2000 e39 528i Speed Swap Questions// New to Bimmer Fourms

[Drewboy07]

Other than 5th being a bit short, mine did just fine with the 3.46 rear. The engine doesn’t care about sitting at 3250 holding 70 mph for an extended period of time.

How would you describe the driving experience from the 2.93 vs 3.46. And how was your mpgs as well with the 3.46

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[BMW540san]

Not sure if you've used this simple calculator or similar but it's invaluable tool in making decision which diff to go with.
You can check what rpms are at what speed and in what gear. Very useful in making a decision because you will know ahead of time what to expect and especially if your primary use will be back roads, interstare or whatever.
I've used it in my build and ended up with 3.15 which works perfect for me.
Your tranny gears may have different ratios so that is why it's so useful to check it before buying a diff:

https://spicerparts.com/calculators/...rpm-calculator

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...the-Diff-Charm

[Drewboy07]

Not sure if you've used this simple calculator or similar but it's invaluable tool in making decision which diff to go with.
You can check what rpms are at what speed and in what gear. Very useful in making a decision because you will know ahead of time what to expect and especially if your primary use will be back roads, interstare or whatever.
I've used it in my build and ended up with 3.15 which works perfect for me.
Your tranny gears may have different ratios so that is why it's so useful to check it before buying a diff:

https://spicerparts.com/calculators/...rpm-calculator

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...the-Diff-Charm

Thanks for this link. I only bought the 2.93 for the flange which I was going to swap and keep the 3.46 after much reading. Just got not sure if I'll like the driving results and the 2.93 is what every body hates.

Do you have a good link to a Pinon flange diy to swap it on the diffs?

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[BMW540san]

Thanks for this link. I only bought the 2.93 for the flange which I was going to swap and keep the 3.46 after much reading. Just got not sure if I'll like the driving results and the 2.93 is what every body hates.

Do you have a good link to a Pinon flange diy to swap it on the diffs?

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Sorry, no link but if IIRC, it's easy swap. I'm sure you can find something on internet or on youtube.
My 3.15 is also from 03 525 MT and I remember reading somwhere that BMW used that instead of 2.93 in 530 MT because of more anemic 2.5 vs 3.0 M54 to give it extra pep.
I liked 3.46 at begining and it was great for backroads but I hated it for any interstate 80mph drives.
Again, I have 5 speed MT from E36 M3 so I can't remember if it has same or similar gear ratios as as your tranny.
That is why it's important to use that calculator IMO.

[harribert]

Sorry, no link but if IIRC, it's easy swap. I'm sure you can find something on internet or on youtube.
My 3.15 is also from 03 525 MT and I remember reading somwhere that BMW used that instead of 2.93 in 530 MT because of more anemic 2.5 vs 3.0 M54 to give it extra pep.
I liked 3.46 at begining and it was great for backroads but I hated it for any interstate 80mph drives.
Again, I have 5 speed MT from E36 M3 so I can't remember if it has same or similar gear ratios as as your tranny.
That is why it's important to use that calculator IMO.

I dumped the G250 in favor of the ZHP GS6 for that reason. Works out perfectly well with the 3.46 in a 6-cylinder E39.

[Drewboy07]

Sorry, no link but if IIRC, it's easy swap. I'm sure you can find something on internet or on youtube.
My 3.15 is also from 03 525 MT and I remember reading somwhere that BMW used that instead of 2.93 in 530 MT because of more anemic 2.5 vs 3.0 M54 to give it extra pep.
I liked 3.46 at begining and it was great for backroads but I hated it for any interstate 80mph drives.
Again, I have 5 speed MT from E36 M3 so I can't remember if it has same or similar gear ratios as as your tranny.
That is why it's important to use that calculator IMO.

I looked at that calculator but didn't know what to input for the last box asking about the transmission ratio. Which ratio is it asking for?

On the flange. I'm just not sure if there is any special tool or torque spec I need to worry about. A guy told me that the pinion bearing can be crushed if too much torque is applied.

I may just put the 2.93 in there to have a base line then try the 3.46 since I have them both already.

I should be starting my swap this week

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[BMW540san]

- - - Updated - - -

I looked at that calculator but didn't know what to input for the last box asking about the transmission ratio. Which ratio is it asking for?

On the flange. I'm just not sure if there is any special tool or torque spec I need to worry about. A guy told me that the pinion bearing can be crushed if too much torque is applied.

I may just put the 2.93 in there to have a base line then try the 3.46 since I have them both already.

I should be starting my swap this week

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It's asking for particular gear ratio of your tranny. 1st, 2nd etc...
Just google your tranny part # and you'll probably find info for each gear ratio.
Then you input the gear ratio number in that box and it tells you the speed in each gear depending on rpms.
It's a great way to find out max speed in each gear at redline.

[KeysCoupe]

I looked at that calculator but didn't know what to input for the last box asking about the transmission ratio. Which ratio is it asking for?

On the flange. I'm just not sure if there is any special tool or torque spec I need to worry about. A guy told me that the pinion bearing can be crushed if too much torque is applied.

I may just put the 2.93 in there to have a base line then try the 3.46 since I have them both already.

I should be starting my swap this week

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Unless you’re setup with the tools and experience, I would recommend not attempting to swap pinion flanges on your diff. These are very close tolerance on pinion preload and slightly too tight or too loose will quickly destroy the pinion bearings.
Just drop in the 2.93 diff and enjoy your 5 speed. If you have to have a different ratio, like a 3.46, and the input flange doesn’t match the driveshaft, I have swapped the rear half of the driveshaft to match the diff. You do have to make sure they are the same length, and just as importantly, have to match the phasing of the u-joints.
-Donny

[Drewboy07]

Unless you’re setup with the tools and experience, I would recommend not attempting to swap pinion flanges on your diff. These are very close tolerance on pinion preload and slightly too tight or too loose will quickly destroy the pinion bearings.
Just drop in the 2.93 diff and enjoy your 5 speed. If you have to have a different ratio, like a 3.46, and the input flange doesn’t match the driveshaft, I have swapped the rear half of the driveshaft to match the diff. You do have to make sure they are the same length, and just as importantly, have to match the phasing of the u-joints.
-Donny

Solid advice Donny. You all have been helpful thats sure

It's really just not worth the headache trying to piece it together. I read about swapping driveshafts but read about possible vibrations as well.

I will definitely try it out then got from there.



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[Drewboy07]

Justa quick update

Finally got that automatic pig out last night.
Also have the shifter out as well

After work today I will install rear main seal, dual mass, pressure plate clutch pilot bearing, Pedals.

Possibly rear 2.93 diff if I have time. If not I will save for tomorrow

If any one needs a good running 130k miles trans let me know. IMG_20230130_191200_357.jpg20230130_201606.jpg

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