M3 diff installed in non-M Z4
- Thread starter v8z4
- Start date
pharmed said:
Depends on:
1- what you want
2- what you can get the M3 diff for
3- how much you can do yourself
For me:
1- I wanted the 3.64 gear, the larger/stronger diff (to deal with the LS7 swap), and wanted to run Porsche brakes front and rear.
2- I was able to purchase the entire M3 diff (with brakes) for $800 (£471).
3- I was able to do the entire install myself (zero install cost).
By contrast, the Z4 188mm LSD would have cost me over $1000 and I would have needed to pay someone to install the LSD into the diff (so $1500-$2000 in the end). For me, the M3 rear end was hands down the way to go. I plan to convert my wife's 325i to an M3 diff some time in the future.
For others who can't install the rear end themselves, don't need the extra gear, don't need extra strength, and/or don't care about larger rear brakes, the Z4 188mm LSD is probably a better option (most cost effective).
Completely agree.
But for me the m3 swap was to pricy for what I needed. I couldn't find a rear axle compleat and the bits + the prop where £1000 + and then I would have needed rebuilding + bushes. It was just too pricy!
But as I am not planing a LS7 swap it was not needed. I do plan a few extra ponies at some point. So I will address the brakes then.
But for me the m3 swap was to pricy for what I needed. I couldn't find a rear axle compleat and the bits + the prop where £1000 + and then I would have needed rebuilding + bushes. It was just too pricy!
But as I am not planing a LS7 swap it was not needed. I do plan a few extra ponies at some point. So I will address the brakes then.
If you can swap a complete rear end, install porsche brakes and whatnot, you can also install your own lsd.
But $800 for a complete m3 rear axle is very cheap. Expect to pay €1500 ($2000) in europe for a complete rear axle with work (worn brakes or other stuff)
But $800 for a complete m3 rear axle is very cheap. Expect to pay €1500 ($2000) in europe for a complete rear axle with work (worn brakes or other stuff)
GuidoK said:
Yes, you can install the LSD, if you have the tools. I don't have the huge snap ring pliers to take the 188mm diff apart, plus I don't have access to the shims (don't know if GM or Ford shims would work).
Here in the US, m3 duffs show up for sale on eBay between $1000-$1200 all the time.
You can't adjust backlash. The components are made with such precision that that isn't necessary. You only verify backlash to check if the ring/pinion gear is worn and then you have to replace that (probably replacing the diff)
You can adjust some alignment with the tension on the front pinion shaft, but that is not a typical adjustment to control backlash.
But there are no shims between the outer bearing race and the large c clip (that would be the way to shim it if needed). There is also hardly any play between those. Somehow bmw got that fitted pretty tight and adjustment free.
Also a good lsd is within tolerance; no shimming is needed. My quaife was well within tolerance (backlash was pretty much on the minimum side after 100k km). So both the quaife unit and bmw diff were well matched.
I wonder if the (e46) m3 diff (210) is backlash adjustable/shimmable; there certainly isn't a procedure for it in TIS. The last adjustable /serviceable diffs (officially) where on the e36. After that it's all non serviceable according to bmw (so sadly no official spare parts either except for the oil seals etc)
You can adjust some alignment with the tension on the front pinion shaft, but that is not a typical adjustment to control backlash.
But there are no shims between the outer bearing race and the large c clip (that would be the way to shim it if needed). There is also hardly any play between those. Somehow bmw got that fitted pretty tight and adjustment free.
Also a good lsd is within tolerance; no shimming is needed. My quaife was well within tolerance (backlash was pretty much on the minimum side after 100k km). So both the quaife unit and bmw diff were well matched.
I wonder if the (e46) m3 diff (210) is backlash adjustable/shimmable; there certainly isn't a procedure for it in TIS. The last adjustable /serviceable diffs (officially) where on the e36. After that it's all non serviceable according to bmw (so sadly no official spare parts either except for the oil seals etc)
Quite luckily I managed to obtain a complete rear axle off an e46 M3 for £100 delivered including the diff from a Welsh chap on ebay. Also a 6-speed box for £150 delivered. The hardest part to obtain was the Z4m propshaft. This set me back the most at 180 delivered. I don't know if it was sheer luck but you may find some for this kind of money.
I fitted all myself and installed all new powerflex bushes so no install charges. It completely transformed the car.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
I fitted all myself and installed all new powerflex bushes so no install charges. It completely transformed the car.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
sammysquid
Member
Alun1976 said:
how did you manage that! that's crazy
v8z4 said:Alun1976 said:
Admit it, you stole it....
It was a steal at that price! It was only advertised on ebay for literally an hour or so and I got lucky and snapped it up quickly. I even spoke to the chap who was selling it and I actually got the feeling that he was really happy and that he thought he was getting a good price for the rear axle. I remember being quite nervous waiting for delivery as it was literally too good to be true. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
sammysquid
Member
I'm trying to resist some comment about such a cheap price and the fact you're from Liverpool.... really struggling...
I think its because I'm very jealous of such a bargain!
I think its because I'm very jealous of such a bargain!