M3 diff swap help

[97'Scort]

I want to add one more thing to my build...I know, but I can't stand the thought of not being able to do much to the car for awhile!

I'm torn between a CAI (because I don't have much to look at under the hood) and what I *really* want, a 3.15 LSD from an M3. CAI is a 1/2 hour mod, M3 diff is much harder.

What I'm trying to find out is how hard it is, exactly. M3 diffs have a 6 bolt input shaft, while my car only has 4. Apparently the axle outputs are different too.

What I want to know is can I take the gearing/clutch pack from the M3 diff and put it in my 328 diff, keeping my flanges and axles? Failing that, can I put the input/output flanges on the M3 diff? I can get a good used diff for >$500 USD, but add on a driveshaft and two halfaxles, and the cost goes up quite a bit. $500 is kind of my limit here.

[benyl]

I had thought E36 is models came with an LSD. Does yours not have one?

[1-Bar]

^all the E36s up to 96 came with LSD....after they replaced it with the fancy DSC button

[97'Scort]

And all the DSC button does is turn traction control off...and let you do a 1 wheel burnout.

I think I found my answer. My Bentley manual has a procedure for replacing the oil seals on the diff: the output flanges just pry off, input flange is held on with a crush nut. Both can be removed and replaced without taking the thing apart, so I think a swap would be pretty easy.

[benyl]

haha, I have one of those on the 335. The DSC button that is.

I am tempted to the Quaife LSD swap.

[97'Scort]

I'd love a Quaife :) But my budget limits me to a M3 swap, unfortunately.

Check out www.diffsonline.com. From what I can tell, they're pretty highly recommended.

[benyl]

Couldn't you do an LSD out of a pre-97 car? Then you might not have the bolt issues.

[1-Bar]

^yeap, but the I will assume that the OP is interested in the M3 gearing....

[97'Scort]

I could, but it's hard to find one that isn't dead. Most of the clutch packs need to be rebuilt, and it winds up costing way more. A relatively low mileage (like 100,000 km's) '95 M3 diff goes for about $400. All the M3 diffs had the 6 bolt flange because of the larger engine.

I honestly think it would take all of 2 hours max to swap the flanges and re-do the seals.

[Glenn 328is]

Hey man, I am sure you can find a lsd swap on bf.c or on bimmerdiy, no? If you do do it, post up some pics. I have been thinking of doing this too.

[Glenn 328is]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum//showthread.php?s=&threadid=177945

http://www.bimmerdiy.com/diy/e36diffswap/

[97'Scort]

Ah bimmerdiy. That's the one I remember seeing before. Thanks Glenn!

[PrezeS_PL]

Originally posted by 1-Bar
^all the E36s up to 96 came with LSD....after they replaced it with the fancy DSC button

nope, not all pre 96 had lsd, only some of them

I would look for a diff from 318 is, my 94 had lsd and 3.64 final, where a 92 325i and 98 328i (DSC) was a open diff and something like 2.9x

[1-Bar]

^thanks for the clarification....

[97'Scort]

Originally posted by PrezeS_PL
I would look for a diff from 318 is, my 94 had lsd and 3.64 final, where a 92 325i and 98 328i (DSC) was a open diff and something like 2.9x

318's have the "mini diff": smaller than the rest of the 3 series line. You need to get a bunch of adapter plates, not to mention the carrier, for it to work.

[Tuner1]

IMO, a 3.23 or 3.38 is the best match for these cars :)

Rob

[97'Scort]

I tracked down a 3.15 LSD from a '95 M3 with 33k miles on it. Should be here in a week or so :)