1998 BMW Z3 Differential Bushing Replacement

Here I captured the struggle of replacing the rear differential bushing on my 98 BMW Z3 2.8L. There was excessive movement in the rear and a clunk during garage shifts, the bushing was done.
Take-aways:
- Remove spare tire for better diff access
- Remove vehicle speed sensor prior to cover removal, to keep from damaging it
- Remove bushing bolt and support rear of diff with jack so you can lower and gain access to top cover bolts
- Be sure to press the new bushing in perpendicular to the hole axis
- If using, secure your hand pump hose so it doesn't fall in to the diff
PSA - the JB weld fix did not work, if you watch you will know what I'm talking about. It failed on the first stop sign pull-away. Awaiting parts now.

[@sussolus]

I respect the hell out of you for not shouting every swear word known to man after that one

[@kent570253]

To be fair, you went pretty all out on the hydraulic press. Good learning experience here for you. The kind of mistake you only make once.

[@salami99]

great video, helpful showing it all. i'll just live with the clunk at that point.

[@shortroundChris]

Is there a pattern for tightening the cover bolts? I did my e36 m3 cover and there was a specific order for tightening and torque

[@driventofailure]

Checked my manual and TIS, didn't see anything specific to sequence..

[@shortroundChris]

@driventofailure yah cuz when I did my e36 m3 cover few years ago I found a torque spec and sequence page. Now I can't find. Just wanted to know if there was something similar for these.

[@cravencaremell737]

Man to be honest if you have come so far till you've replaced the bushing, you should replace the LSD and the housing as well.

[@driventofailure]

I don't disagree, this car is a rabbit hole of work because of its age. I did this because it was relatively quick and easy and I had a race that weekend. I plan to tackle the diff again when I drop the rear subframe for bushings.

[@Bmw_Z3R]

@@driventofailure this is exactly my plan. I actually have the subframe, axles, differential, lcas, from a 3.0 I want to swap in but I daily drive the car so I've been pushing it off I need to just do the differential bushing. Gonna tackle it this weekend.

[@driventofailure]

@@Bmw_Z3R pretty doable on a weekend as long as your careful pressing the new bushing in to the housing. I also made a video for the sub Bushings, rtabs, and diff rebuild later in the Playlist. Finally tackled that rear full on!

[@Bmw_Z3R]

@@driventofailure hell yeah dude. Actually I'm just waiting for the dealership to get the diff cover gasket in $13 bucks is a steal OEM BMW too. My problem with the swap is apparently the 3.0 has a 5" wider wheelbase on each side to the 1.9 so I'm still debating the solution for wheel poke.

[@spaceexplorer6636]

Nice video I need to do this as well. My 2cents worth for future DIY’s Some grease helps with install on all pressed bushings, even though they say don’t use lube it helps ! A local welder can fix that cover easily with mig welder.

[@tnone4194]

That sucks.