Re: E-30 e differential Q's

["James Clay" <jclay@xxxxxx>]

Josh Wrote:
My differential is beginning to contribute to the background noise at
highway speeds and when driving around town. About 8 months ago I replaced
the oil with Redline diff. oil, and the stuff inside looked old. Are there
any other symptoms of differential problems I should check for?
If I have to replace the diff. I am interested in a L.S. but only small
changes to the ratio. Does anyone know the original stock diff. ratio for
an '86 325e? I haven't been able to find anything like a tag on the
differential itself to identify it.


The tag is held on by one of the rear cover bolts.  Scrape the mess off with
a putty knife if you can't read it.  Most 325e cars had a 2.93 diff.
Redline will make the diff noisier, especially if it is limited slip.
Unless it develops a vibration or slack indicated by a jolt when applying or
releasing the throttle, I wouldn't worry too much.

James Clay
www.bimmerworld.com
Quality Used BMW Parts

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