Controll arms... What is dif. between M3 and non-M?
 

Just wondering what the difference is between the M3 front lower controll arms and the Early E36 325 controll arms other than the price. (both cars have sways that mount to the strut assembly) Maybe one of you pelican guys w/ a parts microfiche can see somthing that I am missing. Thanks!

From what I recall, the difference is that the M3 front control arms are beefier (actually ball joints are beefier too and are non removable) than the non M3. With the M3 control arms, you will get a different suspension geometry, allowing for more aggressive turn in. You should also get better steering response. Bad thing, you get more negative camber as a result (uneven tire wear). There is a change in 96 with the M3 control arms, not sure what it was though. You can also use e30 control arms, i heard they are even beefier.

I also believe that in the M cars, the sway bars bolt directly to the struts wheras they bolt to the hubs on non-M models. This would give you slightly better lateral control.

Thanks for the insight guys. Jared on the early non-M e36s (>6/92) the sways also bolted directly to the strut. (which is what I have), so i was a little thrown off when looking at the M control arm in comparison.

Don't know about US spec M3's, I suspect that the suspension is greatly different though should all fit. I wouldn't just change some parts, I would change all. What I do know is that the Euro spec that I have was shipped to Munich as a shell from the the BMW 3 series coupe and Convert assembly line in Hamburg, Note all other 3 series are made in South Africa. At Munich in the Motorsport plant, the vehicle is hand built from the floor pan up, the body is stiffened to a strengh of 9X standard, the engines are hand built and unique. If you look anyware on mine you see the Motorsport logo, including on suspension parts.

The parts may fit, but it will never be an M3