Hey! What is the final drive ratio of a 1990 535 E34 manual? I've been thinking of changing to a 3.46 from an E32, but I don't know if the gearing will be higher or lower, though I was hoping to lower it.
It's 3.46.
^Yep, it's 3.46 already. Most people upgrade manual 535i's with 3.73 or 3.91 gears. There is a formerly more frequent member named Stir Fry A Lot who went from the stock 3.46 to 3.64 and then again up to 3.73. I remember him saying that the difference between the 3.64 and 3.73 was much more noticeable than from 3.46 to 3.64, even though it was only half the difference.
In short: Don't waste your time and money on a 3.64 if you want shorter gearing...Go a little shorter.
Edit: I also just noticed that you said you want to go "lower" with the gearing. By that do you mean numerically or rationally?
Last edited by bigsixe34; 10-07-2011 at 08:35 AM.
The later model 535s came with a 3.64
BRENDAN - Put a SOHC in it!
It's non-LSD at the moment, that's the only reason I'm changing. Been thinking about a 3.91 from a M5.
I have LSD 2.93 ! I can get 180 km/h on the 3rd gear !
noup. 535 and m5 use same 210 size final drive and output shafts are same see here. it's bolt on. done that. but output shaft -> final drive bolts need change if use s38b38 final drive
Last edited by Heiska; 10-07-2011 at 01:41 PM.
some more info on final drive ratios for various models incl. E34 https://web.archive.org/web/20180306.../diffratio.htm
Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!
Yes, I realize this is an ancient post, but for the benefit of anyone finding this in the future...
US-market 535i used medium-case (188mm) diffs. Euro-market 535i and all M5 used large-case (210mm). Hence the Finnish member saying it'll work and the US member saying it won't. Your Market May Vary.
What about going to the 3.15? I'm a noob to LSDs.... it's a semi-expensive upgrade, what can someone expect from upgrading?
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