diff bolts not locating - please help asap!

[A1BMW325iSport]

Hi,
i`ve tried to fit the diff on my 325i this morning, rasied it up with jack, got it connected to the prop, then put in the 2 top bolts, but the problem is i can`t get the front 2 lower bolts in, they are about 3 or 4mm out and there is no way i can get the bolts to go in,

i can`t get the diff to go anymore forward as the top 2 bolts won`t allow it,

i`ve lowered diff back down now,

what should i do? drill out the front holes in the diff mount? i`ve never had this prob before,

Matt

[Brianmoooore]

Very strange, if you're sure it's all up in place. Drill 'em out.
Had a similar problem fitting a sunroof motor a month or two back. I could fit any two bolts, but not the third. Drilled all three holes in the motor oversize, then it fitted.

[A1BMW325iSport]

thanks, just had a thought i have a spare subframe in the shed i`ll offer the diff up to it and see how it lines up, maybe slight manufacturing error with the diff or subframe

[Andy335Touring]

Have you tried taking the prop off and then trying the bolts ?

[Martinaston]

I take it you have slackened the centre spline joint in the prop shaft ?
I would fit the diff first and then connect the prop.
I had a similar problem with mine when i could get three bolts in but not the last
The only way to do it is to put all four bolts in about 1-2 turns and then do them up a couple of turns each at a time so it pulls the diff up into line as you go.
They all fit the same axle carrier so i would not recomend drilling holes anywhere because you will allow room for it to move and under heavy acceleration or at high speed thats not a good thing.

[telski789]

yeah,dont drill anything!!! it will go in,i had a struggle with mine,put the two lower bolts in first the jack the diff up if it needs it to locate the top ones. it will fit,alsolossen the nut on the rear prop,the length may be too long

Tel

[A1BMW325iSport]

Hi guys, thanks for replies, i offered the diff up to my spare subframe and the holes line up perfect i don`t really want to have to change the whole rear beam, the prop i don`t think is the problem the top 2 bolts line up prefect the prop flange will bolt up nice its the front 2 bolts i can`t get in,
i can`t move the diff forward because of the 2 top bolts won`t line up then, it seems like a have a dodgy subframe the holes just don`t line up,
i`ve never this problem before.

[Rearwheel_nick]

when i did mine had to bash the prop forward using a block or wood and a hammer.

[Jon_Bmw]

I had the same problem and almost resorted to drilling...but i'm pretty sure on this-Definatly don't!

Disconnect the prop and the output flanges if not already.

Do the two front most carrier bolts up but not tight, then slide a jack under the diff jack it up and either do up the diff bush bolt or the two rear carrier bolts.

I hope that makes sense to you...

Jon

[A1BMW325iSport]

can get front 2 bolts in but then the top 2 won`t line up

WTF???

[Jon_Bmw]

can get front 2 bolts in but then the top 2 won`t line up

WTF???

Have you tried jacking up the diff? It'll sort of pivot on the front two bolts hopefully.

[A1BMW325iSport]

after several attempts with a bar levering against the diff i finally got the bolts in

all done now, what a nightmare that was

thanks for your help guys

[Karan]

after several attempts with a bar levering against the diff i finally got the bolts in

all done now, what a nightmare that was

thanks for your help guys

and u thought taking it off was the hard part....LOL

[A1BMW325iSport]

i know dude, i feel like a right dillon sayin that now, but i`ve done diffs before and never had this much trouble fitted them in half an hour before, this one today was havin none of it

[Jon_Bmw]

after several attempts with a bar levering against the diff i finally got the bolts in

all done now, what a nightmare that was

thanks for your help guys

Good effort! Glad you didn't drill those holes now i bet. I almost did with mine too, but new it couldn't be right.

Brute force is the way forward.

[A1BMW325iSport]

persistance paid off

fitting new rear shocks and springs today now

[Tosser]

Anyone got any diffs. I need a diff for a 325i. Does anyone know what I can put in to make it more high geared?