E36 318is information

[TimK]

Could someone please tell me if all E36 318is' were fitted with an LSD? Also, is there anything to look out for in particular when buying one?
many thanks.

[nickso]

don't think they were.

mine has ASC which means it won't have an LSD.

[TimK]

How do I find out if it does have an LSD? Why would it not have ASC and LSD?

[Gortour]

The iS had the LSD as an option, not as a standard fit.

[paul1985]

check the back arches and door bottoms other than that there a spot on cheap car i've had 3 year out of mine and it never skips a beat and it gets the death all the time

[TimK]

OK thanks, but an LSD was standard fit on an E30 is, correct? good, I really want one, but would prefer one with an LSD, and m-tec suspension if possible.

[Gortour]

LSD definately NOT standard on an E30 iS. Again, it was on the option list.
They all have the M-Tech suspension as standard,

[Andyboy]

The iS had the LSD as an option, not as a standard fit.

And you'll never find one on an E36. In the UK they pretty much don't exist.

[harry_p]

Yeah, a lot less common that the optioned LSD on e30s. Back in the 80s e30s were known for being a bit lively in te wet so an LSD was often recommended. When the e36 came out BMW made a lot of noise about the grip and stability of the z-axel setup so very few would have bothered adding one, particularly to the low powered versions.

As far as I know, the only e36s with an LSD as standard were early 328i sports ( pre asc ) and M3s

[kniterider]

iv got a 318is for sale only 51k on the clock to ;) 1500 quid.

LSD's for them are like rocking horse poo, i only know of one with one on. there good cars. common faults are rear springs snapping and the manifold cracking. there nippy enough. a fair bit slower than the e30 but handle really well out of the box best handleing car iv had, was confidence inspiring.

[TimK]

I can only get another car when I've finished my E30 project so if you've still got it in a few months I'll be interested... Have you driven both cars and can you feel any difference? HOw controllable is the non-LSD on the limit? Also, how much difference does the m-tec suspension make to the ride/handling?
Many thanks.

[kniterider]

iv driven a e30 is with lsd and a e36 withut but not a like for like on the e36.

cant really comment. the e36 doesnt spin up much other than 2nd gear corners if you push it its only rain really i notice it. that and pulling away on slippy surfaces. the only other thing is coming out of a slide it can snap back a bit quick ont he open diff.

again on suspension iv only had the mspec but from what iv been told its alot better. its very firm but the car goes round the corners and its very balanced

[TimK]

Ok brilliant. So an E36 is can still slide nicely with an open diff then...? OK, I want m-tec suspension but can't find many with it on...
Thanks for your help again.

[kniterider]

it will step out yes but its very hard to keep it out at any speed in my experiance. in the wet it comes out on command but is a bit wild but im no where neer any good at drifting, im more of a get the arse out until it comes in again guy rather than hold it so id assume its your level of skill too. also on the e36 iv read the rear subframe can twist if you try to drift alot or something along them lines. its good fun tho!

[e30kev]

watch out for leaking diffs on the 4 pots as the seals perish leading to obvious damage if left like this (previous neglecting owners ), its like a funking plague when your looking for a good replacement diff

[TimK]

Ok thanks. How easy is it to fit an LSd to an E36?

[aj_mckay]

E36 LSDs are proper expensive as they're quite rare. I can't imagine they're too difficult to change. They have two mounts though rather than one like the E30 has.

[TimK]

Oh ok like how much? I haven't seen a single one with an LSD for sale so far...

[Gortour]

You could try having a word with Gareth on here, he could possibly build you one...

Don't know enough about it personally, I'll be the first to admit, but think he can build you pretty much what you want...

(Gareth is his username on here too.)

[aj_mckay]

Oh ok like how much? I haven't seen a single one with an LSD for sale so far...

500 quid isn't uncommon. They're normally only found on 328 sports or M3's.

[e30kev]

six pot 328 or m3 lsd's would be useless on a four pot 318is