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Buying Advice for 318i with Suspected Bad Diff

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    #1

    Buying Advice for 318i with Suspected Bad Diff

    Hello,

    I am going to look at a promising 1991 318i on Wednesday that I may get for a reasonably low price because the owner feels the diff is shot. According to him he was driving along when he started to hear clunking/banging noises so he parked the car. I wish I could provide more of a description, but this is all I got. I would appreciate input on the following questions:

    - Do the small case diffs typically fail?

    - Could this be bad rear sub/diff bushings?

    - Any other thing I should look for?


    Right now I am thinking about changing out the diff fluid and seeing if that helps, but it is common for fluid to eventually leak out?


    Thanks,
    Chris
    Tags: None
    #2
    Does it still drive?
    1989 Carbon Black 328is

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      #3
      According to the owner it "should" make the half-hour drive back to my place. I have roadside assistance so I have also debated about getting it towed to my place if it is possible the diff is salvageable. However, I have been searching for a 4.10 LSD as backup.

      I have been seeing conflicting info about small case and medium case diff compatibility. Can anyone viewing also verify whether a medium case diff is a direct swap (1991 M42) without any other parts/hardware?

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        #4
        That sounds more like a bad drive shaft or half shaft than the differential.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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          #5
          Check the center support bearing on the driveshaft.

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            #6
            My visit got postponed until tomorrow, but I will check the CSB & driveshaft components. Owner appears to be certain it is the diff. Nonetheless, the diff was on my list of updating since LSD > open.

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              #7
              Originally posted by Chuckles View Post
              My visit got postponed until tomorrow, but I will check the CSB & driveshaft components. Owner appears to be certain it is the diff. Nonetheless, the diff was on my list of updating since LSD > open.
              Well if it is the diff, you can get tons on here for $200 or less.
              1989 Carbon Black 328is

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                #8
                Didn't go for it. Not only was the new paint job (< 1yr) showing rust it was only running on 3-cylinders. These multiple commutes for misrepresented cars are becoming annoying.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by Chuckles View Post
                  Didn't go for it. Not only was the new paint job (< 1yr) showing rust it was only running on 3-cylinders. These multiple commutes for misrepresented cars are becoming annoying.
                  No one ever wants to say there car is a turd. It used to be fun to buy and sell but it's getting to be to much BS anymore. CL is the biggest PITA.
                  sigpichttp://www.germanaudiospecialties.com/

                  1986 325es :early:

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