Diff backplate with twin 'ears'
Moderator: martauto
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ROC
- E30 Zone Regular

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Fellas, I'm sure I read somewhere that a diff backplate with two mounting points can be used on E30 diffs. (going onto an M3 diff)
Is it an E36 part and are there any issues with the speedo sensor location?
Thanks,
Rich.
Is it an E36 part and are there any issues with the speedo sensor location?
Thanks,
Rich.
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ROC
- E30 Zone Regular

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Can anyone help?
Cheers,
Rich.
Cheers,
Rich.
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old_skool
- E30 Zone Team Member

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I don't know for sure but I would go for it and get one. I can't imagine that the speedo sensor would be in a different location as the internal layout of the diff should be the same. hence the sensor needs to run on the pick up ring.
The extra mount tabs could be knocked up and welded in to the shell.
I would also guess that the bolt up pattern for the rear cover should be the same. I could be completely wrong of course but I would have a go in the absence of further advice.
Whether I'm right or wrong someone will no doubt add to this
The extra mount tabs could be knocked up and welded in to the shell.
I would also guess that the bolt up pattern for the rear cover should be the same. I could be completely wrong of course but I would have a go in the absence of further advice.
Whether I'm right or wrong someone will no doubt add to this
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GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

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Hi,
ROC- PM me an e.mail address and I will send you something in answer
to your question.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
ROC- PM me an e.mail address and I will send you something in answer
to your question.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
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ROC
- E30 Zone Regular

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Thanks lads, PM sent Gorilla 
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old_skool
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Do you not feel like sharing then?GermanGorilla wrote:Hi,
ROC- PM me an e.mail address and I will send you something in answer
to your question.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
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Assault
- E30 Zone Newbie

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- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:00 pm
Yeah I'd be pretty keen to know of the E36 diff cover will mount up. Considering having 2 rear diff mounts at the moment to help limit the amount of "driveline twist" with a lot of torque.
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Turbo-Brown
- Boost Junkie
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Might reduce the chance of ripping a chunk out of the chassis too 
Goooo oooon, spill the beans
Goooo oooon, spill the beans
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oldroydsr4
- E30 Zone Squatter

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bump
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Assault
- E30 Zone Newbie

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- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:00 pm
For comparrison, all of the bolt holes look like they are in the right place and even the speed sensor. Only difference is really the fill and drain plugs. The E36 looks to have a bit more junk in its trunk I guess to gain more of a fluid reservoir and for cooling. Whether that changes the seal between the 2 or not is the question.
Z3M (E30 Style) diff cover:

E36 diff cover (on a slightly different angle):

Z3M (E30 Style) diff cover:

E36 diff cover (on a slightly different angle):

Last edited by Assault on Thu May 10, 2007 12:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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cliffybabe
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i thought the Z3 back plate was better???

Considering Selling the Cabby, looks like its gonna go
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jmc330i
- Engaged to the E30 Zone

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The Z3M back plate has a stronger rubber mount and the cooling fins - the pic below is the Z3M back plate, not a standard E30 one. AFAIK the Z3M rubber mount can be fitted to the E30 back plate as an upgrade.cliffybabe wrote:i thought the Z3 back plate was better???
Assault wrote: E30 diff cover:
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
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Assault
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Yes I should amend that, it is a Z3M diff cover, but it will fit the E30 diff. The second picture is also not a standard E36 diff cover but another upgrade for the E36, but these were the closest looking pics I could find.jmc330i wrote: The Z3M back plate has a stronger rubber mount and the cooling fins - the pic below is the Z3M back plate, not a standard E30 one. AFAIK the Z3M rubber mount can be fitted to the E30 back plate as an upgrade.
If I can find someone with a spare E36 diff or diff cover I will throw it on my Z3M diff and see if it fits o.k.
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GermanGorilla
- E30 Zone Regular

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Hi,
The E36 Diff Cover is not a straight bolt on modification.
You have to alter all the speedo Triggers inside the E30 diff and then
source a correct sensor that will read the shortned Triggers.
Then you have to spend hours alining all the diff and rear beam up to
the correct location to fabricate and weld on the support lugs.
These have to be spaced the correct distance away from the bushes
in the 'ears' so that the diff can still move a little under load.
After you have done all this you then check the location and angle of the
rear diff to make sure its sitting at the correct angle for the prop etc.
2-3 Days should see it done.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
The E36 Diff Cover is not a straight bolt on modification.
You have to alter all the speedo Triggers inside the E30 diff and then
source a correct sensor that will read the shortned Triggers.
Then you have to spend hours alining all the diff and rear beam up to
the correct location to fabricate and weld on the support lugs.
These have to be spaced the correct distance away from the bushes
in the 'ears' so that the diff can still move a little under load.
After you have done all this you then check the location and angle of the
rear diff to make sure its sitting at the correct angle for the prop etc.
2-3 Days should see it done.
Regards,
The Gorilla.
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Assault
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 13
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:00 pm
Cheers Gorilla. I figured there would be a bit of messing around with the speedo trigger. Its good to know it actually does fit onto an E30 diff though, regardless of how much work is involved in mating it up to the car itself.
