318ic rear differential interchangeable ?

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  • Romanianbimmer
    Noobie
    • Jun 2014
    • 2

    #1

    318ic rear differential interchangeable ?

    IM in the need of a differential for my 318ic mine is shot. It makes a clunking noise. Will any other model diffs bolt right up? E30s aren't readily available around where I live.if anyone has one for sale or any advice please let me know. Thank you!!! Located in central Arkansas.
  • vpilarrt
    R3VLimited
    • Jun 2006
    • 2096

    #2
    Yes, the 6 cylinder diffs will bolt up. They are bigger and heavier but they do fit. Be sure to check the tag on yours so you get the correct ratio.

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    • hippiester
      Member
      • Feb 2014
      • 64

      #3
      isn't the 318 a small case?

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      • uturn
        E30 Modder
        • Dec 2010
        • 984

        #4
        My 318is has a small case. Going with the 6 cylinder you'll need the half shafts too. There's one at my local pick and pull. Shipping would cost an arm an a leg.

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        • Delta
          Noobie
          • Oct 2014
          • 34

          #5
          You don't need the half shafts from a 6 cylinder car to swap diffs, though you may need to swap the axle flanges from your old one to the new. I swapped the small case 4.10 to a medium case 3.91 VLSD (from a 325ix) and it works fine. Junkyard purchase though, and this one isn't prefect either, will be swapping again next year.
          Check the new one for leaks too!

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          • uturn
            E30 Modder
            • Dec 2010
            • 984

            #6
            Delta is correct, confirmed per realoem, the half shafts are the same on 325's and 318's.

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            • vpilarrt
              R3VLimited
              • Jun 2006
              • 2096

              #7
              I didn't swap the axle flanges when I installed a 6 cylinder diff in my 318is, has worked fine for 5+ years. How are they different?

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              • Delta
                Noobie
                • Oct 2014
                • 34

                #8
                Originally posted by vpilarrt
                I didn't swap the axle flanges when I installed a 6 cylinder diff in my 318is, has worked fine for 5+ years. How are they different?

                Not sure they are actually. Can't remember if I swapped mine over or not, I reseated the new diff and had the old one apart at the same time. Maybe I was thinking of the z3 diff or something...

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                • jeffnhiscars
                  R3V OG
                  • Jun 2011
                  • 6010

                  #9
                  You keep the flanges that come with the diff. Small case has a longer flange so in the end the flange faces are all the same distance apart...hence why you don't need to change the half shafts
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