E30 325iT 3:91 differential.

[NigelA]

If anyone has an E30 325iT 3:91 differential available I would like to know please. There was an 'advisory' on the last MOT test and the next MOT is due shortly.

[martauto]

What did they "advise" on ?

Mart.

[NigelA]

That the casing was degrading.

[martauto]

That the casing was degrading.

I have never come across this before
Do you think it was a bit of rust on the outside ?
Please don`t use them ever again.

Mart.

[NigelA]

Many thanks, Mart. That was really helpful. Yes, the tester said exactly that. So I take it you are saying that the diff structure is sufficiently robust for this not to be a problem?
Nigel

[rix313]

The cases are so thick and the tester appears to be as well. Get yourself to a proper MOT station and job done.

[aimlessrock]

they are serious heavy hunks of metal - it would take 2 lifetimes of abuse to even start to do any damage to the case- remove one and you will see what i mean.

It its a bit tatty remove from the car it and give it a good clean and overhual and a good coat of Hammerite and it will be fine for the next 30 plus years.

That MOT tester is clearly not used to working on proper cars.

[Cloggy Saint]

Rather than immediately assuming the tester is thick, is it possible he's referring to the back plate? It's not unknown for them to crack/leak, and any damage around the mounting point would be dodgy.

[NigelA]

Many thanks, rix313, aimlessrock and Cloggy Saint for your helpful comments and suggestions but also for being so quick off the mark. Much appreciated and points noted.

[martauto]

Many thanks, Mart. That was really helpful. Yes, the tester said exactly that. So I take it you are saying that the diff structure is sufficiently robust for this not to be a problem?
Nigel

Yes.

Mart.

[martauto]

The cases are so thick and the tester appears to be as well. Get yourself to a proper MOT station and job done.

Mart.

[NigelA]

Thanks, martauto. Will do.

[martauto]

Thanks, martauto. Will do.

No probs mate, that`s why we are here , to help each other and................we do not like jokers who are either trying to pull the wool over some ones eyes or they are simply inept.
We do know better when it comes to a forum which is specific to a particular marque.
Mostly

Mart.

[bmw-mad]

If you do need a diff drop Me a pm I have a 3.91 available

[NigelA]

Thanks, bmw-mad. Will do

[gareth]

It's not unheard of for diffs to rust through - despite being about 8mm thick! I've had three over the years that have holed after bead blasting. Much lighter though!

However, the diff does form part of the suspension (subframe has two mounts plus the diff bush) so technically a damaged backplate, bush or casing can compromise the integrity but I think we've just got a case of "arse covering" from someone who doesn't have much experience!

[NigelA]

Many thanks, gareth, very helpful.

[DanThe]

The cases are so thick and the tester appears to be as well. Get yourself to a proper MOT station and job done.

Sound conclusion and advce here