Fitting E46 M3 front lower control arms on E85/E86 Z4M?

Hydro_Z4 · Post by **Hydro_Z4** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:13 pm

Just wondering if anyone has installed E46 M3 front lower control arms?
If so, which modifications are required?

GT Spec · Post by **GT Spec** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:22 pm

Hydro_Z4 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:13 pm Just wondering if anyone has installed E46 M3 front lower control arms?
If so, which modifications are required?

What are you trying to achieve?

hopz121 · Post by **hopz121** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:30 pm

Better off with the Z4M version it has different caster settings to the E46 M3,

I believe the Z4M uses the M3 CSL offset caster lollipops.

Hydro_Z4 · Post by **Hydro_Z4** » Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:24 pm

GT Spec wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:22 pm
Hydro_Z4 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:13 pm Just wondering if anyone has installed E46 M3 front lower control arms?
If so, which modifications are required?
What are you trying to achieve?

The E46 M3 control arms have additional bolts which align with holes in the metal under-engine plate of the Z4.
That would provide additional stiffness to the whole front suspension.

Wassup · Post by **Wassup** » Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:00 am

There are 4 extra bolts used on the E46 m3, and the z4m shares the same engine under tray. The extra bolts go into the lollipop bushes and front control arm rear ball joint (the one that attaches to the front cross member).

You'll need to use the E46 m3 lollipop bushes (which are not Eccentric) as they are only compatible with the m3 control arms.

Not sure what geometry changes would ensue but it's definitely possible. Only one way to find out I guess

Hydro_Z4 · Post by **Hydro_Z4** » Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:10 am

Thanks!

It looks like the M3 control arms provide more castor and effectively move the wheel forward.

I was hoping to find out from the experience of others... not my own

Z4-forum.com

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