6 cyl front subframe early/late model

[E21noob]

Can anyone offer any info on the differences between and early and a late front subframe for 6 cylinder cars?

Changes 10/1978

[E21noob]

From what I can find out through google, only difference is that the should be used with their respective lower control arms and sway bars.

Can anyone confirm?

[Jeroen]

It can be good to get this sorted indeed, this Q has popped up a few times already. Looks like you're right though. But availability of the early parts won't get better over time so I'd prefer to fit a 10/78 onwards version as its more common and fits your car's age as well. And I think BMW must have had some good reasons to make changes in the front suspension geometry as well (to my experience while drifting an early chassis they feel much more understeered and instable but it could be me haha).

[E21noob]

I agree, but not too easy to source 6 cyl front subframes over here, so would be good to know if this early one would work.

I guess I should rephrase my question: Can anyone tell me if I can use an early front subframe (pre 10/78) with late control arms and sway bar (post 10/78)?

Here is early (top) vs late (bottom):


Many thanks.