325i back end sliding out VERY easily - diff problem?

[liquidsmoke]

Hi,
I have a problem with my 1991 E30 325i SE Auto. It has started to be VERY dangerous and the back end has started to slide out extremely easily indeed! It's done it a few times now just at low speed and low/none acceleration when turning around corners...I have had it up on ramps and looked at all the bushes and arms and found nothing wrong - it's been well serviced. I have also taken it to a garage and they couldn't find anything wrong with anything. They also checked the wheel allignment and it's fine also.

I am starting to think it might be the rear diff. The car has done 188k, but is in very good nick, so don't want to have to scrap it! What type of diff is on these cars? Do they have an LSD? Is it viscous type? Could it wear out?

If people think it might be the diff - how much should I pay for a good 2nd hand one I can fit myself?

Any other suggestions? I don't have much money so hopefully it is cheap to sort! I'm scared to drive it at the moment!

NOTE: Come to think of it it's always when going around the right turn like a roundabout.

[liquidsmoke]

also - how do i find what ratio diff i have?

[schuey]

Greasy roundabouts! Give it some beans and ride it out like a pro! I doubt its the diff by the way as on open diff wouldn't cause such antics off the throttle.

[schuey]

My 325 used to try such antics come to think of it,more down to it having a boat anchor engine up front!
Are you sure its not a gearbox fault? i.e sneaky downchange when you dont want it?

[eko]

After reading your post I first though rear suspension bushes as worn ones can make the car very sloppy but as you said they have been checked twice then.....?
Suppose it could be the diff,maybe a dodgy LSD but ive no idea what the characteristics of a knackered LSD are so wait for someone else to answer.
Secondhand diff(open) are easy enough to get hold of on here,expect to pay around £50.If you wanted another LSD diff that is different story and will set you back £250-300.
Easy enough to fit DIY,couple of hours at the most!

Welcome to the zone

[eko]

There will be a tag bolted to the back of the diff with the ratio stamped on.If the stamped number has an S at the begining then its an LSD.

[Speedtouch]

Highly unlikely that a 325iSE auto would have an LSD; my '88 325iSE manual didn't have one, neither does my '88 535iSE

[liquidsmoke]

Well it's definitely not just a heavy right foot - this car is seriously dodgy! I've owned it for a while and know what it usually feels like... Thanks for the info regarding the stamp on the diff...is it just luck if the car comes with a LSD or not?

Also - I see a lot of diffs for sale on the board - are they all interchangeable car to car? Or do i need to look for one from a 325 specifically?

I might take it to a different garage to check out again...Are there any bushes in particular that usually go? I had some front ones done recently, and as I say I did check all of them over and they all look fine but...

I also have never heard of a diff going like this, my knackered diff on a 200sx S13 went and it just didn't lock very well, but didnt try and chuck you off the road!

[jaffro]

my 88 535 had one and i scrapped it with it on and it was perfect 2.

[Speedtouch]

Why did you scrap it?

[1an]

maybe you have rubbish tyres on it?

it is very greasy at the moment, like schuey said ride it out on full lock like a pro.

[Stifla]

My 325 used to try such antics come to think of it,more down to it having a boat anchor engine up front!
Are you sure its not a gearbox fault? i.e sneaky downchange when you dont want it?

As schuey said, could it be a gearbox problem, is it possible that the torque converter is faulty and causing some sort of engine braking effect on the drivetrain?
Wouldnt that cause the rear wheels to slow or stop turning?
That would casue it to behave almost like a handbrake!

Just a guess, im no expert on slushboxes...

Or as already stated, you could spend your entire journeys going sideways like a pro....heaven

[Aleksandar]

It's easy to notice if it's the gearbox-if it's happening on downshifts then it is related to it, I'd check the wheel alignment and suspension again.

[sam325is]

i had this problem and a tyre change soo nsorted it. then again i guess i was being a little heavy footed but i changed in to second and it carried on and i was not giving it much at all.....thats when i thought hmm better check my tires and they were just about legal.

[liquidsmoke]

I will check the tyres again - and tyre direction too which i havent checked yet - although this problem seems to happen in the dry and wet!

As for the auto box causing engine braking and sneaky downchanges i will try and see if it does it on downchange.

I can't emphasise enough how this is sliding when under very VERY little acceleration.

cheers for the help.

[liquidsmoke]

would anyone suggest changing the auto box oil? Whats the easy way to do this if so?