DIfferential bushing, and LSD general question

[monoblanco]

Few quick questions guys,
Is there a bushing on top of the differential?
If that's the case, what is it called?

Also, which e30 models come with the limited slip differential?
Just the IS models?

Thank you.

[Vivek]

Few quick questions guys,
Is there a bushing on top of the differential? yes
If that's the case, what is it called? AFAIK, the differential mount bushing

Also, which e30 models come with the limited slip differential? could be any by now
Just the IS models? from the factory yes, IS and ES

Thank you.

[monoblanco]

Thank you sir!
:)

[E30_fiend]

To be completely accurate, ANY e30 could have an LSD from the factory. They were factory options. Most people didnt care but to some people, it was a good selling point. Some people would have rather spent an extra $1000 on an LSD option than to spend another $3k on a sport model. And realistically, there is a huge chance that any e30 can have an LSD at this point in time due to how long they have been around. An owner of the car at some point could have put an LSD in.

So if you're wondering what cars to look at diffs on in the yard, the answer is, ALL OF THEM. You just never know.


Taylor


Taylor

[monoblanco]

Whats the difference between an aluminum bushing, vs. rubber:

AKG Differential Mount Bushing , BMW 3 Series (E30 & E36) and Z3 -Aluminum


AKG Differential Mount Bushing, BMW 3 Series, E30 (318, 323, 325, M3), E36 (318ti), and Z3, Poly 75D



VAC Delrin Differential Mount Bushing - BMW 3-series (e30)

[monoblanco]

To be completely accurate, ANY e30 could have an LSD from the factory. They were factory options. Most people didnt care but to some people, it was a good selling point. Some people would have rather spent an extra $1000 on an LSD option than to spend another $3k on a sport model. And realistically, there is a huge chance that any e30 can have an LSD at this point in time due to how long they have been around. An owner of the car at some point could have put an LSD in.

So if you're wondering what cars to look at diffs on in the yard, the answer is, ALL OF THEM. You just never know.


Taylor


Taylor

Cool, I was mostly wondering if my vert has one. I'm not sure yet. Thanks for your reply.

[SkiFree]

Whats the difference between an aluminum bushing, vs. rubber:

,

In broad terms of stiffness from stock to solid:

1 OEM E30 325i
2 OEM E30 M3 (extra metal reinforcement plates molded in the rubber)
3 aftermarket - urethane - of any durometer (Ireland engineering, AKG, Revshift and lots of others at this point)
4 aftermarket - solid - UMHW, Delrin, Aluminum, Etc.

Hope that helps.

[benzz280]

Expect very audible NVH whine if you opt for the poly or solid diff bushing.....I wonder if lubricating it will minimize the whine?

[SkiFree]

.....I wonder if lubricating it will minimize the whine?

Since the diff bushing is more of a mount rather than a pivoting bushing, then I'd assume that greasing the bushing would do little to reduce the NVH.

[nando]

I wouldn't mess with the diff bushing if you drive the car on the street. it's just not worth it. if you want an upgrade that won't rattle your teeth out, get a Z3 M Coupe bushing.

[tfritz]

just installed an 80A poly diff bushing from AKG, no noticeable vibes or noise..that was along with 80A subframe bushings and 75D control arm bushings.