E30 Zone

Hello all,

IÔš'm new to the site but IÔš'm really impressed so for with all the information available. I am just writing for some LSD advice. I have just changed from a 318i to a 1991 325i SE in diamond black. Recently I lost the back end on a corner at speed in the rain, and ended up in a ditch. It scared me a bit as I really couldnÔš't control the car. So now IÔš'm taking steps to ensure this doesnÔš't happen again.

I know where there is a 1987 325i sport being broken and I was thinking of getting the LSD and gearbox. I have a few questions before I commit to buying and would really appreciate some help and advice on the matter.

1.How can I tell if my car has LSD fitted without taking the diff off?
2.Will I be able to fit the 1987 sport diff straight on to my 1991 car using the standard gearbox? Or should I fit the sport diff and box at the same time? (the reason I ask this is because I havenÔš't got the funds to do them both at the moment).
3.What suspension set-up/upgrade would you recommend? Currently its had lowered springs (dunno what make) but it doesnÔš't feel very solid?!
4.Does anyone know somewhere/someone in the Midlands area who would fit it for me?
5.And finally do you have any other advice for me to prevent this powerslide of doom happening again?


Thanks very much, and great site!

V.

I'm not sure a LSD is going to cure your problem. Try slowing down or not accelerating going round corners in the wet.

ZS wrote:I'm not sure a LSD is going to cure your problem. Try slowing down or not accelerating going round corners in the wet.

that would be the cheapest option..

Greetings cooperflak! there could be a few causes of the problem:
1) too much right foot.
2)Worn rear bushes (mine used to skip all over the place if it hit a bump midcorner)
3) too stiff rear springs.
4) lowered too far without cambered rear bushes,so you have only grip on the inside shoulders of the tyres basically.

Just a few possible ideas really,it could alot of things though

p.s. Or learn how to drift!!

Agree with the others on the cause. You've got a real car now, not a toy or some front wheel drive crap. It needs to be treated with respect, - try a session on a skid pan.
Regards the diff:
1/ The diff should have a metal tag under one of the rear cover bolts, which gives the ratio and type of diff. If it starts with an "S" (IIRC), then it is a slipper. You will need to polish the tag with emery cloth to read it.
Alternative method is to jack both wheels, and turn one by hand. If opposite wheel turns opposite way, then open diff. If it turns same way, then slipper.
Be aware that most original, unrebuilt slippers will be pretty desperate for a rebuild by now.

2/ Diff and/or gearbox will fit straight in.

3/ Make sure the suspension is free frow wear first of all, and fit decent dampers, or at least new standard ones.

WowԚ….

You guys reply pretty quick! I do admit that it was a new road surfaceԚ….. heavy rain after a dry spellԚ….. my music was blaringԚ….. and I was accelerating hard in 3rd. So no the best start!

I think I will investigate the lowered springsԚ… the chamber of the rear wheels is such that there isnÔš't much grip (But the car does look nice though). And IÔš'll check the rear bushes. IÔš'm going to fit some 16in BorbetÔš's with decent tyres too.

Where can I learn how to drift without drifting into a ditch!?

V

Sport boxes have lower ratio 1st 2nd 3rd gears IIRC.

Where can I learn how to drift without drifting into a ditch

Tescos, MFI, McDonalds

Where can I learn how to drift without drifting into a ditch

Tescos, MFI, McDonalds

I need to go to MFI anyways!! watch out for a black 325!