Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.
E85 Z4 diff swap
- GaryT
- Member
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 9:08 pm
- Location: Plymouth
E85 Z4 diff swap
E85 Z4 diff swap
I recently installed a Mfactory lsd in my E85 3.0, although there are a few threads on installing the lsd in the diff case, there was no guide on a Z4 diff swap that I could find, I had looked high and low on the Internet, so I thought I would post a thread of how i did it, to help those here wanting to install a lsd or simply to change differentials.
I was lucky enough to have a donor diff for the install of the mfactory lsd, so the following is just the diff swap as per topic title.
With several cups of tea and a good old cornish pasty it took me 6.5 hours in total.
Tools:
E12 torx socket x 3/8 drive plus extension & 3/8 x 1/2 drive adapter
13mm hex socket
16mm hex socket
18mm hex socket
21mm hex socket
Torque wrench
Scissor jack
Remove skid pan with aero duct for diff cooling - 8mm hex screws ?ft/lbs
Remove reinforcement plate - 13mm & 16mm nut ?ft/lbs & 2x8mm hex screw from heatshield
Remove pushrod bracket - 18mm nut ?ft/lbs
Remove Exhaust hangers and let it dangle - 13mm nut ?ft/lbs
Remove anti-roll bar - rear bracket 13mm nut & bolt (16 ft lbs), front bracket 13mm nut & bolt. (25 ft lbs)
Remove both pull rod braces - 18mm nut 57 ft-lbs, 13mm bolt 22 ft-lbs
Disconnect the input shaft from the differential - 4 E12 Torx Bolts 61 ft-lbs & disconnect output shafts and tie up withwire/string. Each axle has 6 E12 external Torx bolts 59 ft-lbs
Remove the Differential - Support the differential with a jack. The Differential is held by 3 bolts. 2x18mm bolts in the front & 1x21mm bolt on the rear. Remove the 2 front ones first, then remove the rear one. 18mm Bolts 70 ft-lbs, 21mm Bolt 128ft-lbs
Reversal for install of diff. Where i haven't stated a torque figure i just did them up to what i thought was appropriate because i couldnt find a torque figure online, any help with this would be appreciated.
Any comments or crticism welcome, I just hope this inspires people to do the lsd install as it really makes such a difference to how the car behaves
I recently installed a Mfactory lsd in my E85 3.0, although there are a few threads on installing the lsd in the diff case, there was no guide on a Z4 diff swap that I could find, I had looked high and low on the Internet, so I thought I would post a thread of how i did it, to help those here wanting to install a lsd or simply to change differentials.
I was lucky enough to have a donor diff for the install of the mfactory lsd, so the following is just the diff swap as per topic title.
With several cups of tea and a good old cornish pasty it took me 6.5 hours in total.
Tools:
E12 torx socket x 3/8 drive plus extension & 3/8 x 1/2 drive adapter
13mm hex socket
16mm hex socket
18mm hex socket
21mm hex socket
Torque wrench
Scissor jack
Remove skid pan with aero duct for diff cooling - 8mm hex screws ?ft/lbs
Remove reinforcement plate - 13mm & 16mm nut ?ft/lbs & 2x8mm hex screw from heatshield
Remove pushrod bracket - 18mm nut ?ft/lbs
Remove Exhaust hangers and let it dangle - 13mm nut ?ft/lbs
Remove anti-roll bar - rear bracket 13mm nut & bolt (16 ft lbs), front bracket 13mm nut & bolt. (25 ft lbs)
Remove both pull rod braces - 18mm nut 57 ft-lbs, 13mm bolt 22 ft-lbs
Disconnect the input shaft from the differential - 4 E12 Torx Bolts 61 ft-lbs & disconnect output shafts and tie up withwire/string. Each axle has 6 E12 external Torx bolts 59 ft-lbs
Remove the Differential - Support the differential with a jack. The Differential is held by 3 bolts. 2x18mm bolts in the front & 1x21mm bolt on the rear. Remove the 2 front ones first, then remove the rear one. 18mm Bolts 70 ft-lbs, 21mm Bolt 128ft-lbs
Reversal for install of diff. Where i haven't stated a torque figure i just did them up to what i thought was appropriate because i couldnt find a torque figure online, any help with this would be appreciated.
Any comments or crticism welcome, I just hope this inspires people to do the lsd install as it really makes such a difference to how the car behaves
- ekimj10
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1292
- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:48 pm
- Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Re: E85 Z4 diff swap
You have made it sound a fairly simple job, but an excellent write up/pictures nonetheless.
I'm assuming it was done at home without the aid of a high-lift garage jack?
Thanks for sharing.
I'm assuming it was done at home without the aid of a high-lift garage jack?
Thanks for sharing.
2.2R Toledo Blue
- Brasseye
- Member
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:06 am
- Location: Surrey
Re: E85 Z4 diff swap
Great write up...
Shame the e89 35i didn't have lsd.
Thanks for sharing
Shame the e89 35i didn't have lsd.
Thanks for sharing
- Grumpyowl
- Lifer
- Posts: 3438
- Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2013 8:00 pm
- Location: North East Derbyshire
Re: E85 Z4 diff swap
Not something I'm planning to do, but good job well done
Good write up too
Good write up too
- GaryT
- Member
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 9:08 pm
- Location: Plymouth
Re: E85 Z4 diff swap
Hi, im lucky enough to have access to a pit, but i know Yorkie did his on ramps in a carpark lolekimj10 wrote:You have made it sound a fairly simple job, but an excellent write up/pictures nonetheless.
I'm assuming it was done at home without the aid of a high-lift garage jack?
Thanks for sharing.
- Bazoz4
- Member
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2014 8:42 pm
- Location: West Yorkshire, Leeds
Re: E85 Z4 diff swap
Great write up and pics, thanks for sharing. Baz
2007 Z4 2.0 Roadster Montego Blue euro N46
2009 Hyundai Coupe S111 2.0 Silver
K5 Suzuki GSXR 1000 Blue and White Bike
All in use Z4 and Bike dry days only
2009 Hyundai Coupe S111 2.0 Silver
K5 Suzuki GSXR 1000 Blue and White Bike
All in use Z4 and Bike dry days only
- AaronMaguire
- Newbie
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:39 pm
- Location: Melbourne
E85 Z4 diff swap
This is perfect to find this.
My Diff has just failed on me and I need to change it but I can't find any manuals on the process.
Time to find a pit garage to hire.
Great write up although quite daunting. lol
My Diff has just failed on me and I need to change it but I can't find any manuals on the process.
Time to find a pit garage to hire.
Great write up although quite daunting. lol
MY04 Z4 3.0 Manual.
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
-
- Lifer
- Posts: 3223
- Joined: Sun Feb 10, 2019 2:10 pm
- Location: Bristol/Bath
E85 Z4 diff swap
My local garage did a diff swap on an E85 for £100 cash. I do lot’s of jobs myself, but was very happy to pay this to avoid the hassle as I don’t have a pit.AaronMaguire wrote: ↑Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:52 pm This is perfect to find this.
My Diff has just failed on me and I need to change it but I can't find any manuals on the process.
Time to find a pit garage to hire.
Great write up although quite daunting. lol
Alpina Roadster S Lux no. 204 (1 of 15 uk cars in Alpina Blue)
Previous Z4’s :E89 30i, E89 20i, E85 3.0Si (X4) E85 3.0i, E86 3.0 Si, E85 2.5si, E85 2.5i
Previous Z4’s :E89 30i, E89 20i, E85 3.0Si (X4) E85 3.0i, E86 3.0 Si, E85 2.5si, E85 2.5i
- AaronMaguire
- Newbie
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:39 pm
- Location: Melbourne
E85 Z4 diff swap
Wow I wish it was that cheap over here in Melbourne. I'm struggling to find a diff. the 3.07 is super rare and the 3.46 is more available. The LSD over here is like hens teeth. haha.
MY04 Z4 3.0 Manual.
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
- AaronMaguire
- Newbie
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:39 pm
- Location: Melbourne
E85 Z4 diff swap
Anyone had issues with fitting 3.46:1 ratio Diffs to a 3.0 manual that takes the 3.07 as standard?
MY04 Z4 3.0 Manual.
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
- AaronMaguire
- Newbie
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:39 pm
- Location: Melbourne
E85 Z4 diff swap
So, a 330i M54 3.46 diff does NOT fit a 2004 e85 3.0 manual z4.
My mechanic has just informed me today and the diff I bought from BMs R US refuse to refund.
This totally sucks
My mechanic has just informed me today and the diff I bought from BMs R US refuse to refund.
This totally sucks
MY04 Z4 3.0 Manual.
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
MY19 Skoda Octavia VRS
- Madcatgrafix
- Newbie
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2022 11:36 pm
E85 Z4 diff swap
Great write up. Actually looking for a lower geared 2.2i diff unit myself, to fit a new lsd into, to perk up my 3l.
2003 Z4 3l winter runabout
2013 370z motorsport (my long term project)
2004 mx5 svt turbo tracktoy
2013 370z motorsport (my long term project)
2004 mx5 svt turbo tracktoy