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View Full Version : Looking for differential feedback



rkman
09-27-2020, 10:13 PM
Just purchased a 2004 330i zhp mt. The car has a 364 differential from an automatic, cold air intake with velocity stack, ss headers and peddle box. The car doesn't feel like what I was hoping for as a daily driver. Thinking of putting the 307 diff back in. Just wondering if you daily drivers are happy with the 307 diff? Thanks

sillieidiot
09-28-2020, 02:56 AM
I answered in your welcome thread. But what are you looking out of the car? Like what's wrong with it that you don't like?

I think most people are fine with their stock diff. I have a 2.93 and it's fine for daily driving. Doesn't accelerate super fast, but I get great gas mileage. I plan to upgrade to a 3.38 later on. Increase acceleration a bit, but don't sacrifice too much on the top end. Plus with an SC, 3.64 would make my first couple of gears useless lol

DeathTrap
09-28-2020, 05:29 AM
When I had my 3.07 in the ZHP it was nice and relaxed. I never got a chance to install my 3.64 in it, however, I DID install it in the wagon (325i) and it makes driving so much more fun. I wouldn't ever change back to 3.07 unless I was boosted and I needed the longer gears.

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Galapolis
09-28-2020, 06:05 AM
I've used the 2.93 and 3.38 and I would always return to the 3.38 on a 6 speed. I thought it would be annoying on the Interstate but I barely notice a difference. It feels like a much better fit in pretty much every situation than the 2.93.

rkman
09-28-2020, 07:05 AM
Thanks for the feedback, coming from a 99 z3m roadster with the s52 5 speed. Looking for more of a daily driver with a mix of freeway and backroad cruising. The 3.64 seems really jumpy and torqey. Turned off the peddle box and that helps. Feels like they took a 5 speed and put six gears in it with 6th gear being like 5th. Think I've decided to put the 3.07 back in for now. See what that's like.

ZHPizza
09-28-2020, 10:35 AM
I'm also like you and felt like even the 3.38 was too much. I definitely liked the torque, though. I settled on converting a 3.23 to work as my happy middle ground, but haven't tested it yet.

You should definitely try a 3.07 since it's an easy swap (no need to mess with input shafts).

BMWCurves
09-28-2020, 04:20 PM
Interesting...I've had a 3.38 on my list for whenever I get bored with my current setup. Don't make me have second thoughts.

Galapolis
09-28-2020, 04:25 PM
Interesting...I've had a 3.38 on my list for whenever I get bored with my current setup. Don't make me have second thoughts.

Don't listen to the talking Pizza, 3.38 is the way!

holyc0w
09-28-2020, 04:26 PM
3.07 is good for a daily driver.

Reasoned1
09-29-2020, 12:24 AM
I prefer 3.38 over 3.07 for the torque. The only drawback, for me, is that 1st gear redlines about 55mph. Also, I tested it with a 3.38 open diff, which was a definite (10%) improvement, but I really appreciate the 3.38 with limited slip.