E85 Z4 diff swap

GaryT

Active member
 Plymouth
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
IMG101.jpg

Remove reinforcement plate - 13mm & 16mm nut ?ft/lbs & 2x8mm hex screw from heatshield
IMG102.jpg

Remove pushrod bracket - 18mm nut ?ft/lbs
img103.png

Remove Exhaust hangers and let it dangle - 13mm nut ?ft/lbs
IMG105.jpg
IMG104.jpg

Remove anti-roll bar - rear bracket 13mm nut & bolt (16 ft lbs), front bracket 13mm nut & bolt. (25 ft lbs)
img106.png

Remove both pull rod braces - 18mm nut 57 ft-lbs, 13mm bolt 22 ft-lbs
img103.png

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
img107.png

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 :thumbsup:
 
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.
 
ekimj10 said:
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.

Hi, im lucky enough to have access to a pit, but i know Yorkie did his on ramps in a carpark lol

IMG_4054.jpg
 
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
 
AaronMaguire said:
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 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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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