discussion E36 328i - LSD Considerations

[lurendrin]

Howzit all. Haven’t posted in a while but hope everyone is well and safe.

Needed some anecdotal advice from anyone with experience of my current dilemma and the implications.

For those that don’t know, I have an E36 328 with freeflow, viper branches, CAI, M50 intake manifold, viscus fan delete, 6 puk clutch and unichip with 15s and 17s for shoes.

Car is used only for track days and mostly gymkhanas and as a one in a while weekend car. It’s meant to be for fun times.

Considering putting an LSD and have a few options to consider: 3.15 from M3, 3.23 from E34, 3.46 and 3.64.

Now I have done quite a bit of research and spoken to the guys selling these, but would still like some other feedback, opinions, advice etc.

Some of the highlights from what I’ve researched and also what I want:

1. Bottom line I want a car that’s really quick and feels aggressive/alive
2. I almost never go over 140 on highway and track most I did was 170kph on main straight
3. Car used for weekend short drives and gymkhanas
4. I know the the higher the ratio, the shorter the gears will be (watched a few YouTube videos)
5. Potentially doing an engine swap out down the line to 325 and going the turbo route (no judgements!)
6. Fuel consumption isn’t a concern as I hardly use the car

That’s all I can think of. If you have any other questions, let me know. But what is your advice or feedback or experience with the above?


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[lurendrin]

Bump


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[lurendrin]

Bump

 

[zabbo]

I had a 3.46 in my 328 and it worked well for my application, which was a "sporty" daily with trips on the wrong side of the national highway limit every day. For your application I would suggest the 3.64 and nothing less than the 3.46.

 

[lurendrin]

@individj @Nikhil @Jive_m135i @Rotinaj @DINODENASH @Captain_Stealth @Nino Anthony @zabbo

Just tagging those that previously commented on my posts, thanks in advance!

 

[lurendrin]

I had a 3.46 in my 328 and it worked well for my application, which was a "sporty" daily with trips on the wrong side of the national highway limit every day. For your application I would suggest the 3.64 and nothing less than the 3.46.

Thanks bro! That's what I am leaning toward at the moment, to be honest. Was just looking to hear anything against the 3.64

 

[individj]

If it were me id first decide if turbo or not as i wouldnt do a 3.64 with turbo application.

 

[Jive_E46]

I have no experience on E36 differentials so my advice won’t be that great.

I’m going with the 3.38 open diff on my 46. I’ve seen on other forums that people go with the 3.94 X3 differential as a modification.

Maybe look at reinforcing that whole differential carrier area as I’ve seen the absolute horror of a whole diff pulling itself off the chassis and subframe area and the owner had to scrap the car. These 36/46 chassis are weak at the back. Definitely stiffen the back up.


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[Jive_E46]

If it were me id first decide if turbo or not as i wouldnt do a 3.64 with turbo application.

Agreed 3.64 on a turbo car is undriveable.


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[lurendrin]

If it were me id first decide if turbo or not as i wouldnt do a 3.64 with turbo application.

Thanks Jay! To be honest, I think the turbo option is too far down the line, seeing that I need to first buy a new engine and all that goes along with it. The LSD mod will be the last of the big mods for a while (at least a year or two). Want to have some fun with the car, especially at gymkhana's and fun drives.

 

[lurendrin]

I have no experience on E36 differentials so my advice won’t be that great.

I’m going with the 3.38 open diff on my 46. I’ve seen on other forums that people go with the 3.94 X3 differential as a modification.

Maybe look at reinforcing that whole differential carrier area as I’ve seen the absolute horror of a whole diff pulling itself off the chassis and subframe area and the owner had to scrap the car. These 36/46 chassis are weak at the back. Definitely stiffen the back up.


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Got it, thanks! Will look into that.

 

[lurendrin]

So I have decided the 3.64 LSD is the one for me. From doing research, chatting to a few people and watching some Youtube videos. Does anyone have any idea which vehicles these can be found on?

 

[fkrgha001]

So I have decided the 3.64 LSD is the one for me. From doing research, chatting to a few people and watching some Youtube videos. Does anyone have any idea which vehicles these can be found on?

I think you are better off building a diff from an e30 LSD(+-3k). Then just get a e36 auto 3.64 diff (plenty available and cheap) (-+R600) and build it into that.
These diffs are old and probably need a refresh so i would get new clutches installed at the same time, maybe even upgrade to a 3 plate clutch. That was my plan before i found an already built one. I have a 3.46 in my e36.

 

[lurendrin]

I think you are better off building a diff from an e30 LSD(+-3k). Then just get a e36 auto 3.64 diff (plenty available and cheap) (-+R600) and build it into that.
These diffs are old and probably need a refresh so i would get new clutches installed at the same time, maybe even upgrade to a 3 plate clutch. That was my plan before i found an already built one. I have a 3.46 in my e36.

Thanks for the response. Sounds like a good plan, and easier on the budget. I will keep an eye out!

 

[fkrgha001]

I just realised, I actually have a 3.64 diff for you if you find as lsd, no charge. It came off my car.
I was toying with the idea of welding it just for fun.

This is also a medium case and will work.

Car Suspension, Shocks & Steering Parts for Sale in Stellenbosch | Gumtree

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[lurendrin]

I just realised, I actually have a 3.64 diff for you if you find as lsd, no charge. It came off my car.
I was toying with the idea of welding it just for fun.

This is also a medium case and will work.

Car Suspension, Shocks & Steering Parts for Sale in Stellenbosch | Gumtree

Find a wide selection of new and used car suspension, shocks and steering parts for sale in Stellenbosch on Gumtree. Find secondhand car parts from sellers in your area and throughout South Africa.

www.gumtree.co.za

Car Gearboxes, Trasmissions & Drivetrains for Sale in Blue Downs | Gumtree

Find a wide selection of new and used car gearboxes, transmissions and drivetrains for sale in Blue Downs on Gumtree. Find secondhand car parts from sellers in your area and throughout South Africa.

www.gumtree.co.za

Wow! That is really generous of you. I would appreciate that so much! Then I can focus on finding an affordable LSD.

I saw that ad for the 3.23 and chatted to the guy. Only thing is, based on all my research and conversations with people that have put in different ratios, the 3.64 seems the best option for gymkhana's and the "thrill" factor. Want to make the right decision, especially if spending R4k - R6k.

 

[ver328i]

Howzit all. Haven’t posted in a while but hope everyone is well and safe.

Needed some anecdotal advice from anyone with experience of my current dilemma and the implications.

For those that don’t know, I have an E36 328 with freeflow, viper branches, CAI, M50 intake manifold, viscus fan delete, 6 puk clutch and unichip with 15s and 17s for shoes.

Car is used only for track days and mostly gymkhanas and as a one in a while weekend car. It’s meant to be for fun times.

Considering putting an LSD and have a few options to consider: 3.15 from M3, 3.23 from E34, 3.46 and 3.64.

Now I have done quite a bit of research and spoken to the guys selling these, but would still like some other feedback, opinions, advice etc.

Some of the highlights from what I’ve researched and also what I want:

1. Bottom line I want a car that’s really quick and feels aggressive/alive
2. I almost never go over 140 on highway and track most I did was 170kph on main straight
3. Car used for weekend short drives and gymkhanas
4. I know the the higher the ratio, the shorter the gears will be (watched a few YouTube videos)
5. Potentially doing an engine swap out down the line to 325 and going the turbo route (no judgements!)
6. Fuel consumption isn’t a concern as I hardly use the car

That’s all I can think of. If you have any other questions, let me know. But what is your advice or feedback or experience with the above?


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I experimented with almost all ratios in my e36 vert:
2.93 is good for top end and consumption but no one needs to go 200km/h in an e36 vert. Not very quick off the line
3.91 is ok if you plan to never use first gear and top out at 110kmh
The 3.64 was not bad but 1st gear is very short and again you will be reving its balls off at highway cruising speed
3.46 was great and is the sweetspot if you want a responsive car that is able to still cruise in 5th gear - this may be the way you want to go

For my current setup im using an e30 lsd, 3.15 e36 gearset(325i), m20 sigle mass flywheel, m50b25 clutch...it rips and is the perfect setup for a daily that still uses the freeway from time to time

 

[lurendrin]

I experimented with almost all ratios in my e36 vert:
2.93 is good for top end and consumption but no one needs to go 200km/h in an e36 vert. Not very quick off the line
3.91 is ok if you plan to never use first gear and top out at 110kmh
The 3.64 was not bad but 1st gear is very short and again you will be reving its balls off at highway cruising speed
3.46 was great and is the sweetspot if you want a responsive car that is able to still cruise in 5th gear - this may be the way you want to go

For my current setup im using an e30 lsd, 3.15 e36 gearset(325i), m20 sigle mass flywheel, m50b25 clutch...it rips and is the perfect setup for a daily that still uses the freeway from time to time

Thanks so much for the response! Just out of interest, at say 140, what were the revs?

I spoke to someone about the 3.64 and they said it was the most fun. The car is only meant for track and some weekend driving, hardly hit the highway. Was thinking then that the 3.64 would be the most alive and most fun.

But I do see why the 3.46 is the best balance. I just really want it to be alive and the most fun, plus I am enjoing the gymkhana's more than track days.

Do you have any videos of your current set up? Would love to see it (especially rev counter) in action, sounds lekker!