Lsd Into 325e?

[Oxy-]

Hello!

I have a 325e 86' and I just love RWDs But the problem is that it's hard to drift through a corner on a dry surface, because the inner rear wheel tend to become spin-happy, and the outter one loose power because of this (well that's what differential is supposed to do anyway). This way it's hard to keep control over the rear of the car.

Fix me if I'm wrong, but a limited slip differential would efficiently remove this inconvinience and would allow me to control the rear of the car while sliding with a LOT bigger precision

So, the question is, which bimmers come with LSDs that would fit into my eta? What types are they (viscous, torsen, clutch)?



Thank you in advance!
Oxy-

[bavarianmotorweapon]

i believe that they are clutch differentials. I don't think the torsen was really around and available in the 80s that much, viscous have their own set of issues (heat). The 325i's and IS's had LSDs of ratios that would probably work out ok, and are direct swaps into the 325e.

[MrM3]

Welcome Oxy-

you may want to check to see if you already have a LSD. if you have a 5speed, your final drive ratio will be 2.93:1, and to see if you have a LSD, check the tag on the differential and look for S293. if you dont see an 'S' then you have an open diff. the stock LSD's on these cars only perform 20% lock; therefore, you will still have one wheel spinning at times under certain conditions.

the LSD's off the 325i/is are 3.73:1 which would result in a very short 1st gear and high highway rpms, which would also affect your gas mileage. most would probably end up regretting the swap.

one more thing is that a LSD will not make it any safer for you to powerslide on public roads. it is not traction control, it will do little to save you in a spin, and it is very unforgiving in the rain.

[BimmerKris]

your car may have a LSD, but if not, i do recomend going for the 3.73. It is a good difference, if you can handle the more money you'll be spending on gas. It is not really that much more though. It will be the same price for a 2.93 if you want to keep it the same.

A little trick if you want the car to drift in the corners, start the tires spinning before you take the corner, then both tires will continue to spin thoughout.

[Oxy-]

Welcome Oxy-

Thank you for your replies!

I will check what I have currently, though I really doubt there's a LSD installed.

So generally I should search for S293 differential, which comes in 325is and which will have clutch type LSD?

BTW, as I understand clutch type LSDs do wear out quite fast, and then one should change the clutch plates. Is this a hard procedure and will I find them in stores?

will not make it any safer for you to powerslide on public roads. it is not traction control, it

Hm.. I think the biggest advantage of LSD is it will remove the unpredictability of when the inner wheel will start to spin. And from my point of view the more car is predictable the more it is safe. Fix me if I'm wrong.
As regards traction control, I never had one, and I do not really want one, because as I understand it is made for one to NOT to spin or go sideways...

[BimmerKris]

Originally posted by Oxy-@Oct 1 2004, 01:53 AM

Thank you for your replies!

I will check what I have currently, though I really doubt there's a LSD installed.

So generally I should search for S293 differential, which comes in 325is and which will have clutch type LSD?

BTW, as I understand clutch type LSDs do wear out quite fast, and then one should change the clutch plates. Is this a hard procedure and will I find them in stores?

Hm.. I think the biggest advantage of LSD is it will remove the unpredictability of when the inner wheel will start to spin. And from my point of view the more car is predictable the more it is safe. Fix me if I'm wrong.
As regards traction control, I never had one, and I do not really want one, because as I understand it is made for one to NOT to spin or go sideways...

[snapback]202655[/snapback]

The S293 comes stock in the 325e. the i and is came with a 3.73 or 4.10 diff. I have never heard of the clutches whearing out fast in these diffs, i got 336k on mine and it still works like new, you just have to keep on top of fluid changes.

[MrM3]

Originally posted by Oxy-@Oct 1 2004, 01:53 AM

Thank you for your replies!

I will check what I have currently, though I really doubt there's a LSD installed.

So generally I should search for S293 differential, which comes in 325is and which will have clutch type LSD?

BTW, as I understand clutch type LSDs do wear out quite fast, and then one should change the clutch plates. Is this a hard procedure and will I find them in stores?

Hm.. I think the biggest advantage of LSD is it will remove the unpredictability of when the inner wheel will start to spin. And from my point of view the more car is predictable the more it is safe. Fix me if I'm wrong.
As regards traction control, I never had one, and I do not really want one, because as I understand it is made for one to NOT to spin or go sideways...

[snapback]202655[/snapback]

read what bimmerkris and I said. you already have a 2.93:1 differential, and you should check if its a LSD or not. the 325i's have the 3.73:1 diff, and only the 'is's are gauranteed to have LSD.

alot of times when only the inner wheel spins the rear will not break loose. LSD's are to help acceleration out of corners, it will also help keep the rear under control if it starts to step out, but what I meant by "it will not make it safer to powerslide on public roads" is that powersliding on public roads is reckless and it sounds like having LSD is giving you a false sense of security that it wont catch you off gaurd.

[Oxy-]

The S293 comes stock in the 325e

Got it!

I would like to know a litlte bit more about naming conventions, is this right:

325e: 293, S293;
325i: 337, S337 or 410, S410

where "S" stands for limited Slip?

I'll need to check for these numbers when I'll be buying one :wink

[e30devo]

yes that is correct.. i beleive that the lsd models above came only on the sport models... (i.e. 325is 325es and what not...) and the others had open diffs.

[Torquester325]

hmm, i know that my non "S" 325e has a limited slip
Is there a way to tell without going under the car to look, say maybe by jacking it up and seeing if the wheels spin in the same direction?

[BimmerKris]

Originally posted by e30devo@Oct 3 2004, 04:57 AM
yes that is correct.. i beleive that the lsd models above came only on the sport models... (i.e. 325is 325es and what not...) and the others had open diffs.

[snapback]203836[/snapback]

my car also came with LSD, it was an option you could buy, im pretty sure

[MrM3]

Originally posted by Torquester325@Oct 3 2004, 09:16 PM
hmm, i know that my non "S" 325e has a limited slip
Is there a way to tell without going under the car to look, say maybe by jacking it up and seeing if the wheels spin in the same direction?

[snapback]204293[/snapback]

your confusing the S on the model number with the S on the diff tag. LSD's were optional on non-sport models since 85. I'm pretty sure both wheels spinning in the same direction means you have a LSD, but why not just look at the diff while the car is in the air.