My search for an e36 M3 LS diff started way back when I got my first e36. I could never find one for a reasonable price. The Idea of an LS diff kept on coming up. I've thought about it, trolled the classifieds and forgotten about it so many times its actually funny.
Fast forward to two weeks ago. Someone bumped
Gizmo's Diff Thread and I started reading again. In that Thread Gizmo mentioned that most Type 188 Diffs from old gen BMW's have interchangeable inners. This was great news and after thinking of the ratio possibilities and possibility of finding a cheaper LS option I was lucky and found an e30 3.46 LSD. Consulted the forum before purchase and proceeded to buy this
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![[Image: IMG_20140728_184309_1.jpg]]()
You can tell its an LS unit by popping off the side Shafts - Should see an
X goodie inside like so:
![[Image: IMG_20140728_200123_1.jpg]]()
for More info on Identifying LS Diffs see here
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59029
So after procuring this I Removed my E36 Diff. For a DIY on e36 Diff removal go here
][url=http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=27125
Tools needed:
17mm Socket, spanner
13mm Socket, spanner
30mm socket
Power bar
Mallet & Hammer
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Locktite
Getting started
Note: This is not a complete how to...merely a guide. Im a hobbyist with a limited set of tools and skills. Therefore, my methods may not be 100% correct and I don't mind a critic who provides alternate (better) ways of doing things.
Picture of the E36 Open 3.91 next to the E30 LS 3.46
![[Image: IMG_20140802_083625.jpg]]()
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I Didn’t have the correct tool to open the drain plugs so I removed the Back covers to Drain the oil out of both Diffs before Stripping. Covers are held in place by 8x 17mm Bolts
![[Image: IMG_20140801_183548.jpg]]()
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Next was to remove the output shaft flanges. Pop them out by prying with a large screw driver or something
![[Image: IMG_20140801_183803.jpg]]()
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I Read that
Its very important to keep these things side specific and to refit exactly as they were taken off
Next was to remove 6 bearing cap bolts on each side. Think they are 13mm
![[Image: IMG_1479_3_1.jpg]]()
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I Then used some light hammering to get them out
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![[Image: IMG_20140802_090833.jpg]]()
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Be Careful though as they come out with some shims (spacers). Again, keep the shims side specific.
![[Image: 2011_01_21.jpg]]()
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With both Sides removed, the diff centre should almost fall out.
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092857.jpg]]()
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Both Diffs partially stripped
yes, thats sand...and i need some new tools
![Blah]( "Blah")
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092850.jpg]]()
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092841.jpg]]()
TBC
![[Image: IMG_20140728_184309_1.jpg]](http://s23.postimg.org/swr71x3pz/IMG_20140728_184309_1.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140728_200123_1.jpg]](http://s15.postimg.org/3t5rjzynb/IMG_20140728_200123_1.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140802_083625.jpg]](http://s21.postimg.org/5uk0hufkj/IMG_20140802_083625.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140801_183548.jpg]](http://s12.postimg.org/me4z0d56h/IMG_20140801_183548.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140801_183803.jpg]](http://s3.postimg.org/rd83pzbhr/IMG_20140801_183803.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_1479_3_1.jpg]](http://s2.postimg.org/3uu0770lx/IMG_1479_3_1.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140802_090833.jpg]](http://s13.postimg.org/75amux7sj/IMG_20140802_090833.jpg)
![[Image: 2011_01_21.jpg]](http://s22.postimg.org/5arco0at9/2011_01_21.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092857.jpg]](http://s7.postimg.org/452c6iptz/IMG_20140802_092857.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092850.jpg]](http://s9.postimg.org/nd9gc3fjv/IMG_20140802_092850.jpg)
![[Image: IMG_20140802_092841.jpg]](http://s8.postimg.org/xtlxr0p9t/IMG_20140802_092841.jpg)