E36 Diff Swap

[MontoyaWannaBe]

I have a 96 328i, can any E36 diff be swapped with no modification and if not what do i need to do? looking into the M3 autos with 3.15 and the 3.2 with 3.23... can these easily be thrown on my car?

thanks
alex

[Erik@EDGE]

M3 autos had 3.23 in 1995 and 3.38 for 96-99. Manual M3's had 3.15 in 95 and 3.23 96-99. They are essentially direct bolt in's although you may have to change the side flanges (they pop in and out by hand) and/or the front driveshaft flange. This requires an impact gun capable of 400 lb/ft and a bigass socket.

FWIW, I have a nice 3.15 sitting in my garage taking up space. Would cost about $80 to ship. Make me an offer

[Theodore]

While were on this, what diff's would fit my car? I'd kinda like a limited slip at some point.

[Erik@EDGE]

if yours is a sedan, it should have the same size diff (small case) as other e36 cars. You may have smaller axle flanges, and therefore may need to find some 6cylinder axles to go with it. Your biggest issue will be finding the right ratio. I imagine that you currently have a 3.45 or 4.44 ratio, so none of the e36 cars you look at will have that low (numerically high) ratio and LSD. You may be able to find another 318 with the LSD option. The ETK does list thses same ratios with the 25% lockup.

[Theodore]

Hmmm. It's a coupe. I've thought about looking for a 318 diff with LS, but I gather these are pretty rare, and pricey for what they are. Would one even make that much of a difference since I'm not putting out much power?

Ted

[Erik@EDGE]

sorry I meant "not a compact" you might be able to find something that would work, but a 318is LSD would be best. Call around, you might find one. Try Jay@bmrparts.com

[Theodore]

Thanks for the info. I might try that.

[MontoyaWannaBe]

95 MPWR, thanks for the offer, i'll take you up if i need it, but theres a BMW junkyard with some near mint E36 parts cars, they have like 200 cars total, about 15 minutes from me... thanks for the help though...

is it easy to see if i need a new flange (or whatever, ur more of a gearhead than i am) how can i tell if they will fit without too much work if possible?

thanks again!
alex

[Erik@EDGE]

get a cheap caliper for measuring/ Measure the bolt holes center to center (the ones that hold the flange on) Good luck!