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!
Rein - Corporate Logo
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 - Corporate Logo
T#:25772539
Part#: 5970
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 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.
Meyle HD - Corporate Logo
T#:186967
Part#: 33176751808MY
In Stock
$ 53.99

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

$ 31.49 USD
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$ 31.49 USD
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This is the rear rubber-isolated differential mount. The diff mounts take the bulk of the twisting and binding as power is transmitted through the differential. We use a Meyle HD rubber bushing for the rear mount as it's stronger than the factory part. (33176751808). We also recommend replacing the front differential mount 33171093175MY at the same time.

Meyle is a German brand in business since 1958 and all of their products are TUV approved and meet or exceed ISO standards. Heavy Duty components are designed to provide significantly long lifespans than other aftermarket and stock OE components. Each part includes a 4 year warranty.

As a leading source of high performance BMW parts and accessories since 1993, we at Turner Motorsport are honored to be the go-to supplier for tens of thousands of enthusiasts the world over. With over two decades of parts, service, and racing experience under our belt, we provide only quality performance and replacement parts.  All of our performance parts are those we would (and do!) install and run on our own cars, as well as replacement parts that are Genuine BMW or from OEM manufacturers. We only offer parts we know you can trust to perform!

This item fits the following BMWs:
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 330i 330ci 330xi
2004-2005 E83 BMW X3 2.5i X3 3.0i
2003-2006 E85 BMW Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i

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OS Giken - Corporate Logo
T#:34382136
Part#: BM237HAKT
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 2,100.00 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Upgrade to a better performing LSD, includes tune.

Rear Axle Rubber Mounting FRONT 33176770788
2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Lemforder - Corporate Logo
T#:15674
Part#: 33176770788
In Stock
$ 17.99

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

$ 12.50 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 12.50 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
RUBBER MOUNTING FRONT
Differential Oil Drain Plug
2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Rein - Corporate Logo
T#:27405453
Part#: 33117525064
In Stock
$ 14.99

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

$ 9.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
$ 9.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Rein Differential Drain Plug Gasket
2X Entries For Our G87 M2 Sweepstakes! We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
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.
Front Differential Bushing - Priced Each
We Price Match - Give Us A Call or Chat!
Meyle - Corporate Logo
T#:36032352
Part#: 33176770788
Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA
$ 15.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
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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