Will an E36 differential fit?

[Isaacus]

There's a 1993 325IS in the junkyard with a medium case differential on it that appears to have the same input shaft, but I still don't know if it'll work on my 1990 525i with a worn out diff.

So does anyone know if it will? Thanks!

[85rx12a]

i recently picked up a tranny from a 1993 325 and the output shaft was a differant size than the one in my car a 1992 525i. mine and the 1993 325 share the M50 motor though. this is a tough call but im accually going to say i think it will, but you better wait for someone w/ a little more confident reply, cause im not sure. i know if it does then youll be getting a differant final drive ratio. should be for the better i think...

[kalevera]

The gearset will work in any E34/E32 medium case, but the E36 case doesn't bolt into any E34/E32. So it'd have to be rebuilt, in an E32/E34 medium case. Might as well rebuild your existing unit.

If you get that unit, be sure it's from an automatic. The manual E36 325 rear end is too tall (for any M20 NA car).

[Isaacus]

Thanks for the info. I'm replacing it because it sounds like the input shaft bearing is going bad. There's no slop back there from a worn set of gears, but there is a distinct medium and low pitch combined whining. I've already changed the fluid and it made no improvement.

If I replaced the input shaft/bearing would that work?

[kalevera]

If I replaced the input shaft/bearing would that work?

Most people would turn up the stereo :)

You can DIY a rear end rebuild, but the results will be all over the map, because setting pinion preload is an art. Other than that it helps to have a good press.

By the way, I still have the 4.10 limited slip from my Touring sitting around. Bolt and go for your car. It's shorter than the 3.73 that a '90 525iM would have had from the factory. Currently $270 shipped anywhere in the lower 48 (link in my SIG).