530i factory LSD?

[Šimon]

Hello,

I am about to buy E34 530i with 4.0 swap and in the listing, it is said, it has LSD so i thought its aftermarket one. Today, i decoded the VIN number (just for fun) and the car has an option "differential Lock 25%". Does that mean it has factory LSD? or its something completely different?

Thanks,
Šimon

[thenjnick]

Is it an auto trans? Easiest way would be to jack up the rear and spin the wheels, if they both spin the same direction you have an LSD. Another good clue would be to get underneath and look for the tag on the side towards the back, an LSD would begin with an S (for example S3.15) I understand this may not be possible without possession of the car but you may have to take their word for it.

If im not mistaken, the 530i automatics came with an open 3.15 ratio medium case. I don’t know about euro spec cars but also keep in mind if this was manual swapped it could be a whole different story as the 540, 740, M5, and 750 driveline shares the large case diff. Really depends on what was swapped over..


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[Šimon]

It is factory manual. I am going to pick the car today and i am bringing jack with me, so i can check the LSD and some other stuff under the car before i even buy it. I know the trick with the spinning wheels but that works only for clutch plate type LSD, torsen LSD can still rotate in different direction, when its not under load and the gears dont engage together. Well, we will see when i jack up the car.

[thenjnick]

It is factory manual. I am going to pick the car today and i am bringing jack with me, so i can check the LSD and some other stuff under the car before i even buy it. I know the trick with the spinning wheels but that works only for clutch plate type LSD, torsen LSD can still rotate in different direction, when its not under load and the gears dont engage together. Well, we will see when i jack up the car.

I see, well in that case check out the casting numbers. B40 with an LSD sounds like a fun setup. I would run one too if they weren’t so few and far between..


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[whiskychaser]

Should be a metal tab attached to one of the bolts on the diff. If it has a letter S on it, it is a LSD.

[danespann]

Lots of e34s have factory limited slip option. It wasn't even a very expensive option when selected on its own.

[dannyzabolotny]

It is factory manual. I am going to pick the car today and i am bringing jack with me, so i can check the LSD and some other stuff under the car before i even buy it. I know the trick with the spinning wheels but that works only for clutch plate type LSD, torsen LSD can still rotate in different direction, when its not under load and the gears dont engage together. Well, we will see when i jack up the car.

BMW didn't use torsen LSD's with the E34 as far as I know, they're all clutch type LSD's. I think the torsens started with Z3's

[Šimon]

Sooo hold and behold, it really has LSD. Both wheels spin in same direction. It was must buy situation for me anyway, rust free E34 (not even doors) with B40 and 5 speed manual and LSD is no-brainer. The engine has slight tick from top of the engine which could be lifters i guess (car wasnt driven for 1 year, master cylinder is leaking like crazy). Will check oil pump bolts, do some oil changes and hope it will get better. Thank guys for info. Now i am hopefully another proud owner of E34.