Z4 2.2 Diff

[SteveOS3]

I have been getting a whining noise from the diff that is getting louder over time.

The local garage have asked if it's a limited slip or not?

It's a 2003 2.2 - would anyone be able to say if it's got an LSD or not?

Many thanks,

Steve

[Collectingbrass]

See what https://www.realoem.com/ says, or put your VIN into a decoder to get at the factory spec?

[Touring442]

No LSD on those. It's a regular 3.38 ratio E46 medium case (188) diff with a special finned rear cover that can be swapped over. If you search Ebay for an E46 320i 3.38 diff you'll get a good one for 100 quid or so.

[SteveOS3]

Thanks all.

Looking for a replacement now.

Steve

[SteveOS3]

Hi.

The best one appears to be from a 71k miles diff from a BMW 318I SE 4 DOOR SALOON (2004 Reg) but they don't know the ratio. Is it likely that it would be different from the Z4?

Thanks,

Steve

[Zener]

I have a 3.23 ratio E46 diff pt no ..7503229 if your interseted for small money , is perfect and came from an auto to manual conversion so as had an easy life and silent , its in my way and been too lazy to advertise it

Edited by Zener on Thursday 21st October 14:32

[Touring442]

SteveOS3 said:

Hi.

The best one appears to be from a 71k miles diff from a BMW 318I SE 4 DOOR SALOON (2004 Reg) but they don't know the ratio. Is it likely that it would be different from the Z4?

Thanks,

Steve

No, a 318i diff is a 168 small case.

The 323i diff above will be perfect. It will bot straight in with the rear cover swapped and the ratio difference inconsequential.

[e28525e]

My gf's diff went on her Z4, same issue. The same happened on my 130i. The input bearing runs dry under acceleration. The bearing design is different to earlier models