Derbo's ZHP

[derbo]

Is it possible to retain the stock Non-M brakes and axles while converting to the M Differential, RTAs and Subframe.

Does the Differential accept the input and output shafts from a Non-M?

Justin,

Let me make sure I understand your questions.

-You are trying to use non-M brakes and axles with the M3 Differential/rear trailing arms and subframe. It this correct?
-Does the M3 differential accept the non-m driveshaft and half-shafts from the non-m?


Kalim and I had a discussion about this.

in a 6spd 330i, the absolute minimal to do a swap based on other threads and plausibility:

-M3 Driveshaft
-M3 Subframe
-M3 Diff
-M3 Axles
-M3 ABS speed sensors (if you have a 330i manual with MK60 DSC unit.



M3 trailing arms have a different mounting location for the calipers. You will have to retain the M3 calipers and rotors.
M3 also have a much larger parking brake shoe (thicker) than the non-M. This is help with TOKYO DRIFT as the BMW parts guy said to me.

Originally I wanted to do the absolute minimal but it makes it easier to figure out what parts you need down the long run if you know its ALL M3 in the back.

[derbo]

Finally have a working speedo, eh? :

How on earth did that camber bolt seize that badly? :/

Yes! new abs sensors are not cheap.. it was like $350 for OEM. But that diff seal was leaking BADDDD.

[cyberkaa]

Darn that seal. :/

And $350 is WAAAAAY too much for the OEM sensors. They're $120 per side for Genuine BMW or $90 per side for Ate, which I would be ok with seeing as how they make the DSC unit, too.

[derbo]

Darn that seal. :/

And $350 is WAAAAAY too much for the OEM sensors. They're $120 per side for Genuine BMW or $90 per side for Ate, which I would be ok with seeing as how they make the DSC unit, too.

I'm not sure if I got quoted for all the sensors and the seals and everything or if it was just the sensors. I'll double check. But yea.....dont worry I have it covered.

[cyberkaa]

I'm not sure if I got quoted for all the sensors and the seals and everything or if it was just the sensors. I'll double check. But yea.....dont worry I have it covered.

Ah, ok. Probably with the seal, haha.

[Hornung418]

Yes. All questions answered correctly. I have a 328i 5speed so the driveshaft will need to be chopped and have the six bolt flange welded on.

If I can get away with reusing the wheel speed sensors from my current setup, that will help.

And in order to use the stock brakes, would I need to reuse my stock non M trailing arms? I am fine with it. It's unfortunate that the axles can't be kept. Or at least swap input and output hubs.

Thanks for the help. I'm in contact with a guy in CT for the whole shebang...trying for under $900. But he wants $450-500 for the differential alone...who's to know how it was treated? If it was an original owner parting out sure...but that's an expensive paperweight should you find it's in non-woking condition.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[derbo]

Yes. All questions answered correctly. I have a 328i 5speed so the driveshaft will need to be chopped and have the six bolt flange welded on.

If I can get away with reusing the wheel speed sensors from my current setup, that will help.

And in order to use the stock brakes, would I need to reuse my stock non M trailing arms? I am fine with it. It's unfortunate that the axles can't be kept. Or at least swap input and output hubs.

Thanks for the help. I'm in contact with a guy in CT for the whole shebang...trying for under $900. But he wants $450-500 for the differential alone...who's to know how it was treated? If it was an original owner parting out sure...but that's an expensive paperweight should you find it's in non-woking condition.

From a GS3, this was sent.

You might want to cross reference the ebrake cables as well. The 330i ebrake cable is exact same part number as the M3 one.

I also forgot to mention, you need the M3 rear sway bar as well since the non-m will hit the diff.

[derbo]

Electrical things love to go at the same time don't they?


Passenger Mirror is now not working:
-Reverse lights go on
-Memory Mirror settings do not work
-Driver side can adjust.

HMMMM. Driver side motor has been replaced last year. I hope its something silly. Dont feel like buying another motor.


Driver side AL headlight has an intermittent failure to turn on. My guess is the ignitor
-Check bulbs
-Check ballast
-finally check ignitor.




Initial Impressions of the M3 Diff:

It is mad short. I find myself using 4th and 5th gear in town where I normally be in 3rd/4th. The car definitely feels peppier. I haven't had a chance to test how the car handles. It might be bittersweet since it has an OEM M3 rear sway in the back instead of my UUC. I do notice a bit of understeer on initial turn in, but I'm unclear if it is from the LSD or the sway bar. /me shrug. When I have more time I'll be sure to test the LSD more


Freeway speeds: 70mph is around 2900rpm. 80mph is around 3200-3300rpm. My average on the freeway now has dropped to around 28-27mpg instead of the 30mpg. I've been hitting a bit of traffic in the morning so I doubt its going to make too much of a difference.


Overall, I think it was a good choice.

[az3579]

Thanks for the thoughts, D. Now I know to get a differently geared LSD.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[derbo]

Thanks for the thoughts, D. Now I know to get a differently geared LSD.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

It's a good gearing for Sears Point. I'm curious how it will do for Laguna. Since this car will now stop being a daily driver, MPG wasn't too important of a loss for the benefits of the LSD/Finalgear change.

I think the 3.46 is the best compromise with a custom clutch diff.