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Thread: To Gasket or Not to Gasket

  1. #1
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    To Gasket or Not to Gasket

    Referring to the diff cover on a E46 M3. I've read where some techs prefer NOT to use a gasket and instead just use their fav compound/sealer.

    Input from experienced techs, please. Tks.

    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...66#33112282482
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  2. #2
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    If they make a gasket for it, and I can get the gasket, I use the gasket.

    When the above is not true, I use Victor Reinz Anthracite, or Toyobond, or Permatex UltraGrey.

    Chris Powell
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    If they make a gasket for it, and I can get the gasket, I use the gasket.

    When the above is not true, I use Victor Reinz Anthracite, or Toyobond, or Permatex UltraGrey.
    Do you ever make your own gasket? I have a "variety pack" that I have had forever, but have not used for any BMW work yet but Ive never done a BMW diif so I don't know what's on there. Pack has cork and paper stock, varying thicknesses, last two uses were for the carb to intake on a 1978 Ford 360, and the thermostat housing on a 90s Honda.

  4. #4
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    I had ordered the piece thinking if it's available, they must see a need.

    Bill, to save $4 I'm not about to cut out a gasket.
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


    WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI

  5. #5
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    Scott, I've heard of many people converting to a E36 large case lsd on the e46 as the e46 is a viscous type and not many people like it as the pump goes bad. But you probably know me too good to not even consider my points as everyone's aware I have never worked on a car beside a spark plug change, I think the gasket is the way forward.
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  6. #6
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    Thanks for the input, Wadi.
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


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  7. #7
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    Some extra feedback. I got a 4.1 rebuilt diff from Dan @diffsonline and he ships them without the back cover. I asked him if I should get the oem gasket since I had to transfer the back cover from my old diff and he said it's very thin paper gasket that doesn't do much and using a thin bead of black rtv is enough. So when I put the diff together I just used a thin bead of black rtv all the way around the back cover. Have been driving about 500 miles now with no issues/leaks.


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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by MauiM3Mania View Post
    I had ordered the piece thinking if it's available, they must see a need.

    Bill, to save $4 I'm not about to cut out a gasket.

    Usually not about saving any money, just about being able to the part installed without waiting for the special order part to get in.

  9. #9
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    Interestingly, MauiM3Mania, there's a current thread by "Tipsy McStagger" that asked about the orientation of the mounting bushing. Shadowpuck provided a link from Turner Motorsport, which just happened to address the cover sealing question. Their answer : either one...

    https://1c2a8a2161d644d95009-22d26b3...N_DIFF_E36.pdf

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  10. #10
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    I sourced a gasket with the cover and will leave it up to the tech doing the R&R. I don't have time or interest in messing with it.
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


    WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI

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