Project Time
E30 5 Lug Conversion Overview
We're looking to accomplish two things here, upgrade our brakes and upgrade our E30 to 5 lug (5x120) status which would enable us to run a plethora of wheel options including any E38 16" wheels or most if not all 17" 5 lug wheels (some may need a spacer to clear the caliper).
We recommend you make sure you have all tools and parts needed for this project before start since you will be be making your E30 immobile during this process! This page contains the entire process from start to finish so make sure you read it several times to get a handle on things before starting as well.
Parts
Nasieg 5-Lug Kit: brake caliper brackets (front and rear), hub spacer (front), rotor spacer (front)
Brakes: Front / Rear; Calipers, Rotors, Pads (depends on the setup you go with)
Our Brake Setup: Front Calipers: E46 M3 or E36 M3, Front Rotors: E46 M3, Rear Calipers: E39 528i, Rear Rotors: E46 325i
Hubs: Front (with bearing): 31226757024 (2), Rear: E30 M3 33412225510 (2)
Rear Wheel Bearings: 33416762317 (2)
Axle Nuts: 33411125664 (2)
Other: Brake part lubricant, DOT4 brake fluid, PB Blaster / WD40 / penetrating oil etc
Tools
Sockets: 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 30mm, 36mm, 1 13/16"
Wrenches: 6mm - 19mm, and whatever sizes you need for your specific bearing puller
Other: Bearing puller, 2 or 3 jaw bearing puller, torque wrench, breaker bar, impact gun, large hammer, block of wood, flat head, cold chisel set, large crescent wrench (depending on puller), grinder, drill, protective face shield
Brake Setup Options
Fronts: E46 M3 / E36 M3 Calipers, E46 M3 Rotors
Rears: E39 540i / 528i Calipers, E46 325i Rotors
Take Note
- You must start with E30's suspension parts from any E30 other than the early M10 cars. This means no rear drums or non vented front rotors etc.
- You will need to bleed your brakes after install
- You may encounter rust which will make disassembly difficult
- There may be things missed or left out, please read the entire DIY before starting! Do not attempt this job without the help of a professional or knowledgeable friend.
E30 Front Brake Setup Removal
E30 Front Hub Removal
Prep the Dust Shield
Not shown is cutting an area out for where the control arm and tie rod end are next to the dust shield. These can be bent out of the way for the rotor however cutting them would be quicker and easier.
Also, you will need to source your own hardware for attaching the adapter bracket to the strut.
Install Hub with Machined Hub Spacer
Install Rotor and Caliper
E30 Rear Axle Removal
E30 Rear Brake Removal
E30 Rear Hub and Bearing Removal
E30 Rear Hub and Bearing Install
E30 Rear Axle and Brake Install
Not shown is torquing the axle nut down (221 ft-lbs) and installing the lock washer on the axle nut. Just use 30mm your socket to hammer the washer in place over the nut. Also remove your old E30 caliper / brake line and install the new caliper / brake line.