Bmw e36 diff

S

Scottg16

Member
I'm putting a 328i diff in my 318is I know what needs swapping over but my 328i diff housing cover the bit you undo to see inside had a snapped mount so I chucked it! Will my 318is small case one fit on it fine? Scott
 
Its called the backplate and it will fit. But just so you know, the 328 has a very very long ratio, it'll make your car feel extremely sluggish
 
Ok thanks mate Just thought the two different type of casings the 166 & 188 would be different ?! What's the best diff to go for then if not the 328?
 
if you had a 318 diff in then keep it in...lol dunno why the hell youd swap a 318 diff for a 328 diff :D
 
I'm was just going to have one welded the (328 one) and keep the 318 one when I get rid of it eventually or whenever the welder one goes nakered?! Doing a few drift days etc so I have a backup that's in good nick that's all?! So the end covers will definitely swap over?
 
no just leave the 318 diff in and get it welded properly then it shouldnt be knackered after a few drift days.
 
i would get another 318 diff if i was you and get that welded as the ratio of a 328 diff is crap for 318is. ive swapped things the other way around in my 328, gone from the 2.93 (328 diff) to the 3.45 (318is diff) it it make a heap of difference so i can only imagine that the car will be very sluggish.
 
Hi,

Just a bit of info, the 318i usually runs a small case diff, same as the ti.. The 325 328 etc run a medium case diff.

As for the 318is I'm unsure of diff type, easiest way to tell is when looking at the backing plate, if there is a single bolt alone holding the backing plate on at the top of the diff it's a small case, two bolts uptop make it a medium case.

Also if it was me, I would be asking why is the mount broken ? Has it been in a big accident etc? Check diff condition carefully
 
I have a list for you. The page is German, but you will understand the list (first one).
e36racing

In short:
168 on 4 Cylinder and 320i
188 on everything bigger than 320i.
A slightly different 188 on M3 3.0
210 on M3 3.2

ratio is different in every modell. 3.15 ratio (325i) is my choice on a 328i. The original 2.93 ratio is too long, even for the 328i. You can catch every limited new M5 on the Motorway with that ratio, I tried. ^^
 
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