Which Diff/LSD?

[GovR]

Oryte Lads,

Wondering if anyone can help...

What would be the options available in terms of diff for a M50 conversion using both e36 engine and box?

My mates nearly done his conversion in a 320 cab but where not too sure which diff to use.

Will a e36 compact 3.23 ratio diff fit? are they any other options?


Im just collecting the parts for my conversion so will soon be coming to this problem, however most likely be going down the turbo route.

Any helps appreciated.

Gov

[vokietis]

3.23 compact diff should fit,but will not last as it is small case diff,best bet is 3.15 from e28 524td or 3.25 from e34 524td

[E30BeemerLad]

E36 diffs don't fit.

Either an E30 M3 diff, which is often a 3.25 ratio or I believe a Z3 2.8 diff goes in and has a similar ratio. E30 ratios are useless for M50 gearboxes

[eko]

Ive got a nice and quiet 3.38 open diff from a late Compact Ti if your interested?
£50

[Brianmoooore]

Z3 2.8 diff is 3.15 IIRC, but is still a bit on the high side for my taste ( the equivalent of a 3.9 on a 'normal' E30.
The E28 525e diff is a direct fit with a change of backplate, and, again IIRC, is 2.92, giving an E30 equivalent of 3.6 : 1.

[Coyote_ar]

3.23 compact diff should fit,but will not last as it is small case diff,best bet is 3.15 from e28 524td or 3.25 from e34 524td

323ti diff is a mid case, ive got a 3.15 LSD from a 99 323ti.

E36 diffs don't fit.

Either an E30 M3 diff, which is often a 3.25 ratio or I believe a Z3 2.8 diff goes in and has a similar ratio. E30 ratios are useless for M50 gearboxes

E36 Compacts diff do fit. They share E30 rear end.

[badboye21]

3.23 compact diff should fit,but will not last as it is small case diff,best bet is 3.15 from e28 524td or 3.25 from e34 524td

would the E34 diff be a direct fit???

[Sjoerd320i]

You will need the backplate off an e30 diff.

[badboye21]

at the risk of sounding stupid will the diff off the e34 525 petrol the engine came out of fit?? or has the 524 diesel got a diffenent rear setup???