E36 Differential

[RT/M]

I`m trying to source a second hand diff for my 95 e36 316i and was wondering if any diff off of an e36 will fit in like for like? or off of a newer model possibly, either way if it does it might make my search trying to find one a bit easier.

[4rephill]

No you can't just fit any E36 differential as there are two different sizes for the E36, a small casing and a medium casing.

All 4 cylinder E36's and the 320i use a small case differential where as 323i,325i,328i and M3's use a medium size casing. The medium case differential will not physically fit on the 316i, You need a small case differential.

Best bet is to try the specialist BMW dismantlers such as Fabdirect or quarry motors to source a replacement from another 316i or you could try ebay (might be a bit more of a gamble here though).