BMW diff compatability

[davetherave1970]

Hi all

First post in here so be kind!!
My cousin and I are messing about with a 1992 3 series 323 (2.5 I believe).
We’re looking at doing some track days and the odd drifting day.
The interior is stripped out, race seats and three point belts are in and now we’re looking at the suspension and other mechanical bits.
We want a spare diff that we can have welded up for the drift days and wondered if other 3 series diff’s would fit. Seen one for sale locally for a 2.0L
As it’ll be swapped back and forth we don’t want to have to modify anything else.

Can anyone confirm the 2.0 diff would fit the 2.5? Or any others that are interchangeable?

Cheers

Dave

[wackojacko]

Any 3 series diff (E36) will fit any E36 apart from the E36 M3 Evo diff as the prop shaft couplers and rear diff mounts/sub frame have to be changed to M3 Evo, whereas the M3 3.0 will fit straight in.


I'm pretty sure that is accurate as I have been looking into 323i's as track cars aswell.

Try bimmerforums for advice.

Also do the M50 inlet manifold and a Remap = 20bhp extra

[davetherave1970]

We're gonna go for it and find out for sure!

[davetherave1970]

Well we've got the 2.0 diff, had it welded and it's fitted. Hops, skips and judders as expected on slow tight corners

My cousin tells me he's been told that normal engine oil will do in the diff. Now I'm no expert but I wouldn't have thought this to be good for it.
Can anyone give me a slightly scientific reason for not using this oil or tell me it'll do the job ok?
Slightly concerned he's being lead down the garden path!!!!

[Huff]

Bearing pressure. It's the 'highest-leverage' point in the drivetrain, borne one tooth at a time with sliding contact (hypoid bevel etc) so the lubricant used needs to be rated for it. Engine oil isn't.

Traditional gear oil for this sort of thing is loaded with sulphur and other EP additives and stinks. It's also the right answer if you dont want to be lookin for another dif in 500 miles time...