How to swap LSD from BMW E30/E36 into E46 330i 188K | Step-by-step tutorial | Powered by RacingDiffs

[@fantasticleese]

Doing the lord's work

[@racebuddy]

A lot of knowledge shared there, hats down!

[@RacingDiffs]

Thank you! Giving our best.

[@Highco_46]

The youngest lsd from e36 turned 25 years old. Before putting it in your car, you need to completely rebuild it. Also find a master who understands this. For this money, it's better to take a new torsen. He's more reliable. It is installed on bolt and has a large degree of blocking.

[@nenadradenkovic87]

You will never enjoy driving with torsen like you can enjoy with clutch type LSD. With those Racingdiffs clutch plates you will forget rebuilding that unit ever again.

[@Highco_46]

@@nenadradenkovic87 If you wrote this, it means you've never ridden a good torsen. I'm talking about a type 2 torsen with a preload. I am 99% sure that you will not distinguish them when moving forward. And any friction discs on the lsd will be erased. If they don't rub, then lsd doesn't work ;) It will happen the same way as on the original bmw discs, because the principle of applying molybdenum to discs is identical.

[@RacingDiffs]

No thorsen can ever replace proper clutch-type LSD. Especially if it is adjustable. That's a fact. You will never find a thorsen in any type of race car.

[@nenadradenkovic87]

@@Highco_46 there is no such thing as good torsen. It's ok solution but if you want something more from your car you need clutch type unit. And that is a fact.

[@Highco_46]

@@RacingDiffs Yes, you're right, a disc is better for professional sports or drift. I thought those who produce the “conversation set" and call it lsd do not understand sports ;) but if we are talking about an everyday car, with the ability to drive fast and efficiently, Thorsen is an excellent choice. From the factory, torsen was installed on bmw z3, toyota mark 2 , gt86, subaru brz, nissan skyline ;)

[@autoupgrade7910]

Great movie. I have to test this solution 😎 A little mistake at 5:40 and 5:53 Nm -> mm 🙃

[@thbigshot101]

This was an amazing video, finally someone to let us poor non m have a clutch based lsd for a great price and relatively easy compared to an aftermarket helical/ torsen style lsd. Could you guys maybe do a bit of a sale where if you get the swap kit with the refresh kit there will be a discount?

[@RacingDiffs]

Thank you. Will do soon. Our big final sale starts in mid October 😉

[@thbigshot101]

@@RacingDiffs I also have a few question, when ordering the kit, If I don't use the adjustment shims, could I send them back and get the value of the shims back? The ring gear showed a 3x3 mm machined part on it does that mean that the ring gear will need to be machined? For example I have a 330ci that has the standard 2.93 ratio diff, which settings would I need to choose in order to buy the conversion kit for a 3.23 e36 diff?

[@RacingDiffs]

In your case you need to get 5.15mm spacer which doesn't require machining of the crown gear. If you don't use any c clip from the set, you can return it according to our refund policy, sure. 👍🏻

[@thbigshot101]

@@RacingDiffs Thank you so much! I look forward to ordering the conversion set!

[@h22bomb]

@4:54 in the video are you saying the ring gear needs to be machined in a lathe?

[@RacingDiffs]

In some cases yes. Because spacer has outer step to keep the ring rear perfectly aligned on the center of rotation.

[@dichoprodanov8492]

Hello! I got the 3.38 ratio diff from a e46. What diff ratio\type should I look for from e36 and what mm spacer I need to make it work ? Thank you! Great video !

[@RacingDiffs]

If you use LSD from 3.15-4.45 ratio than you need 12mm spacer. For LSD from 2.65-3.07 you need 19mm spacer.

[@MakingforMotorsport]

Great video, one question, must you re-use the CWP from the E46 diff? E46 ratios are limited, I want to use a 4.29 or 4.45…

[@RacingDiffs]

188mm cwp, from e36, won't fit.

[@MakingforMotorsport]

@@RacingDiffs what’s the best OEM ratio available on e46s?? I could only find 3.91?

[@RacingDiffs]

That's pretty much the shortest you can get.

[@Tippey764]

@@MakingforMotorsport The e83 x3 n52 automatic has a 4.44. Unless they updated the diff in the LCI x3 I’d imagine that would work.

[@KjetilBuer]

Can i use a lsd unit from e36 m3 3.15 on a e46 320d 2.35 ?

[@bmv5813]

❤️& RESPECT+ FROM🇮🇩

[@RacingDiffs]

Thank you🙂

[@mekanic3769]

Best video, thanks you so much.

[@RacingDiffs]

Our pleasure.

[@oliverwilson-hall4675]

Can the same diff/process be used on a stock e46 330ci open diff? Currently doing mine up a bit, the lack of an LSD is really frustrating...

[@RacingDiffs]

This video is made on 330ci diff. 👍🏻

[@jono10123]

Great video, what’s the most power a diff like that could handle?

[@RacingDiffs]

Thank you! LSD unit can easily handle 800+ hp, but axles are limitation. If you get wifefab axles than you're good for up to 1000

[@WildDigger]

Great video. 👍 I have a E85 Z4 3.0si. I need a LSD swap. Will this work?

[@RacingDiffs]

Yes, it will. Diff is the same🙂 you won't recognise the car after you install LSD.

[@WildDigger]

@RacingDiffs Official thank you. I am new to bmw so not sure what fits what.

[@RacingDiffs]

Feel free to reach us at [e-mail]. we're glad to help. 👍🏻

[@georgef1176]

So I am seeing many e36 lsd with a weird like star plate thing on one side of the lsd unit. If that the wrong lsd unit? I just wanna be sure I get the right lsd.

[@tomrutkowski3122]

Why do you need to machine the output flanges? What is the rationale there?

[@RacingDiffs]

Because 188mm LSD from E36 has a dofferent securing metod for keeping flanges from popping out.

[@cobra3909]

Why do we need a crown gear?

[@RacingDiffs]

What do you mean? Without a crown gear, you wouldn't have any power transfer to the wheels.

[@cobra3909]

@@RacingDiffs sorry i meant the spacer for the crown gear. Why do we need a spacer if both ring are for 188mm medium case diffs

[@RacingDiffs]

You need it as the position on the carrier unit is different.

[@cobra3909]

@@RacingDiffs oh i see, so if i have a e46 3.46 diff ratio what spacer thickness i need to order?

[@RacingDiffs]

If you are using LSD unit from gear ratio 3.15 - 4.45 you need 12mm spacer.

[@filippe3822]

@RacingDiffs is this also possible for a 210mm e46 into 188mm e46 or 188mm e9x/e8x? thanks for great work on sharing knowledge!

[@RacingDiffs]

Unfortunately, it is not possible. But we are currently working on a Plug and play solution for E46 3.0D 215K diff.

[@sultanofswingdrift3021]

how is this project going?

[@RacingDiffs]

Coming next month 👍🏻

[@marioturkalj1239]

Pozdrav. Odličan video. Dali imate poslovne partnere u HR ili ste isključivo orijentirani na SRB?

[@RacingDiffs]

Pozdrav, hvala🙂 ako ste zainteresovani za distribuciju nasih delova, slobodno posaljite mail na [e-mail]

[@BaptisteLallement]

Amazing, How much preload does it has? And % lock? Looks usefool for drifting!

[@RacingDiffs]

Actually, that depends on the setup. We have 4 different stages of upgrade for that LSD unit. Please check the link below. racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-clutch-plate/products/bmw-188mm-lsd-differential-clutch-disc-inner-plate-repair-kit

[@SkaterWalsien-mp2uh]

Gd day sir,, is it compatible w/ suzuki samurai diff, or there are available one for it?, the basic mechanical construction/ components of a open diff are almost same of BMW's,, well as for daily &farm driving / not much seriuos off-road, just plain mud,ruts,gravel & sand typical country roads perhaps your LSD design can fit that qualification,,,

[@RacingDiffs]

We don't have the specific model for Samurai diff. All open diffs looks the same, but to get proper performance out of LSD conversion set, you need to march dimensions in 0.1mm, which is impossible to coincidence. We will look into making the set for Samurai though. 👍🏻

[@georgef1176]

Can the z3 lsd be used?

[@RacingDiffs]

Yes, but only 188mm size.

[@joper90]

Can I do this the other way around? I have a e46 diff with a lsd in it (aftermarket) and want to put it into the e36 medium case?

[@RacingDiffs]

Not sure how this unit is designed. If they used a spacer for ring gear, you will probably be able to swap it. If there is no spacer, then you won't.

[@Gated360]

Video wasn’t super clear. Did you have to machine the ring gear?

[@RacingDiffs]

Yes.

[@PeterJack02]

Nice, work same with 168k diff ?

[@RacingDiffs]

Thank you. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to 168k diff.

[@josephstalin5985]

Does installing an lsd on my bmw e46 turn any codes on? When you weld the diff the abs and traction control turns off is it the same with the lsd conversion kit?

[@RacingDiffs]

Not at all. LSD conversion kit works great with ABS and DSC. Of course, when you want to go sideways, you will turn off DSC. 🙂

[@josephstalin5985]

@@RacingDiffs awesome do you guys think you’ll have the 188k conversion option available on eBay soon?

[@RacingDiffs]

We have it on our website. Please check the link. racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-conversion-sets/products/bmw-e46-e90-e92-e39-e60-lsd-conversion-set

[@SendItStephen]

Does this mean an E46 LSD from a none M car will go in a E36 188 casing too?

[@RacingDiffs]

You mixed something up 😀 e46 non m cars don't have LSD as option. This is the whole point of this video. To retrofit LSD from e36 or e30.

[@RacingBernd]

Nice that you share your knowledge, i also had that kind of lsd in my E46 a while ago. But 400€ for a swap kit and 600-1000€ for a worn E36 LSD which you first have to rebuild first for 300+€. Thats Drexler Money for Medium Results😬😅 Not Speaking of the needed tools and machines for the swap... Also i dont think you can remove all the metal shavings from the front of the diff when grinding the housing, for proper installation the pinion should be removed. For someone who has acces to a lathe and tools and gets an old E36 lsd for really cheap this might be a cool solution, but for the rest a proper new lsd unit would be better, or even a torsen style blackline lsd which are available for 600€✌

[@MstreetDriver]

well, 200 is just cost of C clips that you need for alignment of any type of diff + 50 oil seals that you should change anyway, leaves you with 150 for adapter. LSD cores could be found for 500 and rebuild to factory performance is 150e without discount which is fairly frequent for these guys, if you don't have lathe of course some money for that job. Drexler is 1800e before you even touch your diff.

[@RacingBernd]

@@MstreetDriver I put 2 drexler type in e46 diffs and the quality was that good that i didnt need different C Clips, even though i had a Set here i could just put the original ones back in and the measurements were perfect. So it was just 5€ for 2 new side seals adding to the 1800€. And 3 years ago you could maybe get a used e36 lsd core from ebay for 500$ but now even the long ratio ones are sadly 800+ Then buying the cheapest possible clutch plate rebuild kit will leave you with bad Performance, even worse than factory lsd Performance. So I stay with my point, e36 lsd core swap is a pain in the ass to build and assemble, difficult to adjust and now with rising prices for e36 cores also pretty expensive. With shorter ratios it gets even harder to put the fat e36 carrier into the 188k housing, i once switched mine for a 3.38 ratio and the grinding of the Housing wasnt enough, it could only be put in with unbolted ring gear and carrier cap and then assemled in the casing...very annoying to adjust something like that.

[@samsam1790]

i have an e90 330xi 6mt & is looking into swapping 3.91 front/rear diffs... could I install the e36 3.91 lsd into that? Would it be more or less the same ass the e46?

[@RacingDiffs]

It will be almost the same.

[@sergiu239]

Is the M3 e92 compatible with e92 330d to swap for lsd or do you have a kit?

[@RacingDiffs]

It's now compatible. We do have a LSD conversion kit available in stock. Please check the link below. That would be 215L diff type. racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-conversion-sets/products/bmw-e46-e90-e92-e39-e60-lsd-conversion-set

[@mhamadhomsi9905]

Dose swap works on diff for bmw e60 2003 520i manual ?

[@RacingDiffs]

Should work for that diff too

[@northernmaten7676]

What is the diff ratio and the percentage of lock on this car?

[@RacingDiffs]

We used 3.15 diff and lock is set to 40% so it can be smooth for everyday usage.

[@northernmaten7676]

@@RacingDiffs im doing the same process for my e46 using e36 lsd but the ratio of the diff will be 3.46 with 40% lock

[@RacingDiffs]

No matter, process is the same for all ratios above 3.15.

[@ZeNN.47]

Koji je najbezbolniji i najlakši način da se u e46 330i uradi LSD diferencijal?

[@RacingDiffs]

Upravo ovaj. 😀

[@gogosh1t]

can I swap e46 m3 diff to my 3.15 big diff ?

[@RacingDiffs]

Yes you can. You will need adjustment shims to set backlash. Check the link below. racingdiffs.com/collections/differential-tuning-parts/products/bmw-differential-backlash-adjustment-shim-kit

[@angelurzua2574]

Great tutorial, thanks a lot guys !! I will do that to my 01' 330Ci.

[@RacingDiffs]

So glad we inspired you.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@frogl0rd244]

@@RacingDiffs I have a 00' 330ci, what differential type should i get? I have no idea whats the difference and what type i need

[@RacingDiffs]

You need to find 188mm LSD unit to swap in your housing. Such LSD units were often used in E30, E36, E34 6-cyl cars.

[@frogl0rd244]

@@RacingDiffs So for my e46 330ci 3.0 i need 188mm LSD unit?

[@RacingDiffs]

That's right ✅️

[@lazarstojcic1978]

Dal moze na 330d neki snap koristim vas lsd al big I sper napravio;iam diff viska

[@RacingDiffs]

Sledeci projekat. Danas smo kupili auto za to.

[@lazarstojcic1978]

@@RacingDiffs ekstra svaka cast

[@jaywillwin4574]

Ok I have a 2000 328i, 188k open diff 3.46, I want to swap ring and pinion to 2.93 and keep it open to weld it , anyone have part numbers for the 2.93 ring and pinion for 188k or can I swap its with the e36 188mm ring and pinion????

[@RacingDiffs]

You won't be able to swap gear ratio as the carrier unit has a different offset. Find complete diff and change it. This video might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJW6m4iEd92Ib9U

[@simontrigg9059]

Why on earth did'nt BMW fit a LSD to the E46 330ci as factory standard? I had a 1996 E36 323i (less power) which had a LSD fitted as factory standard! Yes I suppose it was to make you buy the M3,but still,it's a bit sly and mean.

[@RacingDiffs]

Exactly. 👍🏻 LSD much changes the way that car drives and handles

[@friendlynerd599]

The only thing I’d say is. Maybe put soft jaws on your vice

[@Picondcg]

People listen: ZF 006 188K E46 units have been offered on ebay for many years. These guys are not professional diff builders. They are kits salesman. He who cannot do, should not teach! @5m02s ruined the crowngear teeth with unprotected vice jaws. Also No need for housing grinding at all! Nor machining the crowngear! Oh well… another hack job from Racingdiffs… Good luck for the customers because they will need it.

[@trabakula5518]

Da li ovo vrijedi i za e39 molim za odgovor @racingdiffs

[@RacingDiffs]

Da, isti je diferencijal kao u E46.

[@trabakula5518]

E hvala ti brate ma imam u garazi e34 diff 188 sa sperom pa kontam moze li u e39 da uradim