BMW Z3M Diff.. Will it fit E30

[mtlbloodshot]

Why are my output flanges not the same?

[10Toes]

Bringing this thread back to life.

Today, I tried to put my output flange from my E30 diff. They slide it nicely but, my only question is.... Is it normal that they poke out more then the original Z3 flanges?
Are the E30 half shafts shorter than the Z3s?

Yeah, that's why you have to swap them.

[mtlbloodshot]

Bringing this thread back to life.

Today, I tried to put my output flange from my E30 diff. They slide it nicely but, my only question is.... Is it normal that they poke out more then the original Z3 flanges?
Are the E30 half shafts shorter than the Z3s?

[Sjoerd320i]

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

Yes, they are all the same.

[mtlbloodshot]

The z3m diff cover looks different and is "finned" for better cooling, but it's still interchangeable with the e30 cover.

Thank you Vinni..

[VinniE30]

The z3m diff cover looks different and is "finned" for better cooling, but it's still interchangeable with the e30 cover.

[MattAvino]

This said diff is getting sketchier and sketchier.

[mtlbloodshot]

No.. The m cover is much different looking.

Yes I know but the Diff i got has no cover on it. So instead of purchasing the finned cover, what are my other options/

[nando]

No.. The m cover is much different looking.

[mtlbloodshot]

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

[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

[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).

[nando]

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

[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.

[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.