S50 E30 swap - Differential Question

[cactii29]

Hello where do you guys buy your differentials?

I've searched Ebay and Bimmerforums and cant find a listing for 3.25 differential.

Which E30 came with a 3.25 LSD? What other options are there? How can I used an E36 3.38LSD?

[BigD]

No E30 came with a 3.25, it's the stock E28 535 differential. I recently blew mine and looked for a replacement. I have a few guys who offered me theirs so if you want I can put you in touch with them.

[Van Westervelt]

this is another reason to go with the g260 on the swap. 3.73s are all over.

[z31maniac]

Call Vines Automotive in AL and talk to David.

[cactii29]

I'll call Davis at Vines tomorrow.....thanks!!

[Uber E30]

I have one i can sell you but shipping is $

[e30polak]

this is another reason to go with the g260 on the swap. 3.73s are all over.

Yeah, but you don't get the 1:1 5th gear. ;)

[rThor432]

Both of my 323i's have had 3.2x diffs stock. One was a 3.23:1 open diff and the other was a 3.25:1 limited slip diff. Both were stock, but of course it isnt easy to find one of those. You can use the E28 diff though and I believe that was mentioned earlier by Big D.

Yeah, but you don't get the 1:1 5th gear. ;)

Nah, you get that in 4th. ;)

[z31maniac]

Yeah, but you don't get the 1:1 5th gear. ;)

But why does that matter?

[rThor432]

But why does that matter?

Plus one, I was wondering the same.

[Jesse30]

or you could have a 3.73 with the zf and walk sti's



just a thought.


OP the 3.25 differential came in the e28 535is you could look at your local yard and try to score one

[cactii29]

Ok I located a 3.25 and a 3.46 LSD. I think I'm gonna go with the 3.46. I'm gonna do mostly street and highway driving....no drag or track use. What do you guys think?

[edwin814]

I have one i can sell you but shipping is $

3.25 LSD from e28? i'm local. pm sent!

[rThor432]

Ok I located a 3.25 and a 3.46 LSD. I think I'm gonna go with the 3.46. I'm gonna do mostly street and highway driving....no drag or track use. What do you guys think?

3.46 is an excellent ratio for either an overdriven gearbox or a direct final drive box.

That will work good for a daily driven vehicle as well. If I were looking for another gear to go behind my S52, it would be a 3.46:1.

----In my opinion.

[cactii29]

I'm leaning towards the 3.46