAUDIJPS]

Thanks for the feedback. Sorry I took so long to get back. I installed it no problem. I bought the whole rear assembly on Ebay for $1000., came with the LSD, whole rear suspension including brakes and the front spindles and brakes. I took the time to upgrade the rotors and pads, overhauled the calipers and install aluminum bushing in the subframe and the diff. I installed Turner mono-ball toe bushings as well.

[BMWAUDIJPS]

I already have a Ground Control suspension and bars. I wanted the LSD and I needed to upgrade the bushings. I also installed the reinforcements for the sub-frame and the sway-bar.