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Differential and Gearing Upgrades

BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

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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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OEM Rein Magnetic Differential Oil Drain Plug - M22x1.5 - Most BMW & ...

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:38890943

Part#: HWU0065

In Stock

$ 23.99 USD

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$ 23.99 USD

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As components in the differential begin to wear, metal particles become loose in the diff fluid, which can lead to excess wear. This magnetic plug pulls these particles out of suspension, helping to reduce wear over time. Replaces BMW # 33117525064

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Loctite 5970 Gasket/Sealing Compound - 50ml

T#:25772539

Part#: 5970

Ships in 3 Business Days

$ 55.23 USD

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$ 55.23 USD

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This Loctite 5970 Sealant is recommended by BMW to be used to seal the rear differential cover and numerous engine oil pans. Also used for multiple MINI, Audi, and VW applications.

OEM BMW Rear Differential Mount - E46, E83 X3, E85 Z4

We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:12525

Part#: 33176751808

In Stock

$ 44.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
04-18-2026

$ 27.99 USD

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$ 27.99 USD

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RUBBER MOUNTING REAR:331020

URO Differential Cover for E46 M3

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:37993429

Part#: 33112282482

In Stock

$ 241.99 USD

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$ 241.99 USD

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Differential bushing failure is a common weak point of the E46 M3. Bushings are not sold separately, you will need the whole rear cover.

Rear Axle Rubber Mounting FRONT 33176770788

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:15674

Part#: 33176770788

In Stock

$ 17.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-08-2026

$ 12.50 USD

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$ 12.50 USD

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RUBBER MOUNTING FRONT

SKF Seal - Differential Pinion Shaft (50 X 80 X 9 mm)

T#:588869

Part#: 33121213949

Ships in 3 Business Days

$ 17.99 USD

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$ 17.99 USD

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Differential Input Shaft Seal - Priced Each

T#:49335120

Part#: 33121213949

In Stock

$ 18.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-27-2026

$ 15.99 USD

Limited Qty Sale

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Qty

$ 18.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-27-2026

$ 15.99 USD

Limited Qty Sale

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Replaces cracked or hardened valve body seals

URO Differential Output Shaft Seal W/ Lock Ring - BMW E36 E46 E53 E60...

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes!

T#:43750219

Part#: 33107505604

In Stock

$ 10.00

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
08-13-2026

$ 9.98 USD

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$ 9.98 USD

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Maintaining a proper amount of fluid in the rear differential is vital to the performance and longevity of the differential. If a leaking shaft seal is left untouched, the results could be catastrophic. Two seals required per vehicle.

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Differential Oil Drain Plug

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:27405453

Part#: 33117525064

In Stock

$ 14.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
08-03-2026

$ 9.99 USD

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$ 9.99 USD

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Rein Differential Drain Plug Gasket

2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:19654

Part#: 07119963355

Ships in 4 Business Days

$ 2.03 USD

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$ 2.03 USD

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GASKET RING for various sensors and seals.

Febi Drain Plug Gasket

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T#:340702

Part#: 07119963355

Ships on Oct 6, 2026

$ 1.99 USD

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$ 1.99 USD

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22x27 aluminum sealing ring

Front Differential Bushing - Priced Each

We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!

T#:36032352

Part#: 33176770788

Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA

$ 15.99 USD

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$ 15.99 USD

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The subframe serves as the mounting point for your rear suspension, connecting to the vehicle's body with bushings designed to absorb vibrations. These bushings minimize vibrations transmitted to the cabin while maintaining a secure and stable connection, ensuring tight and reliable suspension performance.

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Replacement (12)

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Differential and Gearing Upgrades

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