316i diff

Post Tue May 07, 2013 3:37 pm

I have a 1993 316i touring with a leaking diff.

Being new to e30's I am not sure what like for like replacements there are.

Can I use a 318i diff? Are there ones from e36 BMW that are direct fit?

Thanks in advance

Post Tue May 07, 2013 4:24 pm

Everything you need to know is here:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... fferential

Any E30 one will fit, but that link will give you a table of all the other ratios and which cars those diffs were fitted to. And no, you can't use an E36 diff.

Post Tue May 07, 2013 4:43 pm

1993 touring will have a 4.45:1 small case diff,leaks from the backplate are an easy fix via a new gasket for a pound or so from your local dealer.

Any E30 sourced diff will be a straight bolt in fit,E36 variants that used trailing arm rear suspension will fit,BUT,there's usually a but,E36 has a wider track,so suitable diff's will need their output flanges swapping for E30 type flanges.

Have a read through the above link before diving in with the spanners.

Post Tue May 07, 2013 4:45 pm

Cheers guys appreciate the help. Unfortunately it seems to be leaking from o/s driveshaft and the prop.

Post Tue May 07, 2013 5:01 pm

There's oil seals there too,just a little more difficult to change!
Driveshaft one can possibly(not done one myself) be changed in situ,propshaft one is most certainly a diff out job.

This is just a PITA,the four bolts holding the diff to the rear axle carrier WILL be very tight and difficult to access.Not impossible on your drive at home,but allow plenty of time and try not to block in a working car with your broken one...

Driveshaft flange is held with a snap ring,a pair of big screwdrivers used behind it will spring it out,prop flange will need a puller to ease it out.

Given the problems that you now can see,a s/h diff from a breaker will make a lot of sense.316i touring will easily cope with a 4:1 diff that can be found under a 320i saloon,most of our zone approved traders should be able to sell you one for not too much cash.
Your choices are;
4:45(stock)
4:27(316i saloon and 4 cylinder cabbies)
4:1 (320i saloon and 318iS)

4:1 will give about 65mph at 3000rpm,compared to 60mph at 3000rpm via the standard 4:45 item.

Post Tue May 07, 2013 5:12 pm

I shall have a look and stick up a wanted add, I have found a manual 318i touring (not sure on age as its in the scrapers) that the diff can be removed and purchased for £50, but I notice its not on your list. Is this one to avoid?

Post Tue May 07, 2013 5:17 pm

Ag51bye wrote:I shall have a look and stick up a wanted add, I have found a manual 318i touring (not sure on age as its in the scrapers) that the diff can be removed and purchased for £50, but I notice its not on your list. Is this one to avoid?

That should be a 4:27,so will be fine,price is about right as well.

All tourings are post '88 and are 'facelift' regarding trim and most oily bits.