Diff Options for M50 e30 5spd

[NZM50SWAP]

I have just finished my swap into a 320i e30 and I'm looking for a Limited slip diff. I can't find any e30 one's here in new zealand but I've found a e28 528i Lsd. WIll this work in My car? Bolt straight in or will I have to do something?

Thanks

[Mike B.]

There is a little metal tag attached to one of the rear cover bolts that indicates that ratio of the diff, check there and report back the ratio. If there is an 'S' along with the ratio number - it is limited slip.

You can also tell if it's limited slip by the turning one of the output flanges. If you turn one and they both turn in the same direction - it's limited slip, if they turn in opposite directions - it's open.

The diff from the 528i will work, but you will have to change the rear cover and possibly the output flanges.

[KangamangusDriver]

You will have to change the rear cover

You will have to change the flanges that the axles bolt to. Different bolt pattern and E30's are shorter.

Best way to do this is by loosening up the bolts around the output flange.
Start pulling evenly. Once you get them out do the reverse to get them back in. It can be a bit tough, but can be done.

[Mike B.]

You can also use the wooden handle of a hammer. Just put it behind the flange and pry it out. It should come out pretty easy.

[NZM50SWAP]

Just picked up my diff

Picked up my diff today. I thought it was going to be a medium case 3.07 LSD out of a e28 528i. But it looks like a large 210 case 3.07 out of a e28 528i. Can I still put this into my 89 320i e30? Will the output flange's on my 320i go on the larger e28 diff?

Thanks

[Jason89i]

You can also use the wooden handle of a hammer. Just put it behind the flange and pry it out. It should come out pretty easy.

agreed, they flanges are only held in by a compression ring. DO NOT loosten the bolts holding the plate housing around the output shaft. (it secures the main output bearings and realignment could result in premature failure.)
REPLACE all the seals. its $15 and 20 minutes time.....will save you headaches down the road when they fail.

cheers, jason

[NZM50SWAP]

Can I still use this in my e30

Just got my e28 diff and it look's to be a Large case 210 diff. It's got 8 bolt's for the sidebearing seal's and the 188 medium has 6. Can I still use this in my e30??? It waffleswaffleswaffles'snt look like it's going to line up to existing mount's etc....

[Mike B.]

If it's a large case, the 4-bolts to mount it to the frame should fit. Don't forget that you will have to change the rear cover to the E30 cover.

Can you post a picture?

[NZM50SWAP]

Yeah sure :p

[Mike B.]

You need to replace that rear cover plate with the one from an E30. Once that is done you should have no issues with mounting it up. It looks just like the one I put on my car (3.46S).

[NZM50SWAP]

You need to replace that rear cover plate with the one from an E30. Once that is done you should have no issues with mounting it up. It looks just like the one I put on my car (3.46S).

Hi Mike
This diff is definatly a large 210 case 3.07s. I've being told another reliable source that for me to put this into my m50ed 320i I will have to make subframe modifications for the mount's and new axle's cause the side flange's from my 320i are way smaller and won't work.... Your guy's thought's on this please. I'd really like to use this diff but this is a daily driven road car so don't won't to have to do major mod's to make it fit. Thanks

[NZM50SWAP]

Will large 210 case LSD diff out of e32

Any thought's anyone.
Will this large 210 case LSD diff of e28 m5 fit into my e30????

[Jason89i]

You need to replace that rear cover plate with the one from an E30. Once that is done you should have no issues with mounting it up. It looks just like the one I put on my car (3.46S).

agreed. e28 diffs are the same as e30 diffs....just different rear covers and output flanges. so....replace the rear cover (with the e30 cover) and swap the ouput flanges. replace all the seals (much easier now than later), replace oil.....viola. drive off into the sunset. cheers, jason

[NZM50SWAP]

Are you shore Jason?

Casue I've being told that I can't swap the output flange's and axels out of my e30 320i diff onto the larger LSD that I have. Plus it's a 3.07 ratio so I was kinda hopeing I could swap the centre but that's probably out of the question to. Here's some more pic's.

[Mike B.]

Based on the info that you have given us, if you want use the diff, you will need output flanges from an E30, new axles from an E30, rear cover plate from an E30 and properly modify the body of the car (320i) so you can bolt it in place.