E36 M3 3.0 diff advice

[jac-in-a-box]

Kid has my M3 and appears to have bust the diff...I'm not anywhere near the car so can't confirm the actual facts. It seems that the diff casing has failed and one of the securing brackets/lugs where it bolts to the diff carrier has fractured - it's definately not the diff carrier at fault but the actual diff casing that's given up.

It appears that 3.0 LSD versions of the diff are thin on the ground and those that are available seem to be somewhat costly.

To get the car on the road and running, he's considering fitting the diff from another E36 320/325/328. I'm certain the ratio on these models will be incorrect but it will do as a stop-gap measure until he can sort out a replacement/repair of the current diff.

The proposal to fit a non M3 diff - will they physically fit and will input/output drive flanges need changing? I understand the 4 pot E36's use a small case diff; the 320-328 & M3 3.0 use a medium case diff and the 3.2l M3 use's a large case diff.

IF it is the case the diff casing is damaged, I don't imagine a weld repair of the bust lug will work - or will it if properly done?
Can the internals of the his duff diff be swapped into a medium case diff from another variant? If yes,will it need special tools and setting up...pre-load etc? (never worked on a diff before)
Any other options to consider - just need to get the car mobile and work on the correct repair/replacement later

Info is vague and I aplologise - but he is adamant that it is the diff case that's failed so I'm having to work on that info'! I anyone knows of a used 3.0 LSD for sale I'd be grateful for a heads up.

Thanks and HNY to all

[iguana]

M3 dif easy enough to buy, 3.0 bit more desirable than the Evo one as easier to fit for non M use, around 250 to 300£

You could fit a 328 open dif as a temp solution, flänge need swapping yes.

I have parts 328 you could have dif/prop/flanges off för peanuts IF you want to unbolt it your self

[jac-in-a-box]

Thanks for reply and offer of parts...I'll bet you're not within easy travelling distance though - TomTom doesn't recognise "Lizardville"

Looks as though he'll be going for a 3xx diff and p/shaft as a quick fix until he caan source a 3.0l LSD or transfer his diff internals to a medium size diff casing.

HNY to all!

[iguana]

jac-in-a-box said:

Thanks for reply and offer of parts...I'll bet you're not within easy travelling distance though - TomTom doesn't recognise "Lizardville"
!

Well indeed fair enough, just spotted you are in Scotland, so I'm still gunna be circa 800 miles trip so best to source something locally.