BMW Z3M Diff.. Will it fit E30

[mtlbloodshot]

Well, Im sure this is was spoken of somewhere on this forum but I found a wicked deal (locally) on a 3.23 from a Z3M and want a clear answer on if it will fit bolt on.

Thanks for the patience. Let me know what you guys know about this.

[nrubenstein]

Yes

[mtlbloodshot]

I can bolt it on the rear subframe and use the 318is drive axles?

[evandael]

you have to swap the output flanges, the Z3M's are larger than the E30's.

[mtlbloodshot]

easy task or will I be buzzing for hours?

[evandael]

depends on the tools you have, i suppose. i doubt it's that hard, but i've not done it.

[Unearth078]

easy peasy. you dont need any tools! they simply slide out, maybe needing some force from a mechanical lever. e30 ones will slide right in.

when you replace you should make a weekend out of it and replace wheels bearings, axles, resealing the diff is simple so do that, and if your feeling frisky; bushings!
best deal on new axles is bimmerparts.com

make sure you get the pimp finned rear diff cover. and then invest im redline gear oil to fill that mofo shortly after buying redline stock.

[VinniE30]

Would it be easier to use the z3m axles than to replace the output flanges with the e30 ones and reuse your old axles? What else would be required if you were using the z3m diff?

[giantkeeper]

That is where my 3.15 came from, fits perfect. Swapping flanges took all of 3 minutes...

[VinniE30]

Yeah but I don't see why you wouldn't just use the axles from the z3m if you're swapping the diff anyway since the axles are supposedly an upgrade in strength. I've had an axle break off before, which caused the diff case to snap off around the bushing and drop too.

[mtlbloodshot]

Yeah but I don't see why you wouldn't just use the axles from the z3m if you're swapping the diff anyway since the axles are supposedly an upgrade in strength. I've had an axle break off before, which caused the diff case to snap off around the bushing and drop too.

Id have to buy the axles new or rebuilt. If they fit then using the Z3M axles can always be a solution. Im picking one up tomorrow with 50k Miles on it. Finding one of those in Montreal isn't the easiest thing.

[nando]

I wouldn't use 318i axles even though they do fit. eventually, you'll want to upgrade to at least M20 axles.

[20gmr]

I would swap output flanges and use e30 axles to avoid messing with those rear wheels bearings. They are a pain without the correct tools( as is anything).

[mtlbloodshot]

I wouldn't use 318i axles even though they do fit. eventually, you'll want to upgrade to at least M20 axles.

Nando, I dunno if this changes anything but I have a 91 318is.. Aren't they same as the M20 Axles

[mtlbloodshot]

A E30 325i Diff cover looks the same as a Z3 cover. Could it be?