M3 diff question

e.hilky · 12-14-2011, 11:11 AM

I have my 04 330ci and want a different diff in there. Is there any chance someone can chime in on if a m3 diff/lsd would fit in? Or is there something I'd have to do to make it work?

TxZHP04 · 12-14-2011, 11:48 AM

Popular question, seems to have been covered here 1000x before. The M3 diff isn't a direct drop in replacement for the non-M diff. For starters, it mounts differently. You can swap most of the M3 rear end over to make it work though. For more details, you'll need to search out the numerous prior discussions of this subject. Lots of good info to be found. In addition to the LSD, keep in mind the M3 diff has a 3.62 ratio compared to your stock 2.93 (assuming manual transmission) which is a little short for a 6500 rpm red line. Also keep in mind there are aftermarket LSD options which would allow for you to select the best ratio for your application.

Gheybe · 12-14-2011, 11:50 AM

[QUOTE=TxZHP04;13891175]Popular question, seems to have been covered here 1000x before. The M3 diff isn't a direct drop in replacement for the non-M diff. For starters, it mounts differently. You can swap most of the M3 rear end over to make it work though. For more details, you'll need to search out the numerous prior discussions of this subject. Lots of good info to be found. In addition to the LSD, keep in mind the M3 diff has a 3.62 ratio compared to your stock 2.93 (assuming manual transmission) which is a little short for a 6500 rpm red line. Also keep in mind there are aftermarket LSD options which would allow for you to select the best ratio for your application.[/QUOTE]

Those seem to get pricey.

OP, search for cyberka's thread on it. He did it.

e.hilky · 12-14-2011, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the response. I have been looking around lately. I'd like an LSD but for the price I think I might just look for a 3.64 diff and put it in. And do my cams. But my car is auto so I'm not sure what gears are in there now. I thought the autos had 2.93 not the 5spd. Am I wrong?

blown330ci · 12-14-2011, 11:59 AM

Mine came with M3 lsd diff installed by previous owner so I don't know details other than anything's possible.

e.hilky · 12-14-2011, 12:02 PM

Or is the auto 3.38. And would I notice a decent difference going from the 3.38 to the auto zhp diff which I think is a 3.64.

Oliver.R · 12-14-2011, 12:03 PM

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=595494

TxZHP04 · 12-14-2011, 12:53 PM

http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

3.64 in an auto isn't quite so bad as the transmission is geared taller than in the manuals. Yes, you'd notice the difference between a 3.64 and your 3.38.

e.hilky · 12-14-2011, 05:42 PM

Very cool man. I was looking for something like that. Thanks.

e.hilky · 12-14-2011, 05:54 PM

I still believe for this year I'll do the cams. And 3.64 diff for now and see what that gets me. Then maybe next
Year the LSD. Or was thinking big brake upgrade. By first things first. Thanks again guys.

Blocked Out · 12-14-2011, 06:54 PM

I come back to see this.

I go.

Sent from my X10a using Bimmer App

huskerick · 12-28-2011, 02:57 AM

3.91 rear out of an X3.

330i ZHP · 12-28-2011, 03:00 AM

Oh, damn, I didnt know the search feature was broken

12-14-2011, 11:11 AM	#1
e.hilky Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 18 My Ride: 2004 330ci View My Garage	M3 diff question I have my 04 330ci and want a different diff in there. Is there any chance someone can chime in on if a m3 diff/lsd would fit in? Or is there something I'd have to do to make it work?

12-14-2011, 11:48 AM	#2
TxZHP04 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 5,732 My Ride: ESS TS2+ ZHP View My Garage	Popular question, seems to have been covered here 1000x before. The M3 diff isn't a direct drop in replacement for the non-M diff. For starters, it mounts differently. You can swap most of the M3 rear end over to make it work though. For more details, you'll need to search out the numerous prior discussions of this subject. Lots of good info to be found. In addition to the LSD, keep in mind the M3 diff has a 3.62 ratio compared to your stock 2.93 (assuming manual transmission) which is a little short for a 6500 rpm red line. Also keep in mind there are aftermarket LSD options which would allow for you to select the best ratio for your application. __________________ 04 IR 330i ZHP \| ESS TS2+ SC \| MagnaFlow "headers" \| KMS 3.64 LSD \| AST 4100 550/650\| APEX ARC-8 18x9 \| H&R front sway bar \| Vorshlag camber plates, RTAB limiters \| TMS subframe & swaybar reinforcements \| UUC SSK & DSSR \| UUC TM & TME \| BW motor mounts \| Dinan strut & shock tower bars \| vaio 4-bolt oil pump

12-14-2011, 11:50 AM	#3
Gheybe Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Diego/Santa Barbara Posts: 10,074 My Ride: C6 Z06 View My Garage	[QUOTE=TxZHP04;13891175]Popular question, seems to have been covered here 1000x before. The M3 diff isn't a direct drop in replacement for the non-M diff. For starters, it mounts differently. You can swap most of the M3 rear end over to make it work though. For more details, you'll need to search out the numerous prior discussions of this subject. Lots of good info to be found. In addition to the LSD, keep in mind the M3 diff has a 3.62 ratio compared to your stock 2.93 (assuming manual transmission) which is a little short for a 6500 rpm red line. Also keep in mind there are aftermarket LSD options which would allow for you to select the best ratio for your application.[/QUOTE] Those seem to get pricey. OP, search for cyberka's thread on it. He did it. __________________ Gabe gabrielmilori.com

12-14-2011, 11:59 AM	#5
blown330ci Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Savannah Ga Posts: 332 My Ride: 330ci View My Garage	Mine came with M3 lsd diff installed by previous owner so I don't know details other than anything's possible. __________________ 330ci, AA supercharger, bilstein suspension, M3 exhaust, 19' LM Reps

12-14-2011, 12:03 PM	#7
Oliver.R Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: san jose, ca Posts: 712 My Ride: 2000 328ci View My Garage	http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=595494 __________________

12-14-2011, 12:02 PM	#6
e.hilky Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 18 My Ride: 2004 330ci View My Garage	Or is the auto 3.38. And would I notice a decent difference going from the 3.38 to the auto zhp diff which I think is a 3.64.

12-14-2011, 12:53 PM	#8
TxZHP04 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 5,732 My Ride: ESS TS2+ ZHP View My Garage	http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm 3.64 in an auto isn't quite so bad as the transmission is geared taller than in the manuals. Yes, you'd notice the difference between a 3.64 and your 3.38. __________________ 04 IR 330i ZHP \| ESS TS2+ SC \| MagnaFlow "headers" \| KMS 3.64 LSD \| AST 4100 550/650\| APEX ARC-8 18x9 \| H&R front sway bar \| Vorshlag camber plates, RTAB limiters \| TMS subframe & swaybar reinforcements \| UUC SSK & DSSR \| UUC TM & TME \| BW motor mounts \| Dinan strut & shock tower bars \| vaio 4-bolt oil pump

12-14-2011, 05:42 PM	#9
e.hilky Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 18 My Ride: 2004 330ci View My Garage	Very cool man. I was looking for something like that. Thanks.

12-14-2011, 05:54 PM	#10
e.hilky Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 18 My Ride: 2004 330ci View My Garage	I still believe for this year I'll do the cams. And 3.64 diff for now and see what that gets me. Then maybe next Year the LSD. Or was thinking big brake upgrade. By first things first. Thanks again guys.

12-14-2011, 06:54 PM	#11
Blocked Out Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 5,457 My Ride: Imola 330i M-Sport View My Garage	I come back to see this. I go. Sent from my X10a using Bimmer App __________________ Original BMW Teile /// ====>>> E46 Coupe Airbags

12-28-2011, 02:57 AM	#12
huskerick Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tampa (working in Afghanistan) Posts: 236 My Ride: 02 325i/C6/89 944T View My Garage	3.91 rear out of an X3.

12-28-2011, 03:00 AM	#13
330i ZHP Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 20,662 My Ride: have 5 doors and FI View My Garage	Oh, damn, I didnt know the search feature was broken __________________ /_________\ OO=[][]=OO

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