Diff swap questions

[CompleteCustoms]

I have decided that I want to swap an LSD into my '86 325 (eta). Based on what I have read I know that I definitely don't want to go above a 3.25.

Are there any other LSDs between my stock (2.73 ish) diff and a 3.25 that I should consider?

Also, to save money, I would like to get it from a junkyard. What models came with a 3.25 LSD?

Thanks

[MR 325]

You could go with a 2.93 LSD which came in the 86-87 325eS.

The 3.25 LSD came in E24 6 series cars and E28 5 series cars. Most commonly found in the E28 535iS.

[Gooch]

+1 to the above. Also note that if you get an e24 or e28 diff you will need to swap over the e30 medium case diff cover and output flanges.

[CompleteCustoms]

Thanks guys, very helpful. That's pretty specific though and will probably be hard to find, maybe I'll just have to stop being cheap and buy one off someone here.

[Wanganstyle]

you can buy a much newer diff from a Z3.

3.07, 3.15, 3.23, 3.46 are all ratios that were on much newer Z3's.


e30 325E's also had 2.93 LSD. old but not as old as a E24/28 unit.


the e24/23/28 items are 2 decades old vs 1. Rubber seals, bearings do degrade over time/wear

[MR 325]

So if parts are old they must be junk?

[CompleteCustoms]

you can buy a much newer diff from a Z3.

3.07, 3.15, 3.23, 3.46 are all ratios that were on much newer Z3's.


e30 325E's also had 2.93 LSD. old but not as old as a E24/28 unit.


the e24/23/28 items are 2 decades old vs 1. Rubber seals, bearings do degrade over time/wear

I like the sound of a 3.07 or 3.15, might be a good compromise.

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap into an e30 or are there other parts I would need?

If I find a Z3, how can you tell what ratio it is?

Thanks

[Jean]

you can buy a much newer diff from a Z3.

3.07, 3.15, 3.23, 3.46 are all ratios that were on much newer Z3's.


e30 325E's also had 2.93 LSD. old but not as old as a E24/28 unit.


the e24/23/28 items are 2 decades old vs 1. Rubber seals, bearings do degrade over time/wear

I gotta talk to you soon to see what you have on hand, so I can swap my ratio :)

[Wanganstyle]

So if parts are old they must be junk?

the r3v crowd is trying to buy junker diffs for $100 and cheap out on seals. also wonder why the pinion bearing always dies...

is it that scary to rebuild a diff and use new seals, new races and new bearings? and new LSD internals??? Just like how piston rings are un-known to 24v swappers.

I gotta talk to you soon to see what you have on hand, so I can swap my ratio :)

sure, I want to see some V8 powar!!!

I like the sound of a 3.07 or 3.15, might be a good compromise.

Is the Z3 diff a straight swap into an e30 or are there other parts I would need?

If I find a Z3, how can you tell what ratio it is?

Thanks

If you find a z3 ask him for his VIN number. This will tell you many things; the vin number is usually in the B pillar /door jam area when you open the drivers door

the entire Z3M rear end with its diff will PNP into an e30 :) people put e30 diffs on Z3's also; Just figure out what ratio/size diff unit you have and want to go to