whinning noise from rear

[MATTYP33]

hi, i hav a 318is. it has a slight whinning noise from the rear, i think its proberly the diff. is there anything i can do to to confirm that. if it is the diff is there any way of fixing it or do i need to sorce a new one.
thanks matty

[eddieg]

I've got the same on my IS - 170K on the clock. Previous advice I've had on the zone tells me to go on until the whine becomes too noisy - then source a replacement one!

[E30BeemerLad]

check it actually has oil in the diff incase it is as daft as that.

But it usually works out cheaper to replace it with a known good second hand one rather than a rebuild.

Prop centre bearings can whine a bit when past their best

[MATTYP33]

do i need to get a like for like diff or is there ones off a different "engine size" that will fit? where can i get hold of a secondhand diff?
cheers

[E30BeemerLad]

Ideally you need another one off a 318is to keep the correct gearing. Other diffs will fit but if you put say a 3.73 off a 325 on it, the acceleration would be crap

[town325i]

Check the wheel bearings