Wanted 188/Medium Diff (or just case) - any ratio

Tom Cheesewright

Tom Cheesewright

Zorg Guru (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 6, 2020
Points
105
Location
Manchester, UK
Model of Z
Z3
I'm building a new diff for my EV project. I have the internals I need from an E36 but I need the Z3 188 case - even if it's just the front (tempted to modify the boot floor for two ears for extra strength).

Obviously I would love a 2.93 ratio LSD. But since I don't have a money tree, any 188 diff or case will do - especially if it's in easy range of Manchester.
 
The four bolt 188 was used in a few cars. Firstly the E28 5 Series from 518 (4.1) to the 525e (2.93) and 528i as well as the 628CSi, then the E30 323i and 325i followed by the E34 518i and 520i as well as the 525td which has a 2.64. A diesel E34 diff doesn't have any great value. RealOEM will give exact ratios.

Z3 188's are all LSD's and thus £££££.
The Z3/E30 rear cover bolts straight to any 188 but they're quite pricey.

Here's a 2.65 (I think) that's cheap - from Spain so it's not Titanic spec:
 
Yeah on one car I'm going from 3.45 and the other I'm going from 4.44. On the first one I'm doing (I think) 3000 rpm at about 30mph and I think I'll be maxing out at 6000rpm! So really need that taller gearing. As well as the added strength.

Spanish diff plus the backplate from the E36 one, with some chassis mods, might be the answer. Cheers.
 
I've asked a BMW breaker mate in Northampton if he has any suitable diffs. A 3.45 528i diff might be what you need.
 
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