Large (medium) case diff ratios - what has 4.something?

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Brian28
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Post Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:40 am

As above, I'm trying to get a low ratio LSD. I have a medium case - 8 bolt - LSD but its 3.64, ideally I want one similar to the small case auto ratios 4.4 etc as its for a race car. Anybody know what cars/models these ratios came on (if anything) in the medium case size? If I can find an open diff I can likely make up a LSD in the right ratio using my existing one. Thanks.
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e21Jason
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Post Tue Aug 25, 2009 9:13 am

Hi

Us spec m3 4.1 also some 325ix tourings

Jason
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Brian28
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Post Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:38 am

Thanks Jason, 4.1 like hens teeth then :? . Anybody know if any other BMWs used the medium case diff with a ratio in the range 4.1 to 4.5, anything with an open diff would be fine it's just the innards with the right ratio that I need. Mebbe a 5 series from the same era? The guy I spoke to at the BM parts desk didn't know/didn't know who to ask to find out.
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Scruffymurphy
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Post Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:08 am

E34 520i auto had a 4.45 I think and possibly the 525i auto. You may need to swap some parts from an E30 diff, like rear cover and output shafts. Someone else will hopefully confirm.
jaistanley
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Post Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:18 pm

I sold a low mileage medium case 4.1 (from an American M3) for £350 and in hindsight that was waaaaay too cheap. They are rare as hens teeth.

It was an awesome diff for a 325i. Forget the hype about fuel ecenomy and top speed. Both were fine and the car was a rocket ship.

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e21Jason
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Post Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:13 pm

Hi

I got my 4.1 cwp for less than £150 from ebay.com

Jason
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Brian28
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Post Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:46 pm

Jason that was a steal, good man. WillNZ I mean the bolts holding the diff back plate on. The 4.1s common on 318s and 320s are 6 bolt called small case diffs here. The mediums - 8 bolt here - are indeedy mostly 3.something, but its going on a 318is track car so ideally I'd like something not quite so tall. I was hoping a 325 auto may have one, but was way off the mark there. I'm off to ebay to hunt for an E34 320i auto being broken ...
For sale - E30 320i racer project - sold.