E46 M3 lsd swap

[Oshin02]

Has anyone attempted to swap in an e46 m3 lsd into a 330ci or any none "M" e46? A better question would be is this possible or, what is required for the swap?

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Rogue Engineering did it on their E46 325 wagon.

[samir@technik]

Yep, we did it on our 330 sedan. You need:

M3 Diff + Carrier
M3 Axles
M3 Driveshaft

If you're in LA, we can do the swap for you.

[sheefo2k]

why not a kazz dif?

[Gilb3rt0]

Im about to try this out on tuesday. I dont know why I was under the impression that I needed the full m3 rear subframe. Oh well cant wait.

[Oshin02]

Are u just slapping on the lsd + the carrier or do u have to get the m3 drive shaft and axels?

[samir@technik]

why not a kazz dif?

The M3's diff is larger, more durable and offers shorter gearing. But going with a Kazz isn't a bad choice, just a different type of LSD.

[samir@technik]

Here's a shot of the retrofit on a 330 (note the diff, carrier, axles and driveshaft):

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={DB2DAE6B-90E0-42CD-8378-0D602F1ADCFF}&exp=f&moddt=38501.1075142361">

[Nt_loader]

Yep, we did it on our 330 sedan. You need:

M3 Diff + Carrier
M3 Axles
M3 Driveshaft

If you're in LA, we can do the swap for you.
How much does a swap like this cost?

[Oshin02]

Ya, how much will all that cost? Also, whats the ratio on the M3's diff. compaired with a ZHP's?

[ACS3 A.R.T]

M3 is 3.64 and zhp is 3.07 i think.

[Nt_loader]

Samir can you please give us a ball park figure on this install?

[ACS3 A.R.T]

I would also like to know....

[Solid]

Would this setup reduce the possiblity of subframe tear too? Pretty :pimpin:

[lee330sport]

Hmmmmmm, was gonna order a Kaaz diff this week, but might go this route now. :D

[Nt_loader]

If someone has done this swap, please let us know what pricing is like.

[crazy1323]

Samir, soed the new carrier have to be welded in or does it bolt up. If it just bolts up i will probably be doing this install soon. I really want 4.10 gears. also, why do you need the M3 driveshaft, can't you just change out the input flange?

[samir@technik]

How much does a swap like this cost?


All the parts are about $3K

[samir@technik]

Ya, how much will all that cost? Also, whats the ratio on the M3's diff. compaired with a ZHP's?

M3 = 3.62
ZHP = 3.07

[samir@technik]

Samir can you please give us a ball park figure on this install?

Changing the shaft, carrier, diff and axles is a good 10-12 hours...figure about $1000-$1200 to perform the swap. It's definitely more expensive than simply installing an LSD into your existing diff, but the benefits of installing the complete M3 rear subframe are well worth it.

[samir@technik]

Would this setup reduce the possiblity of subframe tear too? Pretty :pimpin:

Not sure.

[samir@technik]

Samir, soed the new carrier have to be welded in or does it bolt up. If it just bolts up i will probably be doing this install soon. I really want 4.10 gears. also, why do you need the M3 driveshaft, can't you just change out the input flange?

No welding, everything is straight bolt-on. The reason why you need a new driveshaft is due to the size of the M3 diff...it's slightly longer, so the standard driveshaft in the car will be too long. The M3's is shorter...you could probably also use the 6sp ZHP shaft as well.

[SpeedinBlueBimmer]

What are the additional benefits of the M3 setup vs an LSD that fits?

[jj269ci]

does the m3 driveshaft weigh less than the 3 series driveshaft?

[chmdrm]

For about the same money in parts and WAY less labour you can have pretty much any gear you want.

Jim Blanton at Performancegearing.com did mine, diff was a 100% bolt in, 4.10 LSD built to my spec.