318i Diff Longevities (was:M3 Diff Longevity)

[mstellas@xxxxxxxx]

Whilst driving home from work this evening my differential decided to
stop differentiating.  I was doing about 60mph when the car began to
loose power.  It felt as though the transmission was slipping.  I began
to slow down to pull over when I began to hear the noises (bad, bad,
noises...) The noise that I heard before pulling over completely sounded
like someone hitting a large hollow metallic pipe with a piece of metal
(get the picture?).  I have no idea what that was (I don't think that my
wallet wants to know).  Anyway, I was supposed to bring my car in on
Monday (23rd) to get the diff seals replaced but I had to drop it off a
little early.  Upon inspection after pulling over I noticed smoke coming
off of the diff which I am guessing is the burning oil.  My question is
this... How bad did I f*uck up my car?  I will not know until Monday, so
I would appreciate any responses.  

Take care,
Matthew
1995 318i 
BMWCCA
UUC

P.S. Would this be a good time to covertly upgrade my rear diff?  What
are my choices?

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