2.979 525e diff - will it go on a 318is?

[Dan318-is]

i need to buy an limtied slip diff, a mad ratio one like the 2.97 would be great, is this practical for road use - is it even possible to fit on an e30?

what diffs would you guys recommend?

[jamesroools]

its rather impractical for road use, especially round town, acceleration would be terrible, motorway economy would be great though

and i think the diff will fit

[Dan318-is]

what diff would you recommend for a 318is mate

[jamesroools]

3.64 or 3.91, depends on what type of driving you do, lots of town work, then the 3.91 but if you do a lot of motorway miles then the 3.64

[6potWil6pot]

Doesnt the iS use a 4.10 ratio diff standard? The LSDs for them are "very" rare, that im sure of

[jamesroools]

yeah all 4 pot e30's had 4.10 open diffs as standard, but there was an option of an lsd on the 318is

[Dan318-is]

ye IS use 4.1, but i dont have a LSD one on mine and they are rare as hell. i dont really do much motorway driving. would a 4.10 one be better than a 3.91?

[jamesroools]

if you want acceleration 4.10 is better than the 3.91, but ive never seen a 4.10 lsd for sale, good luck finding one, the 3.91 is much easier to get hold of

[pacerpete]

4.1 LSD for sale ex 25000 mile u.s M3 as new , no corrosion Ԛ£400 . Yes it is expensive but it is as new and you won't find another.

[jamesroools]

4.1 LSD for sale ex 25000 mile u.s M3 as new , no corrosion Ԛ£400 . Yes it is expensive but it is as new and you won't find another.

i wouldnt call that expensive even at that price, very good price imo
i would have it but i have no money

[Dan318-is]

will it fit my car? 400 bucks is a lot, what would be the acceleration differences between that 4.10 and a 3.91? massive or minor differences?

[jamesroools]

well as you have a 4.1 already, you wont see any change in the acceleration, should fit your car, but ill let someone else fill that one in

[Dan318-is]

its a 4.1 open diff tho aint it?

[jamesroools]

the 4.1 you have, yes, but the fact its an lsd over an open diff will not make any difference to the acceleration, it will but not enough to notice it

[Dan318-is]

what other benefits do LSDs have then

[jamesroools]

sideways action!!!

[Dan318-is]

in that case i want one

[jamesroools]

who doesnt???

[Dan318-is]

i think il add a LSD after iv finished suspension and brakes tinkering, maybe do it on the same day as i install a z3 short shifter

[Brianmoooore]

Think you should allow the whole day for the diff change if it goes anything like the one I did a couple of weeks ago.

[320Touring]

i'd agree that the 2.97 diff would probably be too tall for lairing about in a 318iS, and that a 4.1 or 3.91 LSD would be better.

also i think the 525e diff is an open diff??

sorry to to go but does anyone have any 2.97 diffs kicking about? would like one for going round Europe this year (good gas mileage a must given the miles i'm planning )

PM Me details

[Dan318-is]

cheers for the advice guys