Do LSDs have an S stamped on the bottom?

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:22 pm

As per the title really, is an S on the bottom of the casing a safe indication that it's a genuine LSD?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:24 pm

Where the ratio is stamped.....3.91/3.73/3.64....it should have an S in front of that.

I think some have a random big S on them somewhere too?

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:31 pm

pretty sure mine didn't when i had mine off, sounds like bmw though doing some and not others! i thought the s is on the tag only no?

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:31 pm

yeh u get a big white s stamped underneath

Karan

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:50 pm

I have a LSD in the garage and its got a white S on the bottom and top.

andrew

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:53 pm

OK that gives me some confidence.

Has anyone seen an open diff with an S on the casing?

Irrespective of whether there is an S on the casing, should there ALWAYS be one on the metal tag?

Dan

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:56 pm

yeah otherwise how can you tell?!

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 9:03 pm

Demlotcrew wrote:I have a LSD in the garage and its got a white S on the bottom and top.

andrew

i'll get that off you when we do Daves engine...

i heard u went to neil's place.. u should have left it at his place

Karan

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 9:06 pm

Just checking.

So if I understand, there are no LSDs out there that have an S embossed on the casing but no S on the metal tag?

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 9:23 pm

Karan wrote:
Demlotcrew wrote:I have a LSD in the garage and its got a white S on the bottom and top.

andrew
i'll get that off you when we do Daves engine...

i heard u went to neil's place.. u should have left it at his place

Karan

Yeah didnt think about it

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 10:10 pm

3.64 ratio LSD dif tag with the all important "S" prefix

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 10:48 pm

The big "S" on the top and bottom often flake off over time. Best bet is to go by what it ways on the tag.

Post Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:40 pm

Cheers guys, I'll let you know how I go.

Post Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:01 pm

The S was painted on in white with a stencil. There's one on the top face so that the factory bods can see which one is LSD before the diff is bolted into an axle. And another one underneath so that wyhen the complete axle/diff is up in the rack, which one to slot into which shell. Most have disappeared along with the black paint and rust. The tag is the only reliable way of telling, plus the usual 'spinning the wheel' test.

I just bought a 528i LSD, 3.45 ratio for ten pounds. Swapped the back cover over and the output shafts and it's in the 320i!

Post Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:11 pm

So it could be assumed that those with the white S still there, have been well cared for or are newer? Looks like I've lined up a 3.64 LSD that looks in better condition than most diffs I've seen, and all for Ãƒ”šÃ‚£80!

One more question, can the speed sensor just be pulled out and replaced with one from any other E30 diff......it's broken apparently.

Dan

Post Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:21 pm

Yea but how can a diff be well cared for, as in the S at the top and bottom haven't flaked off? The only way of caring for the internals of the diff is not wheel-spinning or going sideways - things that are a bit of a ritual round here

Post Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:48 pm

Sorry yeah, I realise that there is plenty to go wrong with the internals, just thinking that a well presented diff i.e. little rust and general crud, could be an indication of a well cared for car.

Post Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:52 pm

true, if it's clean as then its definately a looked after car! personally i wouldnt bother, i've only cleaned mine because its been off the car being reconned.