E46 BMW Differential Swap DIY
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- Опубликовано: 19 июл 2016
- A "mostly helpful DIY" on how to change your differential for a quicker ratio. Faster acceleration= more fun.
Take your time with this one so you don't strip a bolt like I did.
Be safe when jacking up your car * I am not responsible if you drop a car on your head*
Have fun!
Please put any questions in the comments I will do my best to help.
Torque specs:
Rear suspension re inforcement brace - 18mm 57 ft-lbs
13 mm- 22 ft-lbs
Differential input flange- 61 ft-lbs
Left right axle bolts -59 ft-lbs
Differential rear main bushing bolt 21mm -128 ft-lbs
Two front diff bolts 18mm -70 ft-lbs
On differential -drain plug 14mm hex socket 52 ft-lbs 
Авто/Мото
Best video ever! You covered everything and made it enjoyable to watch! Liked and subscribed!
You look progressively tired as the video goes haha
I feel you. I've been there.. Now I have to do this all over again for something else..
Good video! nice angle
+Jason Lee I WAS progressively more tired haha. This old car takes it out of me sometimes
Very entertaining video of a tough mod. Great stuff!
I absolutely enjoyed this video. Entertaining and very educational. Great job buddy!!
cool to see some old school throttle house!
How did I just find this channel I've been looking for e46 videos like this for 2 years!
Great job with the differential.
Need to do this to my e46 drift car did it make a big difference
This was the video that got me onto Throttle House! You've come a long way ..
I went from the stock 323i diff to the 3.46 and it was super noticeable. Sadly I don't have the car anymore, lost it about 1.5 years ago, but hopefully I'll have another one day
What’s the standard ratio?
I used a C clamp to compress the brake pads against the rotor to prevent the axle from spinning while trying to remove the axle bolts, worked quite well.
Lol could just put the car in gear or use the ebrake...
@@Backcountry_mike No handbrake installed. Putting it in gear doesn't help because the other axle will spin because of the diff with the car up in the air. I am not sure if the handbrake or having the other wheel on the ground and in gear would be enough resistance anyways.
@@rainvillecreative5410 it's worked fine for me on every diff job I've done Including this exact set up.
@@Backcountry_mike I guess yours weren't as frozen as mine, my impact couldn't handle it
i did this swap on my non m 323ci. 3.23 to 3.46 ratio. along with a 330ci intake manifold swap. my car is so much more fun to drive now!
Do you still have you 323ci?
I definitely felt the relief of you getting it out these suckers are no joke
The best DIY I've seen so far. Thank you!!
Great job. Thanks for the video.
A little tip for people with the stock rear sway bar is that you can actually remove the diff without removing the sway bar. Mine is impossible to get off without replacing all the bolts and such (rusted), so I put a long screw driver between the rear diff bush part of the subframe carrier and sway bar and just pulled (Feet towards the front of the car and my head roughly under the rear silencer was easiest for me). I've done this 3 times now and it is very quick when you get the hang of it, you just need to pull hard :)
Wish I would’ve seen this literally just dropped my sway bar 😭
Acetone and auto trans fluid, great bolt penetrating oil. Or some heat
Great vid with really good presentation. Thanks for making this. Please don't use a paper towel to clean your diff ;)
Yeah, so I tried removing the heat shield for a bit but it was very difficult to move around and then I realized you can just bend it out of the way of the axle so I did that instead.
Really good video!!! But I wonder one thing, I heard the drive shaft need to be centered during diff swap? Or maybe it was some other part that need to be centered or if it's just about older cars?
really good content and presentation, keep up the good work :)
Thanks for watching.
I am told you shouldn't use copper grease or products containing copper on aluminium as it sets up an electrochemical reaction causing corrosion. So I would not use the ultra copper you are suggesting. Great video on how to remove though. Many thanks.
I've just lost a tooth inside my diff on the main input pinion. Just checking how to remove diff. It's only a baby 316ti (1.8 engine) so how did I strip a tooth? 119,000 miles. Went from a whine to a rumble and now a clunking/knocking. I can actually provoke it to jam solid by manual rotation of input drive shaft while checking for backlash holding the wheel with the other wheel on the ground. Maybe a Friday afternoon production.
I was told to mark the drive shaft location, so when you put it back in it will remain balanced as before. Just curious.
Now, let's see you do a front diff on an e46 x-drive
couldnt break the cv joint bolts with your torque wrench? yea becuase its not made to break torque
stripped a bolt too.. how did you get the axle off after shaving off the bolthead?
thanks for the posted keep coming. I got a stupid question 03 x5 3.0...the front differential took a went. The suv right now won't go forward or reverse. I can feel the front differential is holding it..I can't get the nuts on the drive shaft out...can I cut off the front driveshaft so I can move the car..since the front differential ain't good. Do I need to look at other things in the car that could have went bad cuz of this issue
Why do you let someone hold the brake padel ? You could use the handbrake.
Great video
if only non-Ms got LSDs
Memeancholy Weld it if its not your daily. Trust me its worth it.
Adrian Gutierrez my daily is welded and i was an lsd sooo bad
@@adriangutierrez9582 it fucking sucks and you cant turn or park properly because the inside wheel keeps hopping, unless you only want to do mediocre skids not worth the trouble
What's the best differential ratio for the 318i automatic?
How would you compare replacing the rear diff to having a sprinter power commander ?
Thanks, young Thomas!
What could I swap my diff with for more torque. I have a 1998 BMW 740 il e38 7 series automatic.
Wow u guys have come so fare ❤
I love how there is a ton of oil on shelves. ;)
2 questions 1 by upgrading diff to 346 with 18in wheel is that good for it. 2 when u rock back in for word on the where on of the wheel connector do u hear anything also when you wiggle in and out where the wheels are connected to are they supposed to be loose or not move at all
Good job!
I swapped my diff in my e46 320Ci to a 318 automatic diff, Got a pretty good acceleration from it but the top speed was decreased from 220km/h to 170km/h, Its cool to drive around on small roads but it sucks on the freeway :P
So the 4cylinder diffs work on 6 cylinder cars as well eh? I've never been able to get a straightforward answer about that.
Please dont use a wobble extention on an impact gun. It will spin off and hit you in the face.
Crook Ed that's why I use my hand to cover the wobble ext. just in case.
Hello, I’m 17 and getting into the automotive scene. I have a 1999 bmw 323i e46 and I’m wanting to do some more work on it, starting with an open diff. If I was to install one it would have to be a diff from the exact same car correct? Like a e46 323i open diff? Hope you can help, thanks
OVER THE TOP.
I ended up with 3.46 diff from 325i accidentally when my 330 3.38 diff burned. I went and picked up from a local BMW salvage yard the 3.46.
What I didnt know is that the driveshaft was different so I had to go back and get another one from 325.
The benefits are as such that the car feels snappy from the start and the 3rd gear is especially atomic.
At the top of the 3rd it can give M3 a run for its money, but the 1st and 2nd gears are basically rev limit fuck, they are too quick and end quick causing you to lose time during shifts.
But the 3rd and 4th give an advantage as such as while you are at the top of the 3rd, your opponent is at the beginning of the 3rd and he cant boost as fast or cant output its full horsepower even tho he has more but just can't use it at low RPM and you rev the top.
Comment for reference. Thank you
Thank you, the torque specs, are they the same for my 3,38 diff?? Thanks
What do I have to do to my differential to be self-locking? it is a bmw e46.
Is the automatic differential self-locking?
Self-locking = turn both wheels
i got a diif from 2005 325xi automatic and i wanna swap it on my 2002 330i automatic. will it work fine? i know i have to change the front flange but other than that it should be fine, should it?
hello , I have few questions about upgrading diff on e46. I have recently seen m4 f82 differentials for good price and I wonder if i can fit it on e46
You need: 1/2 inch metric sockets AND some PB blaster. (penetrating oil)
Can you tell me where can I find a 330i differential manual 2002
@@jaymesjohnson car-parts and ebay works well. upull yards can be handy but ALOT of work.
Do you think I can swap a diff from a different model with the same chassis?
NOTHING LIKE A GOOOD NUCKLE BUST IN THE MORNING
would the rear diff from a 325i or 330xi work in a 323i?
yes
“Feel free I don’t care” I like this mentality 😂
Hey sir
Do you maybe know if i can put 2.47 difrential on place where 2.81 been.
Its e46 coupe 330d 150kw.
It was automatic transmission and changed to manual gear
Do you have a video for changing out a rear differential in a 2007 x3 3.0 sports edition
Have you thought about getting an e36 I have a e36 m3
What is the torque specs for the bolts around the back plate for the differential ? And is there a sequence to tighten them ?
Tighten it like heads. Start inside and work outwards, so that it gets pressed in the middle first, and work it outwards, changing sides each bolt you do.
How many hours did this take if you recall?
Your rear carrier look rusty as mine (118D) :D They are actually the same.
Next time you're under the car trying to break a bolt loose with a breaker bar. I found that the easiest way to break them loose is with your foot.
Yeah true
Will the 03-07 Z4 3.64 diff work on my 2000 323i e46 that currently has the 3.46 and what limited slip unit should I buy?
Do you have to remove exhaust to remove the diff?
This guy got the same mbw as i have, othw i got this sporty differential in it and it bothers me, i must take extra care every time i change first and second gear and if i slip coupling normal way it might jump car a bit. I must change in few weeks when i find a good one and i got time.
tell me more about output shat is it same or must be change
What is the overall combination outcome of a 3.46dif mixed with the slip unit? Does that increase the power?
No. The limited slip diff allows you to put the power to both wheels at the same time instead of just one. Certain types of lsd will lock both wheels together under power allowing you slide the tail of the car around easily.
+E46 Reviews with T.H. Thanks for the reply! Very helpful. I have a 99 bmw 323i e46 and am looking for performance mods to increase acceleration. Any ideas or advice on modding to achieve this? Its a manual
Hey T.H, great video....I have 330Ci 5MT 2001 probably with 3.07 final ratio. so if u know I wanted to ask, if I can fit same Automatic 3.46 diff in my car? will it fit perfectly like in your 325?
I believe it will fit.however thats a pretty big jump in final drive ratio. See if you can find a 3.35 or something like that.
thank you T.H for very quick answer :) I will consider your advice and will tell you know my progress if u are interested...I am planing to Dyno my current setup (which is stock), then I will change Diff and some other clean mods and will Dyno again
Will a XI diff fit a non XI? Been trying to find an answer for this forever.
I have a 2001 330ci, 5spd, 2.93, trying to swap from a 3.46 from 2002 325XI, auto, 3.46.
Where can I find the same differential 330i 5 speed Coupe?
I was watching this and was like wait this looks like a younger version of the dude from throttle house. Then I realized it is.
The ultra copper is used for exhaust manifolds or headers not used for this application ultra Blue ultra black would be the best option here
E53 2001 3.0 bmw front differential remove and install
tourings have the higher final too.
Hey quick question
Can u be able to like if I was to get this diff
Can it be welded?????w
Would greatly appreciate 🙏 if you could get back to me.thx
Hey, good video. I am having bad vibrations when accelerating with my 330xd coming from the back/diff. I lifted the car upp and those 2 bushings in the front holding the differntial was torn/cracked. Do you think this could be the cause of my vibrations? And can i replace those bushings with a press kit without lowering the entire subframe of the car?
Same issue with my e46. Did you fix it?
@@trw8777 Yes, it was the diff bushings. I changed all 3 bushings. I also changed Center Support Bearing and Flex disc while i was at it. Not expensive if you do it yourself. Remember, heat is your friend for the rear diff bushing. Heat it up so it basically starts melting, smash the rubber out. Than saw out the shell carefully.
question my buddies diff is locked were gonna swap it out none of the wheels on the back move would we still be able to get those axle bolts and drive shaft bolts out? the wheels just won't move also do you know the diff drain plug size? thanks
+Iam Moetic it might be hard but still doable
Can you confirm that my Manual e46 325 Convertible has the highest ratio diff stock? or would I also benefit from an automatic dif? Thanks
That depends what country you're in. BMW fitted different ratios in some markets.
Which province are you in?
The inner axel torx bolts are one-time use. Ask me how I know.
Those motherfuckers are tough.
I have a 1991 e30, with M50 motor, my issue is that I have a 4:11 diff, also it was a automatic transmission, I now have a 5 speed transmission, and the rpm's are very high, at 70 miles per-hour I run around 3,700 rpm. What can I do to lower this, and what diff do I need to install?
Try going for a diff lower then 3.62. I had the same diff in my e30 with m52 motor. But used for burnouts and spinning
I don’t believe they come in any automatic e46. They come in any automatic 325, or 2004 X3 only. Could be wrong but I’ve been doing a lot of research on this as I just got one also.
Still waiting on my special order Doritos box before I tackle this job on my e39, any suggestions on where to order the box??
Try using some W.D.-40 or some other penertrating oil on those rusted bolts 🔩.
I prefer P.B. blaster.
Makes life way easier..
Just saying..
Is this an open differential?
How do you know?
what if when i manually spin the drive shaft while the car is lifted and only the driver side rear wheel spins but not the other?
Means you got an open diff
It can be done without removing exhaust or stock sway bar
Exactly. I've done this countless times with my 325i doing the exact same swap and I got it down to about a 45-50 min job without taking exhaust or sway bar off.
but, how? tilt it down before pulling it out?
will 328i auto fit 325i manual
Cant find the 10mm..... great.
Actually reminds me of the brotherhood of steel (fallout) gas mask not a pumpkin 🎃
So can I get a differential like this from junk yard and weld it and then swap it with the stock one whenever I want to drift it?
This type of diff won't help you drift. You need a limited slip diff or you would need to weld an open one.
so what vehicle did this come off? I've been looking on eBay and can't find these from a 3 series in a manual? some are on there out of 5 and 7 series. would they fit?
+Tank Roberts this was a 3 series e46 automatic. The 5 and seven series probably wouldn't fit
ahhhh I see so the auto diff fits the manual and it's a different ratio because it's an auto diff?
NEVER DONE GRESSY DIFF WORK IN TEAL COLORED PANTS. JUST SAY'EN.
Maybe its just the places ive looked but all the 3.45 was used on the 318 and 320 autos (possibly also 2.2), the auto 325 diff is listed as 3.23 ratio (3.15 manual). The only places im seeing the 3.46 ratio used around that age here was on an e39 and the pumpkin looks different. Are you sure thats a 3.46 and not a 3.45 ratio (maybe the euro and the us models were different)? I know when i looked a long time ago on an e36 the touring diff was a higher ratio like the autos, not sure if its the same on the e46's cant find any listed to compare. I know when i worked it out on paper (best case gains vs losses) on the e36 i was more going to shave a small amount off my 0-60, but the extra fuel costs on the highway/motorway and the loss of top end speed was what made me think again. Going from a manual 3.15 diff in the 325 e46 to a 3.45 ratios is just under 9% between the two. If you would top out at say a buck 35 (135mph) on the 3.15 diff that's going to now be 123 ish on the 3.45 although i could be horribly wrong... not sure if im calculating that right. Also assuming you have a lead foot and average 24mpg that would work out at almost at around 22mpg with the diff swap (worse if your foots not made out of lead)... Am i right what sort of difference has it made to the top end and your mpg? Personally for the same money i would fit the under drive pulley set (assuming you have not already), also for the us spec ive heard the headers were restricted and worth replacing as well (see ebay). Finally for us spec the sharkfin/remap to bring it back to that of the euro spec is also worth doing. Im not knocking, its great to see another e46 gear/petrol head keeping the magic alive... Also on the us e46 get a euro lcm (light control module) its a direct plugin and will mean you can control the front fogs independently. Finally if you have not done it already dont forget the vanos rebuild, its not expensive, but worth doing especially if your north of 80,000 miles.
Hm. I think the 325 is chip limited to that top speed. I think that unlimited with stock gearing it will go near 150 mph. So if you remove speed limiter you could make 135ish mph with 3.46 diff.
I'm not sure about eurospec cars but I'm pretty positive the 3.38 is the wagon and the 3.46 is the automatic sedan and coupe. The 3.15 is the manual. And yes I'm sure of the ratio it's written on the top of the diffs
+E46 Reviews with T.H. Strange, all the breakers yards i looked at listed the 3.45, maybe the euro and us versions got some slightly different diffs. There are many small differences here and there, its a minefield i had to swap the gearbox on mine, boy that was a game and a half to find a decent and compatible donor box. Didnt know the top end was software limited... might have to find a non public road and check, if so i feel a remap coming on. Have you done the vanos rebuild yet, im going to pull mine next month.
No its on the list of things to do. Im not having any rattle, but I swear I can feel a tiny surge around 3k rpm every once and a while. It could be because Im looking for it and paranoid, but I will just do it eventually anyway.
+E46 Reviews with T.H. Mines just the same :-( it was much worse when i first got it. I think someone used the wrong oil and i think it was pissing past the worn rings i used 35 instead of 40 oil and it behaves much better. Hurry up lol i need a vanos tips video :-p Ive some rear bushes to do first tho. From what ive read/seen if your going to do it do the rattle rings regardless, some dont rattle but all have developed play.
will this make it 2 wheel drive instead of one wheel wounder when ur trying to drift
No
What size Torx nuts are holding that diff on?
Marvin Walworth usually an E12
what is 5th gear ratio p0735 and how hight does the car be lifted
5th gear ratio depends on which car you have. I had the rear of the car jacked up as high as it would go on two 2ton jack stands. More height is better.
Do I spy Koni Oranges?
Do your neighbours think your nuts. Something i noticed over the last month while working on my bmw and Toyota on my drive was that I've never seen any of my neighbours ever working on cars or even putting oil in.. Started to think I was odd and wonder how everyone else's cars seem to need no maintenance
Same. People probably think my car is junk that's why I'm always working on it lol
so swapping a bmw lsd into the e46 wont work unless its an aftermarket one?
yea i was thinking about the quaife but its just so much more money than an e36 diff :/
www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Drivetrain/Differential/Performance/
some other non-Quaife options that are a little bit less expensive.
what's the possibility of this working on an e46 325xi.
Should work, depending on what final ratio you have now.
I tried unbolt in the rear bolt and it just keeps going in circles and although loose it's still in the bushing and somehow still hanging onto the diff. Any ideas what's going on?
Do you mean the crossbrace bolt? Im having that issue with the crossbrace bolt. Did you fix it?
@@DutchPyro2011 YEA I DID ACTUALLY, I HAD A HARD TIME WITH IT BUT I LINED IT UP AND IT FINALLY WENT IN, NOW IM WAITING IN A CENTER SUPPORT BUSHING TO CO,E FROM CHINA(SMFH) AND I DIDNT MARK THE AXLE BEFORE TAKING IT APART SO I DONT KNOW HOW IM GOING TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER, THIS JOB WENT FROM SHIT TO SHITIER AND IM JUST ABOUT READY TO HAVE THIS P.O.S TOWED FROM MY DRIVEWAY TO A JUNK YARD HERE SHORTLY
@@eastoaklandsartiebo-bo6718 I have the issue where the 18mm crossbrace bolt is turning with the nut. There is no way to reach the top of the bolt, so I'll have to drill it out and probably put it together with 1 bolt missing. Last week (before this issue) I also broke 2 axle bolts, which I had to grind off with a Dremel :P E46 isn't the easiest car. How did you manage to get a new crossbrace bolt in place? I have no way to reach the top of the bolt. Is it under the seats? Or what did you remove from below to reach it?
@@DutchPyro2011 DONT DRILL IT OUT!!!!!!! NAW MAN ITS BECAUSE ITS NOT TOTALLY LINED UP. I ENDED UP USING A MOTORCYCLE JACK UNDER THE DIFF WITH 2x4'S SO I CAN SHIFT IT. THAN I COULDNT SEE THE HOLE AND THATS WHEN I ASKED WHY WAS IT JUST SPINNING. GO PURCHASE A LITTLE CIRCLE MIRRORS THEY SELL AT MOST AUTO PARTS STORES ON THE EXTENSION HANDLE AND A FLASHLIGHT AND YOU CAN SEE INTO THE HOLE AND SEE ITS NOT JUST SPINNING BUT IT CANT GO ANY FURTHER CAUSE THE HOLES ARE NOT ALIGNED ACTUALLY. YEA IT THREW ME FOR A LOOP, BUT 100% THATS YOUR ISSUE. WTHAT THAT MIRROR TRICK AND THE TWO FRONT BOLTS OUT (DO THOSE AFTER YOU DO THE REAR ONE ) YOULL BE FINE.
@@eastoaklandsartiebo-bo6718 Gotcha, sadly I already drilled it out.. But luckily we're taking delivery of a car lift within a week. So I'd be able to reach a whole lot more.. Good luck with your issues mate! Hope you get it running again!
what type of gloves are those? good for chemicals too??
+Mattyew they are not sealed so not good for chemicals. Just a basic shop glove.
get them only if they are free, they only last 2 weeks tops. First wear and tear stars at the finger tips (holes) then eventually the top mesh. I only buy simple surgical gloves now and throw them once they rip apart which actually is not easy to achieve.
good
PB Blaster is your friend
It would’ve been the most helpful diy if you’d kept saying what tool sizes were needed 🥲