Feeler: E36 3.38 LSD differential

[Bruno]

I have a E36 3.38 LSD from an automatic M3 in perfect condition. (4 bolts)
Looking to get 770 US for it. I bought it for the race car but found a racing diff for sale.

This will bolt of any 328i or 325i and some M3s. It can also be converted to 6 bolts.

Please do not email or PM me with lower offers we all know how rare these diffs are.

[Miguel]

Hey Bruno, can you kinda explain why a diff is beneficial?
Im looking into a tranny swap and I was wondering if now would be the time to upgrade my non-LSD diff.

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Hey Bruno, can you kinda explain why a diff is beneficial?
Im looking into a tranny swap and I was wondering if now would be the time to upgrade my non-LSD diff.

If you are doing a tranny swap, then you will want a lower ratio diff.
Automatic cars have very high ratio diffs 3.91 if I am not mistaking on the E36.

You will want something lower like a 3.15, 3.23 or 3.38.
The higher the diff the faster the car will accelerate. Too high and the 1st gear is useless. Your cruising RPM will also be higher.

Miguel PM me, I have the parts for the swap for you.

[greekthang]

Originally Posted by Bruno

If you are doing a tranny swap, then you will want a lower ratio diff.
Automatic cars have very high ratio diffs 3.91 if I am not mistaking on the E36.

You will want something lower like a 3.15, 3.23 or 3.38.
The higher the diff the faster the car will accelerate. Too high and the 1st gear is useless. Your cruising RPM will also be higher.

Miguel PM me, I have the parts for the swap for you.

Not neccessarily true in all cases though. I dont know what Miguel has but if its a 1.8 or 2.0L motor you want a higher gearing ratio. Those motors dont produce alot of torque and horsepower so the higher gear ratio helps it off the line. What I am trying to say is if you have anyone of these motor by putting in this type of diff you can actually slow the acceleration down considerably. If its a 2.8 and up then no worries.

Miguel the way the diff works is correct the way bruno explained but one big positive factor is the LSD portion. Now instead of one wheel spinning faster then the other (currently with your set-up) the LSD spins both wheels the same speed air goes giving you a way better acceleration and launch

[Bruno]

It won't fit in the 1.8, not sure about the 2.0, but the 1.8 is using a smaller and much lighter diff.

[Miguel]

I've got an average everyday 2.5L 5spd. Dont have the autobox anymore.
Do you guys know what diffs are available from E36's? This 3.38 is out of an auto M3 no?

[Bruno]

Differentials:
95's stock were 3.15, 96s were 3.23s
M3 Autos were also 3.23, as were the LTW's.
M3 autos were 3.23 in 95, but went to 3.38 in 96+ cars.
3.73 was available in the Japanese market 325iA/2dr. (to be confirmed)

E36 325i 3.91 for the auto,
.

[thinair]

I have a 3.38 and I love it
Free bump