E39 Diff Options

[E39 LS1]

Hello everyone,
I've just bought a '99 E39 525i that I intend swapping an LS1 into. I've just spent the last week reading through posts but still have a few questions.
I want to upgrade the diff, but being in Australia, an M5 diff is not an option. Can I swap the diff from an E39 535i, 540i or even 740i. I intent to swap the whole diff cradle from the donor but am unclear if the mounting points are different or will it just bolt straight up?
Thanks

[BimmerBreaker]

You can swap those diffs, will require other supporting parts, but also note that NONE of the diffs (535/540/740) you mentioned are LSD except for the M5 diff. You'll have some trouble putting the power down...

[E39 LS1]

Thanks for the reply. I am required to have a V8 diff to have the car passed for registration I'll have to figure out the LSD swap later...

[pbonsalb]

A few have done Ford LSD conversions in E36. I would assume something like that could be done for the E39. One expensive E36 conversion uses a custom subframe. Others have adapted the stock one with custom welding.

Some of us, including me, have put old BMW large case diffs in the E36 just by welding an adapter onto the front/side of the stock subframe. I use an E32 750i 3.15 LSD, for example. Those are now hard to find at affordable prices so a domestic V8 diff might be better. Easier to rebuild and service as well.

[BimmerBreaker]

A few have done Ford LSD conversions in E36. I would assume something like that could be done for the E39. One expensive E36 conversion uses a custom subframe. Others have adapted the stock one with custom welding.

Some of us, including me, have put old BMW large case diffs in the E36 just by welding an adapter onto the front/side of the stock subframe. I use an E32 750i 3.15 LSD, for example. Those are now hard to find at affordable prices so a domestic V8 diff might be better. Easier to rebuild and service as well.

Off topic for OP, but there is a smart gentlemen working on a custom diff cover for the large case diffs that is supposed to convert them to bolt-in into a standard e36 rear subframe

[E39 LS1]

So, been doing more research and there is a company in Sydney that fits a Nissan R200 diff in an E46 subframe. They are charging $4,550 to mod your subframe and supply axles. I think I might be able to do something similar for a fraction of the price.

If anyone is interested the website is www.brintechcustoms.com.au

[pbonsalb]

If you can weld well or have a friend who can, lots of money could be saved. Make a jig since suspension mounting points attach and you don’t want alignment issues. Same with the diff input but you have a tiny bit of margin of error there.