ECS BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW E36 (1992-1998) M3

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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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ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:366828
Part#: 009314ECS01A
In Stock
Sale - Save 25% $ 62.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 47.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 25%
$ 62.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 47.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
You use a magnetic drain plug for your engine oil, right? Why not apply the same proactive thinking to the differential too? This is a direct replacement magnetic differential drain plug for your BMW. It will catch and retain fine and larger metal particles in your diff oil. If you're proactive in your diff oil servicing, you will catch a minor issue long before it becomes a headache. Diff drain plug includes one sealing o-ring. Direct replacement for Genuine BMW part number(s): 33117525064, 33110308370, 33110152626
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ECS Heavy Duty 14mm Differential Bushing Upgrade - E36
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:57870673
Part#: 059071LA04
In Stock
New Item
$ 69.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

When high torque loads and aggressive corner exits push your chassis to the limit, stock differential mounts quickly become the weak link. The ECS Tuning Rear Differential Front Mount Upgrade Kit is track-engineered to lock down your rear diff, control axle wrap, and ensure immediate power delivery to the pavement.

Built to withstand severe track abuse, this kit eliminates hardware failure by replacing the undersized factory M12 bolt with an ultra-high-tensile Grade 12.9 M14x1.5 bolt. Surrounding the upgraded hardware is a track-spec 95A durometer red polyurethane bushing and a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum sleeve finished in Type II black anodizing. Engineered for maximum drivetrain stiffness, this upgrade ensures your differential stays precisely aligned under the harshest motorsport conditions.

Note: Upgrading to M14x1.5 hardware requires drilling and tapping the original M12x1.5 differential mounting hole. See T#58563042 for a complete kit that includes the proper-sized drill and tap.

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ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:58563042
Part#: 059071LA04KT
Ships on Oct 22, 2026
New Item
$ 109.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

When high torque loads and aggressive corner exits push your chassis to the limit, stock differential mounts quickly become the weak link. The ECS Tuning Rear Differential Front Mount Upgrade Kit is track-engineered to lock down your rear diff, control axle wrap, and ensure immediate power delivery to the pavement.

Built to withstand severe track abuse, this kit eliminates hardware failure by replacing the undersized factory M12 bolt with an ultra-high-tensile Grade 12.9 M14x1.5 bolt. Surrounding the upgraded hardware is a track-spec 95A durometer red polyurethane bushing and a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum sleeve finished in Type II black anodizing. Engineered for maximum drivetrain stiffness, this upgrade ensures your differential stays precisely aligned under the harshest motorsport conditions.

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