Getting a new differential?...LSD needed?

[unknown01]

Hey guys,

I emailed Dan from diffsonline.com (He replied really quickly and thoroughly, really nice), anyway, he suggested a 3.46 differential for my 01 330Ci. I think I have a 2.93 right now, and I basically just want better acceleration without too much of an RPM jump for 70mph cruising... What do you think?

Either way, I have to decide whether to get an LSD or not. Its over twice the price for the 40% clutch pack LSD ($1100 for the open diff and $2300 for the LSD), and I dont really plan on autocrossing anytime soon.
Is it really worth it to get the LSD, or a lower geared diff in general?

Any input=thanks

[Cereal Killa]

LSD is great. It helps with accleration, turning, and traction. If you enjoy a spirited drive I would go for the LSD.

[theruss1an1]

What do you do with the car? If you are an average driver the open will get you around. An lsd is more performance orientated. DL that chart on Dans site that will tell you the mph and the rpms you will be at with the x.xx diff.

-Serge

[unknown01]

Wow that chart sure is great. I messed around with it for about 10 minutes and I think the 3.38 or 3.46 would be best for me.

My driving is mostly around town. Probably 50% freeway and 50% windy roads. I may want to do autocross a bit later down the road. Is an LSD needed for that?

[xatlas0]

Wow that chart sure is great. I messed around with it for about 10 minutes and I think the 3.38 or 3.46 would be best for me.

My driving is mostly around town. Probably 50% freeway and 50% windy roads. I may want to do autocross a bit later down the road. Is an LSD needed for that?

You would have far cheaper results if you make a run at a pick-n-pull to see if you can find an E46 LSD. A LSD is virtually a must for an Auto-X.

[Kevlar]

Is it needed ... No.

Do you want one ... Yes.

[bonk]

If you never break traction with your rear tires, and honestly have no plans to autocross, then sure, save some money.

But if you can afford it, an LSD makes a rather significant difference in the way your car will perform when driven aggressively. You'll be able to launch harder and power out of corners with much more speed and control. You also get the added benefit of more traction in non-ideal conditions--no more onewheelpeel...

One minor drawback is that it will be easier to spin the car out. But with greater power comes greater responsibility ;)

[shogungtp]

Like atlas said go to a pull&save and get the lsd. It make a world of difference in the every day traction with the car.

[Tangent]

Which E46s came with LSD? I assume the M3s did, but did any others?

[nordique14]

Only the M models come with LSDs now. The E46 M3 LSD will not be a direct swap with a non-M model. You would have to replace a good portion of the rear end to do that. Probably cheaper to get Dan to make you an LSD.

If you are the kind of guy who normally drives around with the ACS/DSC turned on, then it is probably something you would probably not get much benefit out of on the street. If you autox, then the LDS will help put the power down and in the corners (if you turn the ASC/DSC off).

Another thing to consider is that if you ever plan on selling it, a non-LSD diff will sell for peanuts while an LSD version will maintain more of its original value.

[unknown01]

Only the M models come with LSDs now. The E46 M3 LSD will not be a direct swap with a non-M model. You would have to replace a good portion of the rear end to do that. Probably cheaper to get Dan to make you an LSD.

If you are the kind of guy who normally drives around with the ACS/DSC turned on, then it is probably something you would probably not get much benefit out of on the street. If you autox, then the LDS will help put the power down and in the corners (if you turn the ASC/DSC off).

Another thing to consider is that if you ever plan on selling it, a non-LSD diff will sell for peanuts while an LSD version will maintain more of its original value.

Yeah I think the e46 LSD would be a good idea but it is not just a conventional LSD. I read somewhere that it has pressure regulators or some computer intervention to manipulate the slip depending on the driving conditions.
I dont have any plans of selling the car any time soon. I'm keeping it for at least 4 more years while I'm at college then I'll need it as a daily driver (Thats why I wouldn't supercharge it, because it would sacrifice reliability)
Thanks for the input

[metale]

I've heard great things about LSDs. No doubt they will be better.

Still, after I saw a video of a stock 330ci doing some twists on a track (a red car, the video is in german), I felt it's not something we can't live without. Of course, having not driven one, can't tell for shure.

For me it wouldn't benefict me much. I have only 190nm torque, and I can put it on the ground without problems unless it's wet.

[Alpine 318is]

If you think you will autocross some day i would go for the LSD

[silver3er]

I would go for the LSD, and Dan is the best person to deal with. I bought a 3.23 unit from him and performed flawlessly. He's great guy and very knowledgable. I love my LSD and will never own another car without one again. SO MUCH FUN!!!