Difference between revisions of "Limited Slip Differential"

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Limited Slip Differentials are referred to as a Slipper or as an LSD. This contrasts to the normal [[Differential|differential]] fitted that is known as an Open Diff.
  
For a general description of Limited Slip Differentials, and how they work please see the External Links below.
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LSDs were fitted as standard to the [[325i_Sport|325i Sport]] and [[M3]]. They were ''not'' standard on the [[318iS]], but were on option available to all [[:Category:E30_Range|E30 models]].
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__TOC__
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=Case sizes=
  
Generally Limited Slip Differentials are referred to as a Slipper or as an LSD. This contrasts to the normal differential fitted that is known as an [[Open Diff]].
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E30s had two differential case sizes, which are interchangeable and the same width but will require adjustment of the [[Drivetrain#Propshaft|propshaft]]. Learn more about [[Fitting_an_E30_Differential|fitting a differential]].
  
'''E30s with LSD as standard'''
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E30s used either a Small Case or Medium Case differential. Other models used a Large Case which is not directly interchangeable but the internals can be swapped.
*[[325i Sport]]
 
*[[M3]]
 
  
All other E30s has an LSD as an option.
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=Ratios=
 
 
LSD was *not* standard fit on the 318iS
 
 
 
E30 LSDs are clutch plate type and require special oil - see below.
 
 
 
'''Case sizes'''
 
 
 
E30s had two differential case sizes, they are interchangeable and the same width but will require adjustment of the prop length.  Please see [[Fitting an E30 Differential]].
 
 
 
E30s used either a [[Small Case]] or [[Medium Case]] differential.  Other models used a [[Large Case]] which is not directly interchangeable but the internals can be swapped.
 
 
 
'''E30 LSD Ratios'''
 
  
 
Below is a list of ratio and cars in which they can be found.
 
Below is a list of ratio and cars in which they can be found.
  
*3.15 - M3
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* 3.15 - M3
*3.64 - prefacelft 325i
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* 3.64 - prefacelft 325i
*3.73 - facelift 325i
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* 3.73 - facelift 325i
*3.91 - facelift 325i touring, cabrio, 325i with getrag 260 sport
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* 3.91 - facelift 325i touring, cabrio, 325i with getrag 260 sport
*4.10 - found optionally on UK spec [[318i]]/[[318iS]] 2/4dr in [[Small Case]], and on all US [[M3]] models in [[Medium Case]].
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* 4.10 - found optionally on UK spec 318i/318iS 2/4dr in Small Case, and on all US M3 models in Medium Case.
*4.27 -
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* 4.27 -
*4.44 -
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* 4.44 -  
 
 
Please update the list of ratios and what cars they are found on and common case sizings.
 
 
 
'''What these numbers mean'''
 
 
 
Higher number == shortened gearing (quicker acceleration, more gear changes). Lower number == longer gearing (slower acceleration, longer time spent in each gear)
 
 
 
 
 
'''How to identify and test an LSD'''
 
 
 
To identify and LSD one can first check for the presence of the tag on the rear casing.  The ratio on this will be prefixed with an S for LSDs.
 
 
 
Alternatively one can jack up one rear wheel, ensure the car is out of gear and hand-brake is off then turn the raised wheel.  Resistance on that wheel would usually indicate an LSD.  An alternative method is to try to leave skid-marks pulling away on good tarmac, two tyre marks for more than a few inches would indicate a properly "locking" LSD.  This won't work so well on grass or gravel as on loose surfaces both wheels can slip easier even for non-limited slip differential types.
 
  
'''What oil to use for your LSD'''
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For more info on these numbers, learn more about [[Differential|differentials]].
  
The BMW recommended oil is Castrol SAF-XJ
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=Identification=
  
You can find supplies from <please update>
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To identify an LSD one can first check for the presence of the tag on the rear casing. The ratio on this will be prefixed with an S for LSDs.
  
'''Durability, Rebuilds and Upgrades'''
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Alternatively one can jack up one rear wheel, ensure the car is out of gear and hand-brake is off then turn the raised wheel. Resistance on that wheel would usually indicate an LSD. An alternative method is to try to leave skid-marks pulling away on good tarmac, two tyre marks for more than a few inches would indicate a properly "locking" LSD. This won't work so well on grass or gravel as on loose surfaces both wheels can slip easier even for non-limited slip differential types.
  
<please update with details of rebuilders in various locations, recommended rebuild intervals etc>
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=Oil=
  
'''External Links'''
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E30 LSDs are clutch plate type and require [[Oil#Differential|special oil]]. The BMW recommended oil is Castrol SAF-XJ
  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential Wikipedia's Limited Slip Differential Entry]
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[[Category: Technical]]
*[http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm How Stuff Works - Differentials]
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[[Category: Drivetrain]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am9Jvj4Bdjw Video of open and LSD rotation]
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[[Category: Differential]]

Latest revision as of 16:09, 25 March 2013

Limited Slip Differentials are referred to as a Slipper or as an LSD. This contrasts to the normal differential fitted that is known as an Open Diff.

LSDs were fitted as standard to the 325i Sport and M3. They were not standard on the 318iS, but were on option available to all E30 models.

Case sizes

E30s had two differential case sizes, which are interchangeable and the same width but will require adjustment of the propshaft. Learn more about fitting a differential.

E30s used either a Small Case or Medium Case differential. Other models used a Large Case which is not directly interchangeable but the internals can be swapped.

Ratios

Below is a list of ratio and cars in which they can be found.

  • 3.15 - M3
  • 3.64 - prefacelft 325i
  • 3.73 - facelift 325i
  • 3.91 - facelift 325i touring, cabrio, 325i with getrag 260 sport
  • 4.10 - found optionally on UK spec 318i/318iS 2/4dr in Small Case, and on all US M3 models in Medium Case.
  • 4.27 -
  • 4.44 -

For more info on these numbers, learn more about differentials.

Identification

To identify an LSD one can first check for the presence of the tag on the rear casing. The ratio on this will be prefixed with an S for LSDs.

Alternatively one can jack up one rear wheel, ensure the car is out of gear and hand-brake is off then turn the raised wheel. Resistance on that wheel would usually indicate an LSD. An alternative method is to try to leave skid-marks pulling away on good tarmac, two tyre marks for more than a few inches would indicate a properly "locking" LSD. This won't work so well on grass or gravel as on loose surfaces both wheels can slip easier even for non-limited slip differential types.

Oil

E30 LSDs are clutch plate type and require special oil. The BMW recommended oil is Castrol SAF-XJ