Differential Upgrade (328i)

Josh328 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 07:39 AM

I hope to be able to upgrade by the end of the summer...

I drive a 1996 328i...I believe it is a 2.93 - correct me if I'm wrong

What ratio would you guys suggest - nothing drastic...I realize it may lower my top speed, but I'm not worried about losing 5-10mph, especially since I'm electronically limited!

I was thinking a 3.23 LSD from an M3...what do you think?

Thanks

Matthew C Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 11:22 AM

sounds nice to me, I'd just be happy with the limited slip....

Paddy Mack · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 11:57 AM

I'm assuming you're driving a manual correct? Depending on how much highway driving you do would be your answer. If you're mostly city, go up to at least a 3.46; a 3.38 while harder to find is available too. I have a 3.73 but have a 6 speed to compensate for the revs at highway speed.

Go to http://www.smokemup.com/utilities/calc.cfm and then select 'Speed for RPM range comparing rear gears'. Input a few values and will have the speed/gear for your tire size and differential choice. Makes the choice a whole lot easier. Besides this, they have a ton of other valuable utilities to use - it's an awesome site.

Playing

advocate, I'm not sure but install of the M3 diff may not be as simple as you think. I seem to recall a post from a few months ago where it wasn't quite so easy if not possible; maybe I'm mistaken. Good luck

rare blue ///M · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 03:45 PM

That is a good upgrade at a 80mph in 5th you will only be at 3200rpm same as a M3. I'm selling a 3.23 for $850.00. It is out of a 97
M3 with only 40,000 miles. The diff will fit no problem I have a 3.91 lsd that came out of a 95 325i in my M3 auto. Give me an email if you have questions. kudomario@cs.com

Josh328 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2002, 10:26 PM

Paddy Mack,
Thanks for that link...it's a cool page!

rare blue ///M,
Like I said, I only hope to do this by the end of the summer...I don't have the money now! And to tell you the truth, I'm really expecting to find one quite a bit cheaper! I've seen new ones for $1000!

Do you guys know how this would improve times. Would a 2.93 to a 3.23 be significant, or should I go up to the 3.38 or 3.42. I wish I knew someone who had one so I could drive it first. I really want the acceleration, but then again I don't want to be shifting to 3rd just to pull in my driveway!

(oh...my car is a manual by the way!)