e36 LSD unit swap

JamesShort · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 1:09 pm

I want a sedan for ease of roll bar installation and ease of toting around 4 tire wheel assemblies

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Dan at diff's online said he'd build me a full carrier that is a perfect swap into a 328 open diff case that takes into account the geometry of the open diff vs lsd such that all I have to do is bolt the ring gear on and install the tone ring, plop it in the case, and tighten the output races on.

Tough decision given the 325is will be cheaper, OBD1, lsd from factory.

Anyway, I haven't bought the car yet, so I have plenty of time to think on it. Thanks for the advice so far though.

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 4:13 pm

325is = coupe, 325i= sedan. the "is" designation does not mean sport. you will need to find a car with the cold weather package to have an lsd, which is easily identified by heated seats. unless someone has done the swap already which is possible.

edited that a bit to make more sence

JamesShort · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 4:42 pm

Sean O'Connell wrote:

325is = coupe, 325i= sedan. the "is" designation does not mean sport. you will need to find a car with the cold weather package which is easily identified by heated seats. unless someone has done the swap already which is possible.

Ah Damn!

Thanks for that info...no wonder NO sedans came up on my search of 325is

MarcusMcRae · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 4:57 pm

This one looks nice.[url]

steve remchak · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 5:47 pm

keep in mind James the stock ratio in the 325 is at best 3.23, but probably more like 3.15.

the powerband on that motor is better served with a ratio above 3.46.

Sean? agree?

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:02 pm

i'm not too sure about that Steve, i was happy with the 3:15 when i had my m50 but it is a much better match for my s50. i would probably stick with 3:15 if i were to go back to a m50. i dont know who said it, but just remember Steve "keep your foot on the floor and it doesn't matter"

JamesShort · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:27 pm

The 325i must also be for convertible coupes too.

Marcus, that one looks to be in great shape, thanks!

Steve, 3.15:1 is better than 2.93:1 in the 328

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Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:42 pm

not sure if your looking for something nicer than this but its looks like a descent deal.

http://nceuro.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15179

Keith Quistorff · **Posted:** Fri Jun 04, 2010 2:45 pm

Sean O'Connell wrote:

not sure if your looking for something nicer than this but its looks like a descent deal.

http://nceuro.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15179

Years ago when I researched E36 325i(s)'s to buy one, I recall there were several good reasons to avoid the 1992 model year. Don't recall exactly what those reasons were, but I'd suggest looking into it further if you're seriously considering one.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:03 pm

Keith Quistorff wrote:

Sean O'Connell wrote:

not sure if your looking for something nicer than this but its looks like a descent deal.

http://nceuro.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15179

Years ago when I researched E36 325i(s)'s to buy one, I recall there were several good reasons to avoid the 1992 model year. Don't recall exactly what those reasons were, but I'd suggest looking into it further if you're seriously considering one.

No Vanos? I actually think in some ways that might be desirable, but maybe not.

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Fri Jun 04, 2010 7:15 pm

stock for stock i'd take a non vanos over a vanos m50 any day.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:23 pm

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1772974762.html

WAY overpriced (KBB excellent is 2900) but looks good. $2100 for tires, brakes and battery....sucker.

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:37 pm

JamesShort wrote:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1772974762.html

WAY overpriced (KBB excellent is 2900) but looks good. $2100 for tires, brakes and battery....sucker.

with BMW's you cant really go by kbb, if you want a nice one be prepared to pay more than kbb. i will agree it would have to be pretty damn special low miles perfectly maintained car to ask that much.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:06 pm

Sean O'Connell wrote:

JamesShort wrote:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1772974762.html

WAY overpriced (KBB excellent is 2900) but looks good. $2100 for tires, brakes and battery....sucker.

with BMW's you cant really go by kbb, if you want a nice one be prepared to pay more than kbb. i will agree it would have to be pretty damn special low miles perfectly maintained car to ask that much.

Sure I can understand that, but not more than double KBB excellent. I might pay $4500 for it if it had every record of going through a toll booth and car washes and baby skin soft/conditioned leather

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At 114k, I'd hope the requsite e36 cooling system (radiator, water pump, hoses) 'maintenance' has been done...and possibly tranny mounts.

Ha, hopefully this isn't anyone in the club selling that car

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Jason Tower · **Joined:** Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:31 pm **Posts:** 1173

people in thscc only sell reasonably priced cars. like this! http://www.thscc.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=10641

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