BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades for BMW 3 Series E90 (2006-2011)

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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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Turner Motorsport - Corporate Logo
T#:593924
Part#: 027030TMS01
In Stock
Sale - Save 25% $ 89.99

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

$ 67.49 USD
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Sale - Save 25%
$ 89.99

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

$ 67.49 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
When both extreme-duty protection and saving every gram matters: the Turner Magnetic Differential Drain Plug.
ECS - Corporate Logo
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
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 25%
$ 62.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
06-13-2026

$ 47.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
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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Open Differential Weld Plates - E8x E9x
For vehicles with automatic transmissions only - medium case differentials
ECS - Corporate Logo
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
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up
Sale - Save 25%
$ 30.99

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

$ 23.24 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

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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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:376534
Part#: PFR5-1226B
Ships in 1 Business Day
$ 52.99 USD
Free Shipping on orders $49 and up

Differential bushings are responsible for keeping the differential in solid alignment while dampening drivetrain vibration. While OE rubber bushings are fine when they are new from the factory, aged and worn out rubber bushings create a multitude of issues that can range from annoying to dangerous. As a factory bushing ages, it begins to harden and become brittle. When this happens the bushing will actually shrink and allow for movement at the differential mounting point. At this point, the differential is free to shift under load causing a noticeable clunking noise under acceleration and deceleration and massively increasing the stress on the driveshaft and axles. Manual transmissions suffer the worst from this as it can make shifting difficult since the differential will shift when the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

By replacing these bushings with full polyurethane, the movement is eliminated since the mounting point is supported by a much stiffer material that will not harden or shrink over time. This means less stress on the driveshaft and axles and greater longevity of supporting components. 

Powerflex Black Series bushings are the ultimate in track and race bushings. Featuring 95A durometer polyurethane, Black Series bushings are 25% stiffer than street bushings. Engineered to perform, Powerflex performance polyurethane control arm bushings offer a supreme level of control, while still providing enough comfort for the street, with advanced polyurethane that reduces NVH that often accompanies lesser bushings. Expect improved acceleration response, more direct shifting feel and overall improved drivetrain composure with Powerflex performance polyurethane bushings.

Poweflex is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension bushings. Using state of the art design and manufacturing, all replacement bushings are engineered to out-perform and out-last the ones that came in the car. Each line of bushings is meticulously tested and then re-tested to ensure perfect fitment and enduring quality through the life of the vehicle. A full lifetime warranty backs every one of their products and demonstrates the level of confidence and commitment Powerflex has to their customers. 

This part fits the following BMWs:
2008 - 2013 E82 1 Series Coupe 128i 135i 135is 1M Coupe
2006 - 2008 E90 323i 325i 325xi 328i 328xi 330i 330xi 335i 335xi
2009 - 2012 E90 323i 323i 328i 328xi 335d 335i 335i xDrive 335xi
2006 - 2009 E91 325xi 328i 328xi
2009 - 2011 E91 328i 328xi 
2007 - 2013 E92 328i 328xi 335i 335xi
2007 - 2013 E93 328i 335i

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