Where to get differential seals for 2006 Z4M.

jontZ4M

Member
Hi guys

My next job is to replace the front and side seals on the differential (front is leaking). I'm new to BMW, any idea how I go about locating these OE parts please?

Thanks
 
Ring any BMW dealer with the part numbers.

Or search for online retailers using the part numbers.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BT92-EUR-03-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_M32&diagId=33_1142
 
The OEM input seal on the front of the diff is known leaker, you might want to go with something that seals better.
Racingdiffs has had their own seals made up for the front and side bearings, the seal spring is a thicker on theirs.
 

Attachments

  • 23.JPG
    23.JPG
    114.8 KB · Views: 840
  • all 3.JPG
    all 3.JPG
    152.6 KB · Views: 840
Thanks guys. Also we do have a link to the official Z4M service manual on the forum somewhere? I've had a search but couldn't see it.
 
Update:

I spoke to Racingdiffs. Their seal and bearing package is about £300 all in, which I'm sure is perfectly good value.

But as for the time being I only want to change the front seal or maybe all 3 seals, I think I'll phone BMW to see how much I can get the OE seals for.
 
Guys, just planning ahead: when it comes to removing the flanges shown in the pic attached, I assume they are slip yokes, and just need pulling out? Any Do's or Do Not's that we know of? Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.png
    Untitled.png
    150.2 KB · Views: 739
You could try bearingkits.co.uk for the seals. I don't know for sure if they will sell seals separately, but I had a long chat with Mark (the owner I think) when I bought a full kit recently, and he was very helpful. Worth a call.

The flanges on my E86 3.0SI are pull out allowing access to the seals, as have most of the ones I've seen on various videos. They just tapped out with a suitable longish drift. Some have a bolted bearing retainer plate with the seal in it but the the drive flanges and this plate still pull out.
 
jontZ4M said:
Guys, just planning ahead: when it comes to removing the flanges shown in the pic attached, I assume they are slip yokes, and just need pulling out? Any Do's or Do Not's that we know of? Thanks.
The side flanges just pop out with pry bar or large screw driver, the front flange will need a 2-3 jaw puller or at least mine did.
 
You are probably aware of this but just in case... Make sure you mark the position of the pinion nut and number of turns before you take it off. Put it back in exactly the same place. If you overtighten you will change the crush spacer and the preload, the setting of which is critical for the life of the diff.
 
Do we have a service manual available for the Z4M guys? I've had a search but can;t find anything decent. Need to get the bolt torque values from somewhere. Thanks.
 
You’ll find the part number list in my thread. Again.. if you’re swapping bearings, you’ll need a shim kit. It never goes back the same way. Either that or get someone who’s qualified to do the work. Summit racing have all the bits.
 
Vanne said:
You’ll find the part number list in my thread. Again.. if you’re swapping bearings, you’ll need a shim kit. It never goes back the same way. Either that or get someone who’s qualified to do the work. Summit racing have all the bits.

I know I should take it to a proper mechanic to do this (I've even got £2k of warranty to use up) but I really want to give it a shot myself, as I love learning these things, as long as it's within a DIYer's skill limit.

I was only planning to change the pinion oil seal, nothing else.

I've played with Nissan diffs but nothing else. I assumed this diff would be similar in design.

As far as I understand, all I need to do is:
1) remove diff from car
2) mark pinion nut position and it's current torque
3) remove nut and pinion flange
4) remove oil seal(carefully)
5) clean it up
6) refit new seal
7) refit flange, tighten pinion nut to original position and torque +5 lbs/ft
8) put diff on car and torque prop and driveshaft bolts (if I ever manage to find the torque settings).

Does anyone think I've got this wrong or have somehow miss-understood the Z4 diff procedure?

Thanks a lot!
 
FYI I've managed to find some info on the transmission bolt torque settings, not sure how reliable they are though. Difficulty finding Z4M torque settings in general is worrying me.

Pic 1 is from a E46 M3 website.

Pic 2 is from a generic Z4 service manual.
 

Attachments

  • 1.png
    1.png
    116.3 KB · Views: 555
  • 2.png
    2.png
    102.4 KB · Views: 555
Not sure if this is going to show up but some good numbers.
http://sawashie.free.fr/M3/TorqueSpec/E46%20M3%20TORQUE%20SPECS%20LR.pdf
 
jontZ4M said:
grannyknot said:
if this is going to show up but some good n

Well found! fingers crossed those settings will tally with that I have found. Now just need some time to get on with it!

If you PM me I can give you a link to the actual BMW service manuals online when I get home tomorrow or Wednesday.
 
Back
Top Bottom