E36 diff,help needed!

[eko]

Friend of mine has got an E36 318is and has smoked the diff
Tried the local breakers and none have got a replacement,so does anyone know if one from anther model BMW will fit,ie E30/E34?

[DanThe]

Think they are purely E36 fitment mate

[eko]

Cheers Dan,was thinking that myself!

[stuartgallafant]

yeah, i gotta agree with dan...

and that'll be a low ratio too, like a 3.15 or even in the late 2's

[eko]

yeah, i gotta agree with dan...

and that'll be a low ratio too, like a 3.15 or even in the late 2's

Cheers Stu

Fitting will obviously be the same as an E30?
No major obstacles to get past?

[stuartgallafant]

yeah, its not unlike the E30. IIRC its got 2 diff-eye mounts that bolt into the sub-frame, unlike ours that bolt obto the chassis. the easiest way to change them is to drop the subframe out, 4 big bolts, and do it all that way...

[eko]

Nice one Stu,picking his car up tomorow to do it!
Just got to find a replacement now

[stuartgallafant]

also tony, whilst you're under there it would be a good idea to check something...

the E36's had a MASSIVE problem with the body rotting through where the rear subframe bolts onto it. If you look around the area where all 4 rear subframe bolts are, check theres no bits of body missing, cause of there is, the remedial work is approximately £3500...

[eko]

also tony, whilst you're under there it would be a good idea to check something...

the E36's had a MASSIVE problem with the body rotting through where the rear subframe bolts onto it. If you look around the area where all 4 rear subframe bolts are, check theres no bits of body missing, cause of there is, the remedial work is approximately £3500...

Lets hope its rotten then,saves me changing the thing

[stuartgallafant]

you cruel b4stard

[eko]

you cruel b4stard

I know im wicked eh
Make a decent breaker though-M3 wheels and leather,clear lights etc,oh and not forgeting the start of a 5 stud E30 project

MMMM I have a plan

[stuartgallafant]

i might do with some engine parts!!!

[eko]

i might do with some engine parts!!!

Keep your fingers crossed my plan goes to plan then

[stuartgallafant]

lets hope eh!!!

mwah hah hah, mwah hah hah hah haaaah!!!!

[gareth]

time for some imaginary rust even if it's not there!!!! then tell your mate you'll give him £50 to take it off his hands!

i think i was a E36 318is diff on ebay earlier... there are a few E36 ones on there.

[eko]

Cheers Gareth,ill check the rust issue before bidding on one

[DanThe]

Battery acid is good for rust eko

[eko]

Battery acid is good for rust eko

Yeah so a little birdy tells me

No.to be honest its not in my nature to do something like that,and he is a good mate(top floor fitter) and he does plenty of nice work for me,usually for the cost of a bacon butty

Ill check for the rust all the same,so thanks for the advice!

[eko]

Right can someone who has experience of E36s let me know what im up against?

Picked the car in question up today,got it to my house and try it for myself to what what the problem was.
Let the clutch out and there is an almighty bang from the diff(car does drive).
Got Benjy to do it while i tried to get underneath the car(very low suspension).
As the clutch is released the front of the diff is twisting downwards?
So obviousley a bolt/mounting has broke?

What i need to to know is

Is this a bolt thats screws directly into the diff housing?
Is it a mounting at the front thats likely to be split?
Is the subframe itself likely to have snaopped at the mounting?

I know its hard to diagnose without seeing and trying it but just wanted to know what to expect when i jack it up at weekend?

Anyone heard of this happening on other E36`s?

[DanThe]

Oh dear

Maybe the floor has given way

[eko]

Oh dear

Maybe the floor has given way

but the diff is bolted direct to the subframe right?
There didnt seem to be any movement of the subframe from the body,just the diff twisting downwards?

[DanThe]

Keep your eye on this thread mate - http://www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94910

[boybimmerm3]

diff pinion has failed. new diff needed.

[eko]

Keep your eye on this thread mate - http://www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94910

Thanks for the link Dan,looks like having it as a breaker may still be an option
Ill just jack it up when i can,probably Saturday and have a proper look,not very optimistic though!

[eko]

UPDATE!

Jacked the car up this afternoon for a look.
Turns out the front mounting bolt has sheered off leaving the threaded part inside the casing

I can see the tip of the remaining part in there and it is about 2mm away from being flush with the casing!

Any ideas how i might withdraw it without taking the diff out?
Looks a bit tight to get a drill in their?

[DanThe]

Dremel?

[gcorky]

weld summit on to it maybe?chisel it round? then the bitch will have to come off car for improved access?

[stuartgallafant]

why dont you just take the subframe out and remove it after?