2008 Diff Swap - specific question

[Nova2013]

Hi All. I am a new z4 owner and I am swapping my 3.23 to 3.73. I have the old one out (parts labels and bagged). I am generally particular about that kind of stuff. HOWEVER, A spacer came out from the rear bolt and I am unsure which side of the mount it goes on. It is aluminum. Any help would be appreciated.

I attached a picture for reference. I looked up parts diagrams and haven’t gotten anywhere. Anyway. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nova2013]

Ok. I just put the new diff in and tightened the front bolts. There was a slight space where I ended up putting the shim ( see picture). Can someone verify this is correct? I feel pretty good but any help is appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[adam1985]

I think you have it in the correct place there is some discussion here https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76459
im sure GuidoK will be along to confirm

 

[Yorkie Z]

Yeah looks about right. How come you changed your diff?

 

[Jembo]

Yeah looks about right. How come you changed your diff?

Pretty serious first post compared to my bonnet sensor question... plus has pictures.

Welcome, am sure someone will be along to advise

 

[GuidoK]

The spacer needs to be placed indeed between the bushing and the mounting lug on the diff case:

 

[Nova2013]

Sorry guys. Been offline for a day or so. Thanks for the replies and info. I generally can’t leave well enough alone. No issue with the rear differential. Just wanted to taller gear ratio. The car is a 6 speed manual with a 3.23 ratio... went with a 3.73 to provide more torque. I finished last night and test drove it in the rain. So far, so good.

I also refinished the wheels (bad curb rash when I bought it). They look new and despite being time consuming, it was fairly easy.

I know there is a lot of discussion about repair manuals or lack thereof. I found a couple of posts with TIS manuals but I sure hate the format. Any other suggestions?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Nova2013]

A few pictures of the before and after of the wheels.

 

[GuidoK]

Also interesting to see that they changed the rear diff bolt in 2008. It has an unthreaded shaft. The earlier models had a full threaded shaft, which is weaker as I broke that one in the past.

 

[Nova2013]

Did not know that. Do you use an online TIS manual? Are mechanics able to purchase repair manuals that individuals cannot?

 

[GuidoK]

I sometimes use the online TIS (which is great, https://www.newtis.info/), but mostly I use the old DVD install TIS on one of my pc's, which I find easier to use.
(its mainly faster when clicking the links and the interface is a little bit different:

Sometimes I use the TIS part of ISTA-D (that also includes TIS), depends on if I have that program open on my pc.
TIS in ISTA:


As far as being able to purchase TIS: Nobody can do that except official BMW dealers.
All versions of TIS that we see (whether the online one or as an install on your pc) are pirated versions.
Everything you read/see/hear about TIS, ISTA, INPA, NCSexpert,WDS etc are all pirated versions as it is proprietory bmw (factory and dealer) software.

But the online TIS version should get you by in all workshop manual related stuff. That link also includes WDS (wiring diagram system)

 

[Liam22]

I also hate the TIS system.

I like to have service manual printed and in front of me for some jobs. Usually I just want torque values overlaid on an exploded diagram view (like Mazda do).

Any experience with this PDF offering?
https://www.emanualonline.com/Cars/BMW/Z-Models/Z4/2006-BMW-Z4-E85-and-E86-Service-and-Repair-Manual.html?currency=GBP

 

[Nova2013]

Thanks again. I haven’t purchased anything on eBay yet but plan to. I’ve enjoyed the forum. Look forward to learning a few things.