DIff Bushing Replacement Cost

[aaron_silva]

Just got back from the Dealer. $400 :shock:. THey said that they would have to remove the whole diff. and replace the bushing. I asked them if the could just remove the cover and push the old bushing out and put a new one in and they said they wont do it. They said that with that procedure there could be a chance at the diff leaking. Also, they said that removing the cover with the diff attached to the car would be near impossible due the clearence issues. So, I will be going to find a different place to get a qoute. If I get the same answer, I dont know what I will do. I wanted to fix this before the rainy season.

Do you guys think it is possible for me to remove the diff. with basic tools and basic knowledge with working on cars?

Thanks

[AdamF 88iS]

There's no real trick to getting it out, it's just heavy, dirty work. The only nonstandard tool you'd need is the socket for the axle bolts, just get one ahead of time and you'll be good to go.

Unplug the speed sensor, then 4 bolts to disconnect the driveshaft, 4 bolts on top of the thing holding it to the subframe, the one big hanger bolt with the bushing you want changed, and then the 6 axle bolts on each side and it's out.

[ydubbs4]

You can get the cover off without taking out the diff, it just takes patience. If you chose to do it this way, have a wide drain pan ready, and just loosent the bolts enough until the diff fuild starts to leak out. For the most part, it will combine toward the center, so long as you keep the gap between the diff and tehe cover minimal. Its touch and go whether or not you will be able to get a new gasket on there and then bolt it up without having it leak however. Its real tricky to get the gasket to stay, and then not tear the gasket with the cover or the bolts. If you are going to get the bushing replaced, why not just trade up to the M Coupe diff cover. I am pretty sure you can get the whole thing (bolts, cover, new gasket), for about $120 from the dealer. See if they wont give you a deal on the parts. Of course, if you don't plan on ever really tracking the car that much, then I wouldnt worry about it.

Will

[aaron_silva]

I believe that the M Coupe diff cover wont fit the small case diffs. I could be wrong.

Thanks

[ydubbs4]

Good point. Missed the sig with the 318. Good luck with it.

[Ryan Stewart]

Hell for that kind of money get yourslef a lower ratio large case diff and pop the m coupe cover on that.

[aaron_silva]

Hell for that kind of money get yourslef a lower ratio large case diff and pop the m coupe cover on that.

I dont plan on paying $400. Although an upgrade would be nice. :D

[randywalters]

Your dealership guy is a liar or a moron. You do not have to remove the whole diff to change out the bushing. You can remove the rear cover a hundred times and it won't leak as long as you use a new gasket each time. BMW has a special tool to remove and install the bushing with the diff still in the car (it's in the factory repair manual) but some dealerships might not have this tool. I've replaced my diff bushing for less than $30 and it was a super easy job (with the help of a press).

Put the back of the car up on jackstands at the rear jacking points (with wood to protect the edge of the rocker panels) then place a floorjack under the diff. Remove the big bolt passing through the diff bushing then lower the jack till the diff droops enough for the bushing to clear the body bracket.

Drain the fluid then remove the cover and take it to any machine shop with your new bushing. They can simply press the old one out and the new one in for around $10. If you try to pound the old one out and the new one in you risk cracking the aluminum hoop so just get it pressed in.

[EVOIIIM3]

Why are you going to the dealer on this?

I would just buy the M-coupe finned diff cover for $170 and do it your self. It comes with a new bushing that is stronger then stock and it will also keep you r diff cooler.

Here are pics......

[Bill 84 318i]

I'd be very surprised if the M-coupe cover fit small case diffs.

[EVOIIIM3]

I'd be very surprised if the M-coupe cover fit small case diffs.

It will not. The later 318's used the bigger case, only the 84/85 has the small case.

[Bill 84 318i]

It will not. The later 318's used the bigger case, only the 84/85 has the small case.

My understanding is that later 318's got small case diffs too. Ask Stu, since he blew his up.

[EVOIIIM3]

It will not. The later 318's used the bigger case, only the 84/85 has the small case.

My understanding is that later 318's got small case diffs too. Ask Stu, since he blew his up.

Really? We did this install on my friends 318is it was a 91. I guess the only way to know is to check.