E36 Identifying Differential

[tcblenny]

Hello all,

I have a 1997 318i M44 auto , and I'm looking for a spare differential and I'm looking at one that's got a " S3.45 8861 " on the differential tag thats from an 1992 318is manual.

It does have two of the " ears " for mounting and listed as a small case.

I was wondering if this would work with my car.. I've tried matching up a part number to the 318is differential by browsing the 318is rear axles section on realoem but no results.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated!

Lots of love.

[flyfishvt]

Your 318 auto has a dif that is 4.44 or very close to that. Swapping in a 3.45 dif will turn your car into a turtle. The gearing will rob you of most of the power that little 4 cylinder makes. It will be like driving a 2 cylinder engine.

[jclausen]

Exactly right and why do you need a spare diff