BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E36 (1992-1998)

Clear BMW chassis

Please ensure your correct model is selected

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.

Sub-Categories

Sort By:

Axle Bearing Seal - Priced Each
10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Bremmen Parts - Corporate Logo
T#:26038535
Part#: 33113604119
In Stock
Sale - Save 39% $ 3.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 2.44 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 39%
$ 3.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-03-2026

$ 2.44 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Bremmen Parts Axle Bearing Seal - ID=81mm/2mm

This item fits the following BMW chassis:

E10 E21 E30 E36 E36/7 Z3

Differential Oil Drain Plug
2X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:27405453
Part#: 33117525064
In Stock
$ 14.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
08-31-2026

$ 9.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 9.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Elring - Corporate Logo
T#:369495
Part#: 33107505602
In Stock
$ 9.64 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Rubber seals are often hardened and damaged by excessive heat and constant temperature changes causing them to become brittle and crack or split. If your seal has split, replace it with a new Elring seal for long reliability and to prevent further problems.

Elring is one of the biggest OEM names in the manufacturing of high quality gaskets that are available for very affordable prices. Elring has supplied many automotive names for years with the gaskets that seal your car's components from day 1 so you can rest assured that these components will last for a long time to come!

Fits the following BMW engines:
E30 318i/is 325e 325i/ix M3
E36 318i/ic/is/ti 323i/is 325i/is 328i/is M3
E28 524td 528e 533i 535i
E34 525i 530i 535i
E24 633CSi 635CSi
E23 733i 735i
E32 735i/iL
Z3 1.9 2.5 2.5i 2.8 3.0i M Coupe/Roadster

Show More Show Less

Corteco - Corporate Logo
T#:594925
Part#: 31507609535
In Stock
$ 9.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Seals the driveshaft to the differential

Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:54281641
Part#: PFR5-326H
Ships in 1 Business Day
New Item
$ 139.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
The Powerflex Heritage Collection replaces the soft factory unit with an engineered, high-performance polyurethane compound. It is designed to constrain differential rotation and stabilize the driveline without changing the classic aesthetic of the vehicle undercarriage.
Show More Show Less
Corteco - Corporate Logo
T#:594920
Part#: 33171134872
In Stock
$ 19.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-07-2026

$ 16.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 16.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
The subframe provides mounting for your rear suspension. The subframe connects to the body with bushings to absorb vibration at all mounting locations. These bushings absorb any vibration that would normally be transmitted to the cabin and keep the subframe solid. They also provide a solid mounting location to keep everything tight.
Show More Show Less

Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:54281644
Part#: PFR5-325H
Ships in 1 Business Day
New Item
$ 44.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
The Powerflex Heritage Series is a premium motorsport upgrade engineered to eliminate critical differential deflection. Molded from an advanced, proprietary polyurethane formula, this bushing stabilizes the differential nose under high-torque loading.
Show More Show Less

Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:379934
Part#: PFR5-324B
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 56.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Differentials serve the key purpose of transmitting power from the driveshaft to the axles. Factory rubber bushings absorb some of this power to allow for cushy, comfortable acceleration, at the expense of performance. Many OEM differential bushings are fast-wearing and failure-prone, resulting in driveline slop and thunks when shifting or going over bumps. Your E36 Evo M3 will improve in: Improved Handling and Stability - Upgrading to an aftermarket rear differential front mount bushing can do wonders for your car's handling and stability. These bushings are designed with performance in mind, reducing unwanted movement of the differential. Reduced Wheel Hop - Wheel hop can be a drag, both figuratively and literally. An upgraded front mount bushing helps minimize wheel hop, especially during hard acceleration or aggressive driving. Say goodbye to that unsettling bounce and hello to smoother power delivery. Powerflex polyurethane differential bushings are firmer than OEM rubber bushings, eliminating associated driveline slop and allowing for the crisp application of power to the ground, resulting in better throttle response and control. Powerflex is the number one selling suspension bushing manufacturer in Europe. Their experience with polyurethane bushing material and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques allows them to produce premium performance bushings, made to exact-fit standards. Powerflex performance polyurethane bushings are built to last longer than OEM rubber bushings while improving performance and allowing for a more engaging driving experience. The use of Powerflex Copper Grease PCG1 is recommended for ease of installation. Periodic reapplication is recommended to extend the squeak-free service life of bushings. Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Need bushings for a car that's street-driven? Powerflex street bushings are an ideal alternative for street-driven vehicles and those that see occasional autocross or track time. Fits these BMW models: E36 Evo M3
Show More Show Less

Powerflex - Corporate Logo
T#:54317182
Part#: PFR5-324H
Ships in 1 Business Day
New Item
$ 51.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 51.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Ensure your build operates at peak mechanical efficiency. Eliminate driveline slop and secure your differential assembly with track-proven engineering.
Genuine BMW - Corporate Logo
T#:19817
Part#: 33121200259
Ships in 1-2 days
$ 10.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up


Genuine BMW Clamping Bush -
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E30,E36

Rein Differential Drain Plug Gasket
2X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:19654
Part#: 07119963355
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 2.03 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
GASKET RING for various sensors and seals.


ECS - Corporate Logo
T#:58563042
Part#: 059071LA04KT
Ships on Nov 16, 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.

Show More Show Less
Febi Drain Plug Gasket
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Febi - Corporate Logo
T#:340702
Part#: 07119963355
Ships on Jan 11, 2027
$ 1.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
22x27 aluminum sealing ring
Enthusiast Bundles - Corporate Logo
T#:37419758
Part#: 049424LAEBKT
Ships in 1-2 days
Sale - Save 17% $ 1,381.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-05-2026

$ 1,149.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 17%
$ 1,381.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
05-05-2026

$ 1,149.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

E36 188mm Reinforced Billet Aluminum Differential Cover

Engineered from high-quality 6061 billet aluminum, this differential cover is built for resilience and designed for performance. Hard-coat anodized for a sleek finish and superior corrosion resistance, it not only looks great but also brings functional improvements in strength and cooling. Turner Motorsport has added reinforced mounting ears to withstand the toughest driving conditions—preventing the breakages common with OEM covers.

This cover doesn’t just endure—it performs. The cover features strategically placed external fins on the rear face, base, and mounting ears to efficiently dissipate heat, keeping temperatures stable for optimal fluid longevity and differential health. Inside, the design promotes consistent oiling of the ring gear, reducing wear by ensuring critical cooling and lubrication. An integrated baffle keeps pressure stable and minimizes cavitation.

Compatibility is at the core of the design: it’s compatible with OEM gaskets or RTV, and it retains the factory bushing geometry for easy integration with rubber, poly, and even solid mounts. The upgraded -6AN drain and fill plugs allow expansion for an external oil cooler, ideal for high-performance applications. Plus, a 1/8 NPT port allows for real-time monitoring of differential fluid temperatures.

Key Benefits:

Reinforced mounting ears for robust support—no more broken ears during aggressive driving or track days Optimized cooling with fins on rear face, base, and mounting ears Removable air duct to direct airflow across fins for maximum temperature control Improved internal design to maintain consistent lubrication on the ring gear -6AN ports for external cooler compatibility, increasing fluid capacity and extending change intervals 1/8 NPT port for temperature sensor integration to monitor fluid heat Design Highlights:

Precision-milled from 6061 billet aluminum with a T6 hard-coat anodized finish Fits E36 medium case 188mm differentials Compatible with differential coolers (-6AN) and temperature sensors (1/8 NPT) Works with OEM speed sensor, OEM gasket, and oversized sway bars Designed for easy maintenance with a removable air duct and accessible drain/fill plug ECS Tuning E36 Polyurethane Transmission Mount Set – Street

The ECS Polyurethane Transmission Mounts in this kit provide a solid connection between transmission and chassis, enhancing stability and reducing unwanted drivetrain movement. Built for durability, these mounts feature polyurethane with a 70A durometer for a perfect balance of comfort and performance. Compared to OEM rubber mounts, polyurethane provides less deflection, better power transfer, and much longer life under stress.

Polyurethane’s natural resistance to water, oil, and wear ensures these mounts maintain shape and performance even under heavy compression, making them ideal for spirited driving and track use. The mounts include a mechanical interlock for secure, reliable performance—even under high-torque, forced-induction scenarios. For those seeking a more aggressive setup, ECS also offers an 80A durometer Race mount.

Key Features:

Reduces transmission movement, minimizing mis-shifts and over-revs High-quality polyurethane bonded to 304 Stainless Steel Engaging driving experience with enhanced feedback and control Available in Street (70A) and Race (80A) applications for tailored performance Enjoy smoother shifts, firmer power delivery, and a more engaging drive with the ECS Polyurethane Transmission Mounts.

Show More Show Less

Rear Differential Bushing - Priced Each
2X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes
Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:592387
Part#: 33171134872
Back Ordered
$ 18.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up