Open diff vs lsd

[fabianzam]

Hello people! My 1990 e30 that I bought came with a rear whining noise, definitely the differential...locally there's a guy selling two different diffs, a z3 open differential with 80k miles, and a lsd with 140k from an e30 each for 200, I don't really know which one would be the best choice, mine works but it gets loud, and its not the bearing because i can hear them too, my lsd has more that 350k miles, I think for the price is worth the try?...which one would you go for, I want to do normal driving no racing or drifting

[richardodn]

What are the gear ratios? Likely would be the LSD from the e30 as long as it isn't the small case ones used in the 318i.

[Elvir]

Hello people! My 1990 e30 that I bought came with a rear whining noise, definitely the differential...locally there's a guy selling two different diffs, a z3 open differential with 80k miles, and a lsd with 140k from an e30 each for 200, I don't really know which one would be the best choice, mine works but it gets loud, and its not the bearing because i can hear them too, my lsd has more that 350k miles, I think for the price is worth the try?...which one would you go for, I want to do normal driving no racing or drifting

Why do not you try it with oil? My diff also works fine but have whining noise. I put Motul 75w90 and and the noise down and do not worry too much.

[fabianzam]

Both have 3.73 ratio

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That's the first thing I tried when I bought he car :/

[aaverhulst]

Since you drive reasonable and live where the snow does not get too deep, I would go with the the 80,000 mile one.

[fabianzam]

https://youtu.be/NTlBPkgxRLE

[fabianzam]

Finally someone helped me while I looked under the car

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I notice wheels both turn opposite ways so I have a open diff, can they wear out like that??

[fabianzam]

Up

[82eye]

short answer




grab them all...



in reality get the lsd tho and rebuild or refresh it along with your original diff. its not that hard. i've done bmw and other ls diffs including gear changes and if i can swing it anyone can

[82eye]

I notice wheels both turn opposite ways so I have a open diff, can they wear out like that??

yes. but likely it is an open diff. pop rear cover to confirm, i always do this when buying an ls diff now if it's off the car or i walk.


edit: oops read that a bit wrong, actually don't pop the cover unless removing diff to work on lol
if the rear wheels are off the ground you can get helper and try the ls test

[fabianzam]

yes. but likely it is an open diff. pop rear cover to confirm, i always do this when buying an ls diff now if it's off the car or i walk.


edit: oops read that a bit wrong, actually don't pop the cover unless removing diff to work on lol
if the rear wheels are off the ground you can get helper and try the ls test

i meant to say i lifted the car and i checked, they spin different ways, so i currently have and open diff

so update...i went to see them today, and i bought the z3 differential, it felt tight when i turned it, it felt right, i gave it a spin and they went the same way and i bought it right away. the guy didn't let it go for less than $250, but only because he thought it was an open diff, come up?


any imput on the vid?

[82eye]

they will pretty much always spin the same off the car

edit: you will have to swap output flanges. super easy. they just pop out and back in. there's a little spring clip as well.