Fitting a Z3 diff

[Y_Cymro]

To go with my M50 conversion I have a Z3 lsd to replace the standard diff in my 316i Touring. Is the new diff a straight swap?

[Kos]

pretty much yes

if its of a ZM , you'll need to swop the put put flanges for some e30 ones to mate up with your drive shafts

[Y_Cymro]

pretty much yes

if its of a ZM , you'll need to swop the put put flanges for some e30 ones to mate up with your drive shafts

Sorry, I should have said it's from a Z3 2.8 with torsen diff.
So it should bolt straight on without changing flanges?

[Jonsku]

Yes it should be direct bolt-on, if flanges are different (prop- / driveshaft) you can swap them from your e30 diff.

[N00b]

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap, or do you put the Z3 internals into an e30 case?

[bss325i]

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap, or do you put the Z3 internals into an e30 case?

Straight swap. Z3 uses an 30 type rear beam.

[N00b]

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap, or do you put the Z3 internals into an e30 case?

Straight swap. Z3 uses an 30 type rear beam.

Good to know.
Does this mean the CWP are interchangeable between Z3 and e30, as if it does then it looks like a Z3 diff would be a good choice as it should be in better condition than an e30 item.

[Y_Cymro]

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap, or do you put the Z3 internals into an e30 case?

Straight swap. Z3 uses an 30 type rear beam.

Good to know.
Does this mean the CWP are interchangeable between Z3 and e30, as if it does then it looks like a Z3 diff would be a good choice as it should be in better condition than an e30 item.

I believe that the Z3 uses a medium case - hence my question whether the complete diff is a straight swap. A problem you might have is that the Z3 has a direct top gear so the diff ratios tend to be too high if you are using an E30 overdrive top gearbox.

[Y_Cymro]

Thank you all for your help.

[Brianmoooore]

Z3 diff fits straight on, but with the E30 gearbox and 1.6 M40 engine you'll need a calendar for 0 - 60 times!

[N00b]

Surely you could change the CWP for a more suitable e30 part to give a more desireable ratio?

[Brianmoooore]

Surely you could change the CWP for a more suitable e30 part to give a more desireable ratio?

Then you have to set up the shims and crush tube. Generally reckoned to be a specialist (=expensive) job

[N00b]

Surely you could change the CWP for a more suitable e30 part to give a more desireable ratio?

Then you have to set up the shims and crush tube. Generally reckoned to be a specialist (=expensive) job

Ah, my bad. I was under the impression that the actual workings of the LSD remained intact and all that was needed was to remove and change the final drive cog. Out of curiosity, what kind of money are we talking to have this done? Ballpark figure will be enough.

[Brianmoooore]

You'd be better off selling the Z3M diff to someone who's doing a m5x conversion, for which it's ideal, and sourcing a diff with a more suitable ratio, or better still, binning the 1.6 M40 yourself!

[WeBuyAnyCar]

On this topic I hear e36 compacts have the same rear setup as an E30 so you can use the rear arms in 5 stud conversion and the diff on the e30.
Do the 318ti use a 4.11LSD?

[N00b]

On this topic I hear e36 compacts have the same rear setup as an E30 so you can use the rear arms in 5 stud conversion and the diff on the e30.
Do the 318ti use a 4.11LSD?

Yeah I've heard that the compact uses the same rear suspension setup as the e30. Is the front end also e30?

[Kos]

no

[WeBuyAnyCar]

So kos the rear end is the same yer.
But do they make a 4.11 LSD for them

[Kos]

same is 99% e30

LSD's are available but it depends what size diff case you want

use the search function, you'll find out all that you need to

[Rusty_McRusty]

The 4.1 LSD on mine was sourced from the US by the previous owner, I believe it's a small case off an E30. Original owner of the diff was on here, tom_stickland. The diff works well with the M44, gives useable performance in the lower gears and is (obviously) livlier than the 3.9 that came with the car. Certainly wouldn't want to go any lower than 3.9 on mine, on a 1.6 the problem will be magnified somewhat!

[bss325i]

On this topic I hear e36 compacts have the same rear setup as an E30 so you can use the rear arms in 5 stud conversion and the diff on the e30.
Do the 318ti use a 4.11LSD?

At a guess i would say an LSD was an option (but im still doubtfull) on 318ti compacts but i have never seen or heard of on fitted.

They normally come with ASC.

[penton08]

as above... and normally 318ti's will have a 3.38.1 diff.

[WeBuyAnyCar]

On this topic I hear e36 compacts have the same rear setup as an E30 so you can use the rear arms in 5 stud conversion and the diff on the e30.
Do the 318ti use a 4.11LSD?

At a guess i would say an LSD was an option (but im still doubtfull) on 318ti compacts but i have never seen or heard of on fitted.

They normally come with ASC.

Whats ASC

[Kos]

as above... and normally 318ti's will have a 3.38.1 diff.

it depends if they are M42 or M44 powered


ASC = traction control