Will Z3 half shafts work?

[denglish318ti]

Hi guys
Will Z3 2.8L half shafts work with an E30 medium case diff in a 318Ti? They have different part numbers to E30 half shafts, but this is probably because the pulse rings are plastic etc.

Cheers
Dylan

[BimmerBum]

Originally Posted by denglish318ti

Hi guys
Will Z3 2.8L half shafts work with an E30 medium case diff in a 318Ti? They have different part numbers to E30 half shafts, but this is probably because the pulse rings are plastic etc.

Cheers
Dylan

I believe they will work, the only problem I can forsee is the splines being too large for the hub.

[roadrash]

There might be info in this thread.

[chrisbec]

I tried this exact combination on my setup and it doesn't fit. The 2.8L Z3 half shafts that I used came from a 97 2.8L, they are too long to fit with a medium case differential, but they would work with a small case diff or a Z3 diff. Actually the half shafts are approximately the same length as the ti shafts but they are beefier. The shaft diameter is larger (28mm versus 27mm for the ti) they use 86mm diameter medium case output flanges (80mm for the small case) and 10mm bolts (small case uses 8mm)...

Also the splines do fit the ti hub the same way the e30 medium case half shaft fits the ti hub splines.

[denglish318ti]

Cheers. I think it is because the 2.8 and M models have a wider rear track and therefore have longer shafts. Back to trying to get some second hand E30 ones in good condition!

[chrisbec]

I do believe the attached picture should sum it up...


BMW introduced a different style differential with the Z3 and I don't think that they were equipped with the 188mm medium case LSD's. From what I can tell (but not 100% sure) BMW got away from installing LSD's after ~1996ish with a few exceptions, the M3 being one of them. BMW either used Automatic Stability Control plus Traction ASC+T or a Torsen differential (similar to a Quaife).

[spidertri]

I thought all Z3s (with the exception of the 1.9L maybe) had a LSD stock. I know that the 2.8/3.0 trailing arms are not the same width as the ti but the 1.9 and the MZ3 trailing arms will bolt up and be the correct width.

[BimmerBum]

Originally Posted by spidertri

I thought all Z3s (with the exception of the 1.9L maybe) had a LSD stock. I know that the 2.8/3.0 trailing arms are not the same width as the ti but the 1.9 and the MZ3 trailing arms will bolt up and be the correct width.

They do... medium case torsen diffs.

[chrisbec]

What I was trying to describe is Torsen is different than the earlier clutch types (what I was referring to as LSD). Better traction control since it will vary applied torque to the wheel that is loosing traction. Also I don't think that they have the 188mm cases, they are more narrow (similar to what is shown in the picture).

[BimmerBum]

Originally Posted by chrisbec

What I was trying to describe is Torsen is different than the earlier clutch types (what I was referring to as LSD). Better traction control since it will vary applied torque to the wheel that is loosing traction. Also I don't think that they have the 188mm cases, they are more narrow (similar to what is shown in the picture).

Interesting... I will have to compare, I have an E28 lsd and a Z3 torsen. I always thought the cases were the same.

Where did that picture come from? Looks like some Z3'er doing the double eared diff mod, with that diff cover that hangs SUPER low.

[chrisbec]

Stole it from BFC. It was a guy showing off his eccentric bolt mod and IE bushings