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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

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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

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$ 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

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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

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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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Premium Differential Service Kit - E46 M3, E9X M3, E82 1 M Coupe ...

Includes BMW SAF-XJ limited slip differential fluid with FM booster

T#:598688

Part#: E46M3DIFSERTMSKT

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$ 277.83 USD

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Servicing your differential is an important job and should only be completed using high quality components! To ensure our customers are getting exactly what they need, we have put together this limited-slip differential service kit that includes all new fluid from BMW, a new BMW drain plug, and one of our new Titanium Magnetic Differential Drain Plugs!

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Rear Differential Service Kit for various BMW Models

T#:42133544

Part#: 835225790TKT

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$ 59.72 USD

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The kit includes 2 Quarts of Red line 75w90 - 57904 and brand new Rein rear diff oil drain plug M22x1.5

Differential Service Kit

T#:15710761

Part#: 33117525064-KT

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$ 98.71 USD

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Often overlooked, scheduled rear differential service is very important. Over time gear lube breaks down causing bearings and internal components fail. Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle running properly for years to come. Kit includes 3 Bottles of Castrol SAF-XJ 75w140 2 Drain plugs

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Rear Differential Mounts - OEM Rubber - E82, E9X

T#:386282

Part#: E9X-DIFF-MOUNTS

Ships in 1-2 days

$ 193.25 USD

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This package of OEM E82 E90 E92 diff mounts replaces the stock rubber diff bushings. On a tuned 335i you may have noticed more driveline shudder or problems hooking up during hard launches. What happens is the stock rubber bushings are under constant flex as engine torque is transmitted through the differential. Under normal driving with a stock car the bushings are rarely stressed. But factor in significant additional torque from a tuned N54/N55 and the stock rubber will quickly show its weaknesses. You may have even broken a diff bolt or two as the heavy differential shifts around. Even non-turbo E82 and E9X models may benefit from fresh bushings.

This is a set of stock rubber bushings, made by OEM supplier Lemforder. They are the same as the Genuine BMW E9X diff mount bushings, but without the more expensive branding. If you're turned off by potential side effects of urethane or Delrin then the OEM diff mounts are your best option. The OEM mounts fit and perform just like the originals so there is no second guessing their quality. If you're looking for an upgrade we offer E9X solid Delrin and aluminum diff mounts that work well, even in street applications.

E9X Diff Mount Set includes:

33176760287 x 2, front differential mount
33176770866 x 1, rear differential mount
(new hardware is optional and can be ordered separately below)

This item fits the following BMWs:
2008-2012 E82 BMW 128i 135i
2006-2011 E90 BMW 325i 325xi 328i 328xi 328i xDrive 330i 330xi 335d 335i 335xi 335i xDrive - Sedan
2006-2012 E91 BMW 325xi 328i 328xi 328i xDrive - Wagon
2007-2013 E92 BMW 328i 328xi 328i xDrive 335i 335is 335xi 335i xDrive - Coupe
2007-2013 E93 BMW 328i 335i - Convertible

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ECS & Turner Performance Drivetrain Bushing Package - E82/88 E9X N52 ...

T#:24344778

Part#: ECSTMSPDBKT

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$ 1,096.14 USD

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Turner recommends running drivetrain mounts of all the same variety - if you are using poly engine mounts, you should also use poly transmission mounts. This kit is your solution to make sure all components of your vehicle are working with each other to achieve the performance you're looking for. Polyurethane material is more resistant to water, ozone, and chemicals, maintaining its resiliency and elasticity longer than conventional rubber. Keep your vehicle planted for spirited driving while having crisper throttle response and reduce drivetrain movement along with wheel hop. Kit includes: Turner Engine Mount Set - 60A Polyurethane ECS Transmission Mount Set - Street 70A Polyurethane ECS Differential Bushing Set - 95A Polyurethane ECS Subframe Mount Set - 95A - Polyurethane

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Differential Service Kit

T#:15744025

Part#: 331175250640-KT

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$ 252.18 USD

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Often overlooked, scheduled rear differential service is very important. Over time gear lube breaks down causing bearings and internal components fail. Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle running properly for years to come. Three bottle of Genuine BMW Limited Slip Gear Lube 1 New Genuine BMW Drain/Fill plugs 1 ECS Magnetic Differential Oil Drain Plug Drain plug O-ring

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Complete Performance Polyurethane Differential And Subframe Bushing S...

T#:56038061

Part#: E9XSBFRDFFBKT2

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$ 491.99 USD

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This complete upgrade package is designed to put an end to steering slop. Utilizing a high performance 95A durometer polyurethane formulation, this kit replaces the mushy OEM rubber with proven rigidity.

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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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Limited Slip Differential With Output Shaft Seal - 188 (Small Diff Ho...

T#:55965861

Part#: 30309175WKWVTKT2

Ships in 10 Business Days

$ 1,269.99 USD

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This AutoTech LSD Upgrade Kit pairs AutoTech’s highly engineered 188mm limited-slip differential carrier with a pair of Corteco output shaft seals, giving you everything you need for a leak-free install.

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