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BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW 1 Series E82 (2008-2013)

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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 Magnetic Differential Oil Drain Plug - Most BMW & Mini Models ...

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

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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 Complete Performance Polyurethane Differential Bushing Set - 95A ...

T#:589555

Part#: 026709ECS09

In Stock

Sale - Save 15% $ 183.99

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

$ 156.39 USD

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Sale - Save 15%

$ 183.99

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

$ 156.39 USD

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Upgrade your worn OE rubber bushings with ECS Tuning's Performance Polyurethane Differential Bushing Set. In-House Engineered to improve power delivery and handling, with a superior service life over the soft factory rubber bushings.

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Performance Polyurethane Differential Bushing Set - E9X M3

T#:596679

Part#: 026711ECS09

In Stock

Sale - Save 5% $ 177.99

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

$ 169.09 USD

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Sale - Save 5%

$ 177.99

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

$ 169.09 USD

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Upgrade your worn rubber bushings with ECS Tuning's Performance Polyurethane Differential Bushing Set. In-House Engineered to improve power delivery and handling, with a superior service life over the soft factory rubber bushings.

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Open Differential Weld Plates - E8x E9x

T#:35121162

Part#: 056350LA01

Ships on Oct 5, 2026

Sale - Save 25% $ 30.99

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

$ 23.24 USD

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Sale - Save 25%

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This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
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$ 23.24 USD

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Convert your open differential to a locked differential without the costly expense of an LSD replacement.

Get your car ready for aggressive track driving or drifting without purchasing or replacing your differential. The weld-in plates strengthen your diff and allow both wheels to engage simultaneously giving you a more predictable and capable track car.

An open differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds and sends power to the wheel with the least amount of traction. This may be a good feature for your regular everyday driver but limits you on the track. The weld-in plates simulate a driving experience similar to a limited-slip differential allowing you to put power to both wheels in a low traction area or initiate drifts.

Features and benefits:

Added strength to your differential gears
Converts from open differential
Fabricated to fit in the spider gears for an easier weld and increased confidence
Made from 7 gauge mild steel, formed to fit

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IRP Aluminum Differential Bushings - E82 1 M, E9X M3

T#:587016

Part#: IRPDB-9XMAL

Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA

$ 133.99 USD

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$ 133.99 USD

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These aluminum mounts are a direct replacement for the stock rubber bushings and have been lightened to remove excess weight. Using aluminum instead of rubber eliminates the "wind up" inherent in rubber mounts, and this deflection slows suspension & drivetrain response. The tradeoff is an increase in NVH. Features: Stiffens chassis/Improves stability Less wear of other components Better durability Provides better control of chassis geometry Replaces OE: 33312284019, 33312283384 Recommended for racing use only Includes: 1 rear aluminum bushing 2 front aluminum bushings

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OS Giken TractionControl Limited Slip Differential Unit - E82 135i, E...

T#:338591

Part#: BM531-HC

Ships in 2 Business Days

Starting at $ 2,550.00 USD

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Starting at $ 2,550.00 USD

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video: E92 335i with limited slip

click for high quality

As Used on Project E92 335i

A turbocharged BMW such as the 135i or 335i needs traction to put that power to the ground. The stock differential of both the 135i and 335i only put power to one wheel -- this just won't cut it! Upgrading to a limited slip differential means power to BOTH wheels, for better launch, acceleration, grip, and track handling. We're excited to be carrying the OS Giken LSD unit in our performance catalog, as we've used their products on our own Championship winning E46 and E92 race cars.

OS Giken's newest innovation is their quietest and smoothest limited slip unit yet - the Traction Control Differential (TCD). TCD is similar to their excellent Superlock differentials but with additional oil channels and pathways. The added lubrication makes diff operation smoother and quieter than before (not that there were many complaints to begin with). The locking engagement is more progressive than before which makes this diff more suitable for street driving. Track cars and drift cars should still use the Superlock LSD as it will transition to lock sooner. TCD is an evolution of a diff that was already extremely well-engineered for road and track use. Not willing to rest on their laurels, they took their superior engineering a step further.

With the 135i/335i LSD unit, they have incorporated revolutionary ideas into the overall limited-slip design which uses an unprecedented number of friction plates (up to 28 total!) for better locking force, better engagement/disengagement, and less generated heat. The use of highest quality materials, precise machining, forged gears, and sound engineering makes this LSD durable and reliable enough for road racing performance (which we can personally vouch for!). Zero break-in required. 100% progressive locking capability.

Installation note: BMW differentials use many unique and BMW-only parts and components. Only technicians who are experienced and familiar with BMW parts should perform the installation. The OS Giken LSD is the limited slip unit (or 'chunk') only. It replaces the stock non-LSD chunk but the original ring and pinion and other internals must be installed with the OS Giken unit. This unit will only work on 335i manual differentials with a bolt-in or modified ring gear. Proper setup and spacing is critical for long life operation. Incorrect installation will void the warranty. We also offer the TCD unit pre-installed - see our performance diff catalog for more info.

The OS Giken TCD Diff unit fits the following BMWs:
2008-2012 E82 BMW 135i with manual transmission
2007-2011 E90 BMW 335i - Sedan with manual transmission
2007-2013 E92 BMW 335i 335is - Coupe with manual transmission
2007-2013 E93 BMW 335i - Convertible with manual transmission

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OS Giken Superlock Limited Slip Differential Unit - E82 135i, E9X 335...

T#:338590

Part#: BM531-HA

Ships in 2 Business Days

Starting at $ 3,700.00 USD

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Starting at $ 3,700.00 USD

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video: E92 335i with limited slip

click for high quality

A turbocharged BMW such as the 135i or 335i needs traction to put that power to the ground. The stock differential of both the 135i and 335i only put power to one wheel -- this just won't cut it! Upgrading to a limited slip differential means power to BOTH wheels, for better lauch, acceleration, and track handling. We're excited to be carrying the OS Giken LSD unit in our performance catalog, as we've used their products on our own Championship winning E46 and E92 race cars.

With the 135i/335i LSD unit, they have incorporated revolutionary new ideas into the design (4 years in the making!) which uses an unprecedented number of friction plates (up to 28 total!) for better locking force, better engagement/disengagement, and less generated heat. The end result of their efforts is the OS Giken's OS Super Lock LSD which offers incredible durability and reliability on street and track driven BMWs. The use of highest quality materials, precise machining, forged gears and sound engineering makes this LSD durable and reliable enough for road racing performance (which we can personally vouch for!). Zero break-in required. Super smooth and quiet engagement, and 100% progressive locking capability.

Installation note: BMW differentials use many unique and BMW-only parts and components. Only technicians who are experienced and familiar with BMW parts should perform the installation. The OS Giken LSD is the limited slip unit (or 'chunk') only. It replaces the stock non-LSD chunk but the original ring and pinion and other internals must be installed with the OS Giken unit. This unit will only work on 335i manual differentials with a bolt-in or modified ring gear. Proper setup and spacing is critical for long life operation. Incorrect installation will void the warranty. We also offer the TCD unit pre-installed - see our performance diff catalog for more info.

The OS Giken Superlock Diff unit fits the following BMWs:
2008-2012 E82 BMW 135i with manual transmission
2007-2011 E90 BMW 335i - Sedan with manual transmission
2007-2013 E92 BMW 335i 335is - Coupe with manual transmission
2007-2013 E93 BMW 335i - Convertible with manual transmission

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Elring Differential Output Shaft Seal - BMW E82 E9X Z4 E39 E60 E63/64...

T#:44767282

Part#: 082.770

Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA

$ 24.99 USD

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$ 24.99 USD

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Eliminate differential leaks with all new output shaft axle seals from Elring Replaces BMW p/n 33107568368, 33107505605, & 33100152629

Elring Differential Input Shaft Seal - 50x80x9mm - BMW E82 1M, E46 M3...

T#:44733256

Part#: 703.190

Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA

$ 34.99 USD

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$ 34.99 USD

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If your differential is leaking fluid from the input shaft at the front of the diff case, there is a good chance this seal is faulty. Replace your leaking seal with this new seal from Elring to prevent further fluid loss and prevent damage to your differential. Replaces BMW p/n 33121213949, 33121212197, & 33121204847

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Shaft Seal - Differential (Axle Drive)

T#:54852004

Part#: B46.610

Special Order: No Guaranteed ETA

$ 14.99 USD

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$ 14.99 USD

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This OEM-quality replacement shaft seal from Elring is the perfect fix for keeping your gear oil where it belongs.

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