Are 318 & 320's diffs swappable?

Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:30 pm

I got an 85 AUTO 320i Baur TC, it really lacks zing down low - you know the drill... But it's a real pain in New Zealand 'cause our speed limit is 60mph, and with no torque and just 2000rpm on the tach, It simply refuses to cruise at that speed. The car would be so much better if the gearing was a bit shorter. Can the diff from a 318 be swapped with mine?
If so, is it cheap n easy?

Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:04 am

hello. as far as im aware, all e30 diffs will fit each other apart from the m3. i have a 318is with a 3.64 diff from a 325, i had to swap the speedo drive from my old diff as the replacement diff's drive had a different connector on it but it seems to work ok

Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:45 am

if you want mental accelaration try to find one from a 316i i had one of those on my 2.7etc... it used to lift the front wheels in 1st and 2nd but top speed of 90mph

Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:16 pm

I don't think I'll be getting 'mental acceleration' out of my 320i anytime soon, thanks for the replies. Might have to send a 318 diff back from here 'cause they're hard to find in NZ. Saw a leather interior for Ãƒ”šÃ‚£150 the other day too, and some rims... Where do you stop...

Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:45 pm

sorry but do u guys know wot diff would make my 316i be able to do circles

Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:38 am

keggy wrote: sorry but do u guys know wot diff would make my 316i be able to do circles

that'd be a 4.10 LSD (limited slip diff)

rare as rocking horse poo

however, if you do some sensible mods to the m40 1.6 you should be able to spin a 3.91 LSD

this was standard on facelift sports and can be had for Ãƒ”šÃ‚£175-275 a pop!