E46 M3 Differential Removal Guide | M-Clunk, Differential Bushings & BMW M3 9-Year Ownership Update

[@karegrnbk7490]

Nice video. I'm looking forward to the next section.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Cheers! 😃

[@beaunafyde]

good video. got mine booked in at ETA next month for RACP job, got a pissing diff from the input shaft seal so getting that done too. nice M3!

[@SPANNERRASH]

Cheers! Yeah the ETA lads know their way around an M3. Really happy with the work they did. I shouldn't have opted for polybushings though in hindsight. 😅 Input seal I will be tackling on whichever diff goes back on, I reckon I can DIY that. You'll see how it works out in the next vid. 😃

[@Herring1886]

Really good video... I want to watch more.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks Jack! Hope its useful

[@dannyDC2]

nice thumbnail be wise to get rid of that polybush in the front at 20:19, they can work their way out especially if you track it OEM bmw bush is better, if not solid alloy

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks Mr DC2! I didn't know they had a tendency to back out like that, aiming to swap it for OE along with the back plate. The clunks finally getting to me. 😆 Reckon I'll first "quickly" swap in the spare diff to keep the car mobile though, and I'm curious about whether it will be the same.

[@TheoldBiker-bi1ho]

What a nice video, with all of its problems and even joy when working with cars of this class. I like your channel, and also subscribe since some months back. BMW for me is motorcycles, but all mechanic work is interresting to watch. Good Luck and I wait for the continue video(s) of your work of your fantastic car !

[@SPANNERRASH]

Thanks for the kind words! Really glad you're enjoying the videos. We've never had a BMW motorcycle in the stable but we can really see the attraction of them. Lovely machines.

[@Barry-j7m]

23:19 I have the same problem, might be your crush ring or swing arms need to be adjusted. I have a 4.10 diff. Car came with 3.73 S. My suggestion is buy rebuilt or do it yourself. Just make sure the parts go Back the same way left side, right side. Take your time. Cheers

[@SPANNERRASH]

Cheers! You have the same clunk or the same leak? I'm a bit intimidated by rebuilding the M3 diff, but I think I might need to have a go at it. Really don't want to have the M3 down for long over the summer though, hoping to enjoy it! This is partly why I bought a "known good" diff as a spare, swapping that in in the meantime might take the pressure off. 😃

[@Barry-j7m]

I have no leaks only clunk, big time when I back up and turning corners. When driving straight it is noisy, like bearing and gear noise.

[@Barry-j7m]

Schims also play a big part if they are worn. I'm the original owner of my 1988 325is 147,000 miles on new motor, body has a little over a million miles. Rebuilt the old motor and sold it.

[@Barry-j7m]

The 4.10 was used. Only put 6,000 miles on it, going to buy a shell and rebuild a 3.73 since I drive alot on highways.

[@Barry-j7m]

Just saying, change your axle bolts, and if you ever get any bolt that is hard to remove, use a good quality heat gun, it's the best. Low heat and 30 seconds at a time, just make sure your careful around flammable products, just did my upper brake hoses on the rear, no problem came off without a hitch.

[@Barry-j7m]

Also buy a stud kit to hold your diff in, easier to install.

[@SPANNERRASH]

Nice idea, I haven't seen those for E46 platform before but I will check that out.

[@Barry-j7m]

@SPANNERRASH just received mine from Condor Speed Shop, American made. They have them for your set up.

[@JhannPangilinan]

Video on those brembo calipers

[@SPANNERRASH]

Wish I'd have been pointing the camera at stuff back when I figured all that out. They're Porsche 996 Brembo 4-pot calipers front and rear, paired with CSL discs. If I recall, I'm using Creation Motorsports adapter brackets to make them work. Unfortunately you need to get a couple of mm machined off the caliper mounting faces for a perfect fit. Then braided lines to match. Oh and the rear pad uses a front pad from a different caliper, with a modification to get more full sweep on the disc. Maybe I should do a vid explaining it actually, I'm now remembering there's quite a bit to it. 🤣

[@felixjayasuria8963]

Nice M3.. 😊 Think its your longshaft CV which is causing the clunk.. when u turned the longshaft in the video, heard some faint loose clunk...and with all the loose grease, i think its best your redo the CV.. With the 341 ponies, that CV takes a lot beating.. 😮 Just a thought..

[@SPANNERRASH]

Cheers Felix! The clinking sound you hear when i turned that is actually the gearbox flange turning, the CV on the prop actually felt pretty sound. The driveshafts have a bit more play than I'd have liked, but not a crazy amount either. It's likely a combination of a lot of small amounts of play adding up to one big clunk. But I suspect the majority of the problem is with the diff, being that they're notorious for it. We will see how it all plays out! 😄

[@Barry-j7m]

Check back lash

[@SPANNERRASH]

Yep, its possible there's an issue with that, the diff has done 117k miles after all. Most common with these though is the right side output shaft develops play. Either way I may need to strip the whole thing down to find out. Lots to learn on this one I think!