Welded differential?

[ignignot]

550i 6MT, 2.93 diff

I called a shop about a quaife LSD and they said they needed to check my VIN with quaife to make sure my differential is bolted and not welded. Can someone help me understand what part might be welded on? My ring gear?

He also said I can't buy the bearings if they get ruined I have to try to get a set from a wrecker, is that true?

[bluptgm3]

Somone like Diffs Online might supply the proper bearings, however I suspect that you could take them to a bearing supply house and at least order the matching bearings.


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[pbonsalb]

I know bolted ring gear vs welded ring gear is an issue on E90 335i, but know nothing about E60 diffs. What shop are you talking to? Diffsonline? VAC? https://m.facebook.com/globalwanganstyle?

[ignignot]

Im not going to throw out thier name but im curious if there is a way for me to check my vin and see if its a welded ring gear in mine or not.

[pbonsalb]

I am not sure that works. You might have to open it up and look. If you were going to use a shop, just find one that has done the job and can machine off a welded ring gear and drill/tap bolt holes to bolt the ring gear if needed. Or a shop that will sell you one already done.

[ignignot]

I actually wanted to try building it up myself and just taking it to the mechanics to use his press/lift. Im starting with a spare differential so there's no time constraint or requirement i ever finish even.

[pbonsalb]

Then open it up and have a look. If it is welded, close it up, swap it with the one in your car and have a look at that one to see if it is bolted. If both are welded then you will need more machine shop services to machine the welded gear off, shim to compensate, and precise drilling and tapping.

If it was me, I would continue asking if there is any way to pare down the welded/bolted categories. I’d probably try other forums, like 5 series dot net and N54tech dot com (assuming V8 and I6 turbo use the same diff), and any bmw diff shops that will take the time to give you info. Maybe you will learn that an early or a late year is definitely bolted or welded, for example.