Differential Problems?

[bullmand]

I'm just curious to see how many of us have had problems with our diffs. It seems to be a recurring theme lately and I'm starting to worry a little about the lifespan/reliability of these things.

[1996 328ti]

Well, I did replace it a couple years ago.
With the 2.8, my LSD lasted 4 years.

[robcarync]

mines still running strong (1995)

you might should add an option "replaced to upgrade"

there might be a few people who upgraded with a better differential even if their original wasnt damaged...not sure though

[gooten1]

Mine is on it's way out...haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. Probably get a new gear set.

[bullmand]

you might should add an option "replaced to upgrade"

there might be a few people who upgraded with a better differential even if their original wasnt damaged...not sure though

I almost put that in, but I'm more interested in finding out how many people replaced them because they had to. Knowing how many people replaced them because they wanted to is not really relevant to finding out if there are high failure rates. Thanks for the input though.

[DustenT]

I'm curious how many people have changed the fluid in their differentials?? It's basic maintenance, just like changing your oil.

I think diff failure and failure to change the oil is directly related.

[316i compact]

I'm curious how many people have changed the fluid in their differentials?? It's basic maintenance, just like changing your oil.

I think diff failure and failure to change the oil is directly related.

Good point!

[mohaughn]

I'm curious how many people have changed the fluid in their differentials?? It's basic maintenance, just like changing your oil.

I think diff failure and failure to change the oil is directly related.


I had mine serviced at a little over 100k miles. It was leaking a little fluid so it was opened up and inspected. Gaskets replaced, new fluid added. I think a lot of people don't do it because of the so called "life-time" fluid that BMW uses. The difference that servicing the differential made was huge... I plan on replacing the fluid every two years now. I'm looking to do it again in August or September as I think that is roughly two years since I last had it serviced.

Are their any issues with switching from oem type fluid to something like the redline synthetic fluid?

[bullmand]

Are their any issues with switching from oem type fluid to something like the redline synthetic fluid?

I hope not since I've had Red Line in mine for about 20K miles. I suspect it's like anything else. As long as you maintain it with a quality lubricant it should be fine. I have no particular reason, but the "lifetime" fluids just don't seem to pass the common sense test.

[mrnine]

Mine is out right now; you've maybe seen my other posts.

I replaced my fluid a little less than 2 years ago and had planned on doing it a couple months ago but got tied up; you know how things go and oops...clunk, clank.

Lesson learned. DustenT is exactly right that maintenance is probably the critical piece of the puzzle here. And he has me convinced that this should be a once a year operation, not every two years.

When I did it last, I was surprised by how easy it actually is. I have my Redline ready to go for when I get my new...sniff...diff. :( :)

[GDB]

Over 130k miles and no diff problems.

[JedzE36/5]

yea diff fluid change should be on the maintenance checklist just like the regular motor oil. (although not as often). its one of those hundreds of dollars mistakes that you always forget about but could have been prevented.

[azca]

Mine is out right now; you've maybe seen my other posts.

I replaced my fluid a little less than 2 years ago and had planned on doing it a couple months ago but got tied up; you know how things go and oops...clunk, clank.

Lesson learned. DustenT is exactly right that maintenance is probably the critical piece of the puzzle here. And he has me convinced that this should be a once a year operation, not every two years.

When I did it last, I was surprised by how easy it actually is. I have my Redline ready to go for when I get my new...sniff...diff. :( :)

any walkthroughs? how do you do it? and what model/viscosity you use?

[Vagabond]

I'll be honest... I have no idea exactly what the symptoms of a busted/damaged diff would be, but the folks at Bimmerhaus were pleased with the overall condition of my car post-college. :) So I think it's fine.

[30yrMbr]

I've been told that the diff bushings are cracked and need replacement. If I find a LSD, then I will probably replace it with the bushing all at once.

[Panzer_M]

my OE Limited Slip is still good, no noise from the rear end(Change the Diff fluid every 6 months or so, for 14$ worth of lube it's worth know what the condition of the insides are on the diff(now the middle is noisey as hell from LTW flywheel and Hard(Assbreaking Hard) UUC Mounts/TMEs, but it's not popping out of gear or grinding gears..and I run the "soup" in her too Redline MT90(Keeps the chatter low)

The M42 is still a go-for-broke engine, hasn't given me issue, and hasn't failed me when I need it. Best four banger I've had in a BMW, and I've gone from the M10 to M44.

[drrty byl]

What are the symptoms for a failing/broken LSD? Loose front end/grinding noise on cornering?