[jake2106]

hey guys ive heard of people putting M3 control arms into their three series, it seems like a pretty simple upgrade, im just wondering are there any other parts that can easily be transferred onto a 3 series from an M3

[cfm56d7b]

Is there a specific suspension behavior improvement you are seeking?

[johnung]

Originally Posted by jake2106

hey guys ive heard of people putting M3 control arms into their three series, it seems like a pretty simple upgrade, im just wondering are there any other parts that can easily be transferred onto a 3 series from an M3

Don't assume that because a part is from an M3 that it would be a better replacement part for a F3x, or that it would even fit properly. If I recall correctly, if you install an M3 control arm on an F3x [XDRIVE] it will promptly snap your front drive shaft. There are mono-ball F3x control arms that essentially accomplish the same thing with a part that fits. Lots of posts on mono-balls here.

Likewise the two cars fit the same 4-piston (370/380 stamped) front brake caliper but the F3x must use a 370mm diameter brake rotor while the M3 uses a 380mm brake rotor. Different caliper mounting points so that's the way it is and no one can eyeball and tell that the outer edge of an M3 rotor is 5mm (about 3/16") closer to the inside of the wheel.

An F3x and an M3 are very different cars in many of the comparison categories. Often folks on this site will give the advice to either mod your F3x to tweak it the way you like, or just sell it to buy an M3 if that's what you really want.

Hope this helps!

[kern417]

Robbing the F8x M3 M4 for suspension parts

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by johnung

Don't assume that because a part is from an M3 that it would be a better replacement part for a F3x, or that it would even fit properly. If I recall correctly, if you install an M3 control arm on an F3x it will promptly snap your front drive shaft. There are mono-ball F3x control arms that essentially accomplish the same thing with a part that fits. Lots of posts on mono-balls here.

Likewise the two cars fit the same 4-piston (370/380 stamped) front brake caliper but the F3x must use a 370mm diameter brake rotor while the M3 uses a 380mm brake rotor. Different caliper mounting points so that's the way it is and no one can eyeball and tell that the outer edge of an M3 rotor is 5mm (about 3/16") closer to the inside of the wheel.

An F3x and an M3 are very different cars in many of the comparison categories. Often folks on this site will give the advice to either mod your F3x to tweak it the way you like, or just sell it to buy an M3 if that's what you really want.

Hope this helps!

The issue you're referring to with the front axles is only applicable to X Drive. A number of members have put F80 LCAs on their F30s with just a few alignment adjustments needed.

[sspade]

Im wearing the F80 connecting support on my F30.

Worlds stronger and lighter than the factory piece. That being said Im not sure its doing a whole lot... certainly isnt hurting though. Cheap upgrade.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

The issue you're referring to with the front axles is only applicable to X Drive. A number of members have put F80 LCAs on their F30s with just a few alignment adjustments needed.

You are absolutely correct. I thought that I had said that, but did not. I believe Bryan at Kies Motorsports did a video of how he screwed up by installing an M3 control arm on his xDrive. I like the way his videos are real world. Who hasn't screwed up at some point working on their car.

[jake2106]

thanks for the info guys, i guess all id really like to know is what parts i can put on my car from an M3 and also what parts would be actually worth using?

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by jake2106

thanks for the info guys, i guess all id really like to know is what parts i can put on my car from an M3 and also what parts would be actually worth using?

Essentially any interior trim bits minus the instrument cluster and shift lever, wing mirrors, wheels, and see the aforementioned thread about various suspension components like control/thrust arms, and there are ways to make the carbon fiber strut brace and under body bracing fit. All things things range from direct fit to needing some fiddling.

[jake2106]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Essentially any interior trim bits minus the instrument cluster and shift lever, wing mirrors, wheels, and see the aforementioned thread about various suspension components like control/thrust arms, and there are ways to make the carbon fiber strut brace and under body bracing fit. All things things range from direct fit to needing some fiddling.

Thankyou that's good to know, though I was definitely hoping there was going to be more stuff