Twin Ear Diff options

[digger]

Is there a proven integrated twin ear factory cast diff cover (or billet aftermarket) for a 325i 188 diff ?

or do i need to use one of those separate bolt on billet pieces? if so which is the goto brand?

Can people share their experiences with attaching the mounting brackets to the body and any traps to be aware of?

[TobyB]

The E36 168 cover bolts onto directly onto an E30 168- is the same true for the 188?

t

[digger]

The E36 168 cover bolts onto directly onto an E30 168- is the same true for the 188?

t

It might, but the LHS ear wont line up with the existing body mount so youd need to add two (2) on the body

[Panici]

I went with the "Garagistic Secondary Diff Mount".
I did end up painting parts of it black, but besides that no complaints.
Install was straightforward.

[Northern]

I have the same in a box somewhere with a set of revshift bushings. I've seen a few installed around the forums/online.

[E30SPDFRK]

I know the bolt-on second diff mount is a common mod, but it seems so weak. It's 2 single shear bolts twisting against each other with lots of cantilever leverage on them. I wish it picked up off at least 3 diff housing bolts.

If you're already modifying the car to add a second diff mount on the chassis, why not just use the E36 cover and make 2 new mounts?

[Panici]

I know the bolt-on second diff mount is a common mod, but it seems so weak. It's 2 single shear bolts twisting against each other with lots of cantilever leverage on them. I wish it picked up off at least 3 diff housing bolts.

If you're already modifying the car to add a second diff mount on the chassis, why not just use the E36 cover and make 2 new mounts?

It's less then ideal for sure.
I did it on my car with a bunch of other supporting modifications to tackle wheel hop.

If I had big, sticky tires, or for drift/drag use, I would probably want something stronger.
That goes for the differential itself too at that point, perhaps a medium case is not suited to that task.


I would also argue that drilling four holes in the chassis is less invasive then making new mounts.

[digger]

I know the bolt-on second diff mount is a common mod, but it seems so weak. It's 2 single shear bolts twisting against each other with lots of cantilever leverage on them. I wish it picked up off at least 3 diff housing bolts.

If you're already modifying the car to add a second diff mount on the chassis, why not just use the E36 cover and make 2 new mounts?

2 bolts is significantly better than the 1 that works somewhat reasonably so should be enough mitigation and doesnt require hot works

if the single bracket was cracked then doing some hot works would be needed and the e36 bracket is the more logical option at that point IMO

[Northern]

I've seen that cross-beam in the trunk floor rip out, so I would be surprised if the two bolts become an issue before the structure dies.

For the E36 cover you more or less need to move that whole trunk floor beam back for it to be in remotely the right place, no? A little more involved than drilling a few holes.