Replacement with recovered diff - good/bad idea?

[BMWBen]

Looking for a bit of advice - I need to replace my diff, and given that a new one is £900 I've been looking for one from a breakers.

But, is there a risk that it may have been damaged by an accident? Should I just bite the bullet and pay the big bucks for a new part? Is there anything I can do before getting it fitted to check that it's not been damaged?

Grateful for any advice.

Oh yeah, and a recovered one is less than £150 :O

[GavinPearson]

I would use the 'recovered one. Check it over when you buy it, look for bent flanges and weeping seals. If all is OK, buy it, change the oil & run it.

[350Matt]

If the diff has a removable cover to view the crownwheel its worth pulling that off to take a look at the gear teeth

If Ok then go for it

Matt

[BMWBen]

alrighty - I'll go for it