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Thread: E46 Diff Options

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    tampa, FL
    Posts
    19
    My Cars
    1995 325i

    E46 Diff Options

    I just picked up an 03 325i I'm setting up primarily for a short 2nd gear track (OSW skid pad), and the goal is to be able to keep up in tandem with higher hp cars.
    I believe this can be achieved with grip and gearing .. Suspension parts are ordered, time for diff/subframe prep.

    For reference I drove this track with a 2.93 welded & a 3.91 welded in my last e36. - 2.93 sucked obviously & 3.91 basically sat on limiter in second, but I used to drive on clapped used tires all the time. I imagine a 3.91 with decent grip would make for a fast car.

    So my question is, should I fiddling around looking for an x3 or z4 diff? Or is the e46 auto 3.46 enough to party with?

    Having trouble finding one local, and the ones I have found are $3-400..

    Here's the diff chart from bokchoy -

    These cars have pretty narrow final drive ratio options, but from what I've gathered
    z4/x3 pumpkins are smaller but will bolt into 323i/325i/328i when you swap output shafts.
    - 330's need a driveshaft from one of these models to work.


    Model Final Drive Final drive from Automatic Equivalent
    E46
    323i / ci 3.07 3.46
    325i / ci 3.15 3.46
    328i / ci 2.93 3.46
    330i / ci 2.93 3.38
    330i 6sp 2.93 3.38
    330i zhp 3.07 3.64
    323cic 3.46 3.46
    325cic 3.46 3.46
    330cic 3.07 3.38
    330cic 6sp 3.07 3.38
    323i touring 3.46 3.46
    325i touring 3.46 3.46
    325xi /touring 3.23 3.46
    330xi 3.07 3.46
    330xi 6sp 3.07 3.46
    *M3 / conv 3.62 -
    E85 / E86
    Z4 2.5 (E85) 3.46 3.64
    Z4 3.0 (E85) 3.07 3.46
    Z4 3.0si (E85) 3.23 3.64
    *Z4 M3.2 (E85) 3.62 -
    Z4 3.0si (E86) 3.46 3.64
    *Z4 M3.2 (E86) 3.62 -
    E83
    **X3 2.5i 3.91 3.91
    **X3 3.0i 3.64 3.64
    **X3 3.0si 3.73 4.44


    Any input is appreciated. Thanks guys

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Lakeland Florida
    Posts
    1,482
    My Cars
    1999 328ic , 2002 325xi
    I have a welded E46 3.46 at the shop I could sell you.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    tampa, FL
    Posts
    19
    My Cars
    1995 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by Piner View Post
    I have a welded E46 3.46 at the shop I could sell you.
    Rad, if I hate it I'll find an x3/z4 diff. You driving the vert saturday?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Lakeland Florida
    Posts
    1,482
    My Cars
    1999 328ic , 2002 325xi
    The vert won't be ready by Saturday but I will be at Auburndale this Saturday. I could bring the diff with me if you are going. Sean said he wants $275 for it. I did the welding on it.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    tampa, FL
    Posts
    19
    My Cars
    1995 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by Piner View Post
    The vert won't be ready by Saturday but I will be at Auburndale this Saturday. I could bring the diff with me if you are going. Sean said he wants $275 for it. I did the welding on it.

    works, I'll message you on facebook but I'll be at adale saturday.

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