Using parts from an e46 diff - is it possible ?

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

jimbom30cab
Tech 1 freak
Posts: 7631
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: in the garage

Post Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:33 am

Hi, I'm looking to get the tallest diff poss for my e30

So i saw this e46 2.35 diff and wondered if anyone knew if it was possible to re-build an e30 diff with the e46 diff internals

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-3-SER ... 3a8f729dca

thanks
maggspower
Turbo Farmer Tractor Driver
Posts: 2376
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Nowhere near South Wales, ok butt

Post Sat Jul 04, 2015 9:34 am

I don't think the internals are interchangable on these Jim.

Why do you want such a tall ratio?
HairyScreech
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6265
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:00 pm

Post Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:14 pm

Well it "looks" to me like it's biased on an 188mm casing.

Might be possible but until someone tries who knows?

The gasket kit is the same as quite a bit of stuff, but I think that might be because to 188 and 210 gasket is the same.
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/33101214618/
That said, it only looks like its throwing up new style small engine stuff, not a single M with a 210 diff on that list.
The output is also 84mm which is a 188mm case thing.

No internal diff bits available from BMW though, couldn't check if the bearings are shared with anything that is know to work.

Thread on fitting an E30 diff to an E46, looking the same size case there:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=11870187


Following this they seem to say the M5x engined e46 is 188 case.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... 88mm-diffs
2.8 development thread http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=170822

m3.3.1 m20 thread - now running, chip needed - any volunteers?
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... =viewtopic&
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28649
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs

Post Sun Jul 05, 2015 7:07 pm

The pinion shaft is too short I believe, looked at it years ago
jimbom30cab
Tech 1 freak
Posts: 7631
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: in the garage

Post Sun Jul 05, 2015 11:50 pm

Thanks guys, interesting stuff, I just wanted to put a really tall diff on the M52 to see what it was like, for shits and giggles really.

Thought about doing a long run in 6th with a super tall diff to see what the best MPG is i can get

Cheers