BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E30 (1984-1991)

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Upgrading various parts of the differential can have tremendous benefits in your car's performance. It's easy to forget that the differential is a source for making your car faster and handle better so it's often overlooked. The engine is not the only place to make the car faster. Our differential options vary from gearing upgrades to limited slip conversions. You can purchase the ring & pinion gear sets on their own (professional installation required) or have us build a diff around your own specifcations. The options are almost endless! Every custom-built diff is fully rebuilt with seals and bearings. We also design and supply bushing options to reduce driveline wind-up, finned differential covers for better cooling, and more!

Ratio Changes - Changing the differential gearing is one of the best and most-effective upgrades you can make on any BMW (old or new). By using a shorter (numerically higher) final drive ratio you are increasing your RPM relative to road speed - this puts you in a more powerful RPM range than before! Since you're in a 'meatier' part of the power band you're now putting down more power/torque to the ground. If you can trade outright top speed for faster acceleration at daily speeds then this is the perfect upgrade for you.

Limited Slip Upgrades - Sadly, many BMWs today are not equipped with a limited slip (posi-traction) differential. BMW has tried to compensate by using traction control that cuts power at the engine or applies the brakes to retard wheel spin (or a combination of both). But nothing beats the function and feel of a a true LSD which may be why BMW continues to use them in M cars. Our LSD upgrades can be done a number of different ways - a factory-type limited slip unit with either 2 or 3 clutch packs, helical type, OS Giken unit, or something truly custom. We can also vary ramp angles and setup to change the limited-slip behavior under acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. Need a custom diff? Call or e-mail to have a quote.

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Heavy Duty Dual Mount Differential Cover - E30 (188mm Differential) ...
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Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
T#:38452827
Part#: 025993LA
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 1,085.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-14-2026

Starting at $ 1,083.64 USD
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Starting at $ 1,083.64 USD
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Designed for track drivers, drift enthusiasts, and drag racers alike, this all-in-one driveline upgrade eliminates the factory weak points and reinforces your drivetrain for high-performance abuse. Whether you're laying down 500HP, clutch-kicking through corners, or launching hard at the strip, this cover keeps your differential secure, cool, and ready for battle.

The stock E30 differential cover features a single mounting provision—fine for a stock M20, but guaranteed to fail on your boosted high-horsepower M5X build. After years of broken covers, mounting tabs, and dreams, our team of E30 enthusiasts engineered the ultimate fix.

Unlike the brittle OEM cast aluminum cover, our upgraded differential cover is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, offering a 30% increase in material strength alone. More importantly, a secondary mounting ear has been integrated into the design for added support, drastically improving stability and driveline shock absorption. The secondary mount is tied into the chassis using a reinforced sheet metal bracket and a billet aluminum plate, allowing for bolt-on installation or welding for ultimate rigidity.

Another major flaw of the factory E30 differential cover is its lack of any cooling provisions, leading to overheated fluid and premature wear. Our engineers solved this issue by incorporating advanced cooling features into the design. Large external fins have been added to the cover, and are optimized using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis to efficiently dissipate heat, reducing overall fluid temperatures. By maintaining a more stable differential temperature, this cover ensures consistent performance and extends the lifespan of your differential fluid. A built-in air duct assists in cooling by increasing airflow around the differential, further preventing heat-related failures. Our cover features optional -6AN fittings, allowing for easy integration of an external fluid cooler if desired. Finally, a 1/8 NPT port is included with the kit to ensure compatibility with fluid temperature monitoring systems.

Precision-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and finished with a black hard coat anodizing, this cover is built to withstand hard use. Despite its robust construction and superior durability, this differential cover retains factory mounting features. This means any E30 188mm differential cover bushing can be installed, allowing you to tailor our upgraded cover to your build. The cover also accommodates large rear sway bars, ensuring fitment on cars with upgraded suspension. Our proprietary removable air duct provides easy access to sensor bungs, fill plugs, and drain plugs, making differential service a breeze.

FEATURES

Unmatched Strength & Durability - Heavily reinforced mounting locations are designed to withstand extreme horsepower, torque, and shock load. Secondary Differential Mount - A built-in secondary mount, integral sheet metal bracket, and billet adapter plate make this the strongest E30 differential cover on the market. Bolt-On or Weld-On Installation - The secondary mount is designed for easy bolt-in installation or can be welded to the chassis for ultimate rigidity. Optimized Cooling - Large external fins, designed using CFD analysis, dissipate heat efficiently, reducing overall differential fluid temperatures. Integrated Breather System - An integrated breather system reduces internal cavitation by properly venting built-up pressure. Enhanced Fluid Management - Includes a 1/8 NPT sensor port for real-time fluid temperature monitoring, and optional -6AN fittings for adding an external fluid cooler. Aerodynamic Air Duct - The included aerodynamic air duct further reduces fluid temperatures, increasing fluid service life and reliability. KIT CONTENTS

Dual Mount Differential Cover Assembly Includes the cover, sheet metal mounting bracket, billet aluminum mounting plate, and aerodynamic air duct. Installation Hardware Kit Includes everything you need to install this masterpiece on your E30! Differential Gasket Choose between a Genuine BMW paper gasket or make your own gasket with Loctite 5970. Optional -6AN fittings (2) for adding an external fluid cooler. Differential Cover Bushings Choose between Powerflex, OE MOOG, and Genuine BMW, or add your own (two E30 188mm differential cover bushings required for installation). Gear Oil Choose between Liqui Moly, Redline, and Genuine BMW, or supply your own fluid for reassembly.

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Genuine BMW Rubber Mounting - 33172228425
Upgrade from the Z3 M, adds stiffness to the rear with out a harsh increases in NVH
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:59637
Part#: 33172228425
In Stock
2% off MSRP $ 301.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 295.99 USD
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2% off MSRP
$ 301.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 295.99 USD
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Genuine BMW RUBBER MOUNTING
Genuine BMW Differential Gasket Set - E23 E24 E28 E30 Z3
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:7914
Part#: 33101210518
Ships in 2 Business Days
2% off MSRP $ 148.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 145.99 USD
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2% off MSRP
$ 148.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 145.99 USD
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Genuine BMW Gasket Set Differential - Typ 188
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E30 M3,E30


Finned Rear Differential Cover - 33112228336 - E36 Z3M S54 S52 ...
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:394453
Part#: 33112228336
Ships in 2 Business Days
3% off MSRP $ 617.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 598.99 USD
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3% off MSRP
$ 617.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 598.99 USD
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An OE replacement for your leaking or damaged rear differential cover.

Fits the following BMW's:
E36 BMW Z3  S54 & S52


M Roadster Finned Differential Cover Upgrade for E30 M3 / 325 ...
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:1062
Part#: 33112228335KIT
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 660.00 USD
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$ 660.00 USD
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This factory finned differential cover bolts directly to the E30 diff housing. This is a must for track cars with limited slip differentials. The clutch packs in these diffs generate a lot of heat, the more heat you can dissipate the better. The fins on this cover will do just that. This is an inexpensive upgrade that may save you a lot of money down the road. Plus it looks cool.

Kit includes cover, gasket and all necessary hardware.:

  • 1 x 33112228335 - Differential Cover
  • 1 x 33111210405 - Differential Gasket
  • 2 x 07119914114 - Bolt
  • 4 x 07119921522 - Bolt
  • 2 x 07119921541 - Bolt

The following photo of the cover with bushing is just representation of this kit. 

This item fits the following BMWs:
1984-1991 E30 BMW 325e 325es 325i 325ic 325is M3

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Genuine BMW Rear Pinion Bearing
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:214508
Part#: 33131204568
Ships in 1-2 days
3% off MSRP $ 108.99

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$ 105.99 USD
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3% off MSRP
$ 108.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 105.99 USD
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Genuine BMW Tapered Roller Bearing -

This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E36

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Differential Flange Cover - E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E34, E36, Z3 ...
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Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:59180
Part#: 33111208047
Ships in 8 Business Days
3% off MSRP $ 165.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 160.99 USD
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3% off MSRP
$ 165.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 160.99 USD
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Genuine BMW Transmission Cover
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E30 M3,E36 M3,E30,E34,E36

BMW E30 E36 Z3 Helical Limited Slip Differential
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Team MFactory - Corporate Logo
T#:379405
Part#: MF-TRS-05E36
Ships in 6 Business Days
$ 999.99 USD
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$ 999.99 USD
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The best way to gain a prominent advantage over the competition is to do it with the MFactory Helical Limited Slip Differential. The smooth consistent distribution of power to the wheels with the MFactory Helical LSD puts the power-to-the-ground and maximises your vehicle's traction. A must for any car be it stree, strip, or track. What exactly does an LSD do you ask? well without an LSD your car is actually 1 wheel drive, in that it can't supply torque to both wheels at the same time and will only supply torque to the wheel with less grip, which is what the shortfall is to an open differential (what most vehicles have). An LSD only lets the wheels spin at different speeds by a limited amount (typically this is a percentage difference) which is when the differential locks and both wheels get power. This is not how locked differentials work such as in off road trucks which supply equal torque and rotational speed to both rear wheels at the same time, which can cause issues with handling. Features: Industry first, 30-day Feel the Torque™ money back guarantee, and a Limited-Lifetime Warranty! Forged and Cryo-tempered Advanced Shot Peening technology for increased surface hardness Designed to withstand the extreme shock loads of competition-level drag racing Maintenance-free gears eliminate the need for special fluid or rebuilds associate with typical plate LSDs. Lock-free operation ensures no adverse steering response. **As a break-in procedure, we recommend changing the fluid after the first 3-400 miles of use.**
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Wavetrac BMW Limited Slip Differential
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Wavetrac - Corporate Logo
T#:383303
Part#: 30309150WKWVT
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 1,245.99 USD
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$ 1,245.99 USD
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Wavetrac® Torque Biasing Differential - Innovative: Patented Wavetrac® design automatically improves grip in low traction conditions. This feature is truly innovative and unlike and other torque biasing differential design. - Superior Materials: High strength 9310 steel gears are used in case-hardened billet or forged steel bodies. ARP® fasteners are used throughout the differential. - Maintenance Free: As supplied new, the Wavetrac® differential will perform a lifetime of service without maintenance or rebuilds. - Limited LIFETME Warranty: All Wavetrac® differntials include a transferable, limited lifetime warranty. *Additional technical information on the Wavetrac® Differential can be found at the following link: http://www.wavetrac.net/technical.htm
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Genuine BMW Differential Shim Set
affirm Starting At 0% APR - Subject To Eligibility. See Lending Terms
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:59558
Part#: 33139065735
Ships in 2 Business Days
2% off MSRP $ 231.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 226.99 USD
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2% off MSRP
$ 231.99

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the suggested retail price provided by the manufacturer, supplier or seller.

$ 226.99 USD
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Genuine BMW Spacer Rings Set - 1,72Mm-1,96Mm
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E30 M3,E36 M3,E30,E34,E36