what LSD's can be fitted to an e36 318iS (M44 engine)

Post Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:15 pm

So im sat thinking about an LSD.

I don't even know if my car has one fitted yet. I have kept the traction control on!

Also, im fairly convinced that the diff is rumbling / grinding :-S

What ratio's are suitable for the M44 engine?

What other BMW's can i find me the correct ratio LSD from?

Regards,
Pete.

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:38 pm

Not really any BMW's have a standard LSD that is a similar ratio to the 318is diff. You can probably fit a lsd off of another e36 (although I think 318is is type 166 small case so still gonna be nigh on impossible to find one) but chances are it will make your car slow.

There really is only two options, hunt for the ever elusive 318is lsd, some did come with it fitted or build your own. The lsd unit (just the lsd not the whole diff) from BMW is about Ã‚£400 ish new and can be fitted into your diff iirc.

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:51 pm

I was under the impression that the e36 iS was LSD as stock. Is this not true?

*checking realoem

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:03 pm

Nope. Was an option. And an EXTREMELY rare one too on the E36 318is.

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:05 pm

hoshy wrote:I was under the impression that the e36 iS was LSD as stock. Is this not true?

*checking realoem

Nope as Gussy says extremely rare.

Early 328i sports (pre ASC) had lsd as standard as did all M's. All other lsd's fitted to e36's were optioned by the original purchaser.

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:08 pm

steerfromtherear wrote:
hoshy wrote:I was under the impression that the e36 iS was LSD as stock. Is this not true?

*checking realoem
Nope as Gussy says extremely rare.

Early 328i sports (pre ASC) had lsd as standard as did all M's. All other lsd's fitted to e36's were optioned by the original purchaser.

Interesting. Sorry to go OT but what was special about the ASC diff, some kind of brake or torque biasing?

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:05 pm

hoshy wrote:
Interesting. Sorry to go OT but what was special about the ASC diff, some kind of brake or torque biasing?

No it isnt a ASC diff. ASC was BM's traction control (or at least I think it is ASC) brought in on the facelift e36 sports. Controlled electronically.

Post Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:56 pm

Yeah - ACS is Active Stability Control I think but I noticed that the diffs are different on etk

Post Wed Jan 16, 2008 4:55 pm

As far as i remember, there should be a metal tag on the back plate somewhere stating the ratio.

If it starts with the prefix 'S', that means its a LSD, right?

Regards,
Pete.

Post Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:12 pm

E36 318is diffs are different to the rest of the e36 range, in that they are small case. Also, if you want to fit another LSD from an e36 to make it the correct ratio, output flanges etc will all have to be changed and it gets a bit horrible. As said, i have read that you can put e30 internals into an e36 casing although you will still have to find the correct ratios.

The auto boxes came with a 4.44 ratio. The manuals came with 3.38:1 on the later ones and a 3.45:1 on the m42 engined e36s.

HTH

Post Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:45 pm

Dan318-is wrote:E36 318is diffs are different to the rest of the e36 range, in that they are small case. Also, if you want to fit another LSD from an e36 to make it the correct ratio, output flanges etc will all have to be changed and it gets a bit horrible. As said, i have read that you can put e30 internals into an e36 casing although you will still have to find the correct ratios.

The auto boxes came with a 4.44 ratio. The manuals came with 3.38:1 on the later ones and a 3.45:1 on the m42 engined e36s.

HTH

hey dan.. how are you man. still no more progress on MS but i'll let you know. got my eibach arbs waiting to fit though

anyway - I suppose from what you're saying there is that you can also put e36 internals in the e30 case. could open up possibilities for better ratio choice and a less-shagged clutch packs.

Post Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:52 pm

Pete - could you remove or re-size your avatar and signature images, please? Way too big!

Thanks.

Post Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:04 am

Dan318-is wrote:E36 318is diffs are different to the rest of the e36 range, in that they are small case.

HTH

316/318/318is/320 are all small case.

LSD will have a S on the tag yes

Post Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:48 pm

Chris-W wrote:Pete - could you remove or re-size your avatar and signature images, please? Way too big!

Thanks.

Is this okay now?

Regards,
Pete.