Diff options

[spanner]

Hi - I'm after rear diff advice please!!

Mine is noisy so is going in for a new one - I know the previous owner well and know that it had one in his care too.

In summary, it seems like a weak spot to me - admittedly brought on by viscous gear changes.

So - what options do I have? I think the bmw option is around £3k!

I know quaffe do them for lesser bmw's and I would imgine there is one for the m3 too but is it better?

The nicest diffs I have used are plate diffs - I find the m diff somewhat unsophisticated in it's shifting of torque between the wheels!

It is great when fully locked up but the moment of realising one of the wheels is unloaded and then throwing power to the outside wheel isn't its best feature. KWIM?

so - the quaffe option also worries me as that is torque sensing and worked by loads of worm gears - I think?? and I think that may not be the most predictable thing to have in the back of a csl??

So - does anyone know of any other options?

Any of these proven?

Come with a lifetime warranty?

All help is appreciated.

Also - can anyone perhaps recommend the quafe over standard? I appreciate it will last longer but also needs to feel good.

Cheers

Rich

[phat///M3]

What kind of noise do you get?

Looks like you're set on getting a different diff anyway, but it might be worth changing the fluid to the new spec one (depending on what noise you get obviously).

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it's a graunchy noise - only on lock, get's worse the tighter the turn - hardly noticeable except for tight turns - i'm pretty sure I have the new spec fluid in there but could be wrong.

It sounds fine in a straight line.

The graunchy noises have got progressively worse over time - about 3 months. I havn't actually driven the car for the last two months, it's been having a rest over winter.

I'd like to know if there are any alternatives out there before comitting to another bmw item. It worries me that I'll only do another diff within 10k miles again too!

Cheers

Rich

p.s. I can't see this thread without going though my own started posts area! Any ideas? you lot can obviously see it ok!

Have a good weekend.

[shimmy]

Rich

p.s. I can't see this thread without going though my own started posts area! Any ideas? you lot can obviously see it ok!

Have a good weekend.

your thread listings may be NOT looking at them by date but by some others way of sorting. Click on the date section at the top of the column!

[Will Fields]

I have lots of diff options if you want to give me a ring on 01652 648429. I will be in from 9-12 Sat, away Monday but back in Tuesday 8-5. I can give you some advice depending on your usage etc...;)

[phat///M3]

it's a graunchy noise - only on lock, get's worse the tighter the turn - hardly noticeable except for tight turns - i'm pretty sure I have the new spec fluid in there but could be wrong.

It sounds fine in a straight line.

The graunchy noises have got progressively worse over time - about 3 months. I havn't actually driven the car for the last two months, it's been having a rest over winter.

I'd like to know if there are any alternatives out there before comitting to another bmw item. It worries me that I'll only do another diff within 10k miles again too!

Cheers

Rich

p.s. I can't see this thread without going though my own started posts area! Any ideas? you lot can obviously see it ok!

Have a good weekend.

Does it make the noise only when cold and on very tight turns? Or also when hot? If its only when cold then swap the fluid for the new one (BMW part number: 83 222 282 583 and also get the new washer).

Mine made a similar noise on short journeys and mainly on tight turns. Its gone now that Ive swapped it with the above fluid.

Eitherway give the new fluid a go as its not expensive and sure beats shelling out for a new dif.

[spanner]

thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate your help.

I spoke to Will and he has a great sounding option which is the thick end of a grand cheaper than the bmw one. I will definately be going this route next time!!

For the time being, an assesor has been out to the car and I have been okayed for a warranty replacement so I've asked them to carry on and replace it.

I will probably be cursing it again in the near future but at least it won't be broken!