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Limited Slip Differentials
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BMW's latest iteration of Limited Slip Differentials features a design utilizing clutch packs that are engaged and disengaged by an electric motor. As the electric motor activates, a set of gears adjusts a pressure plate which compresses these clutch packs. As these clutch plates are compressed, the amount of "lock-up" increases, allowing for a range of wide range of engagement, from completely open to almost fully locked. This ensures your BMW is able to transfer power to the ground regardless of the conditions for optimal performance and handling.
If you've noticed excess tire slippage in wet or snowy conditions, there is a chance this electric actuator motor has begun to fail and will need to be replaced to restore your M Sport differential's functionality. This kit includes all of the basic components necessary to replace this motor.
Referred to by BMW as an Actuator, Position Sensor, and Set Positioning Motor
This is a complete differential to change the gearing of a manual transmission E90/E92 325i, 328i, or 330i (not for xi models) to a 3.64 ratio final drive. The standard gearing on the manual transmission cars is 3.15 or 3.23, making this E90 diff significantly shorter. This diff is from a 330i automatic where the gear ratio has to be shorter to make up for the transmission gearing differences and extra weight. This will dramatically improve acceleration on any 325i, 328i or 330i INSTANTLY! If you are looking for better off-the-line or rolling acceleration, and are willing to sacrifice a little top-speed (some of us don't get up to 150mph), this is one of the best ways to achieve it with almost no downside. There are few things that can improve your 0-to-60 and 0-to-100 times as much as shorter gearing, and this differential is clearly a best "bang-for-buck" solution for dramatically better acceleration. Since this is an Original BMW part it carries the same BMW two year warranty as any other new part. So there's no need to take a chance on a used part from a private seller. (former BMW part number 33107519944)
Changing gear ratio changes the RPM range for any given speed. Use the chart below for examples of speed vs RPM changes for the 3.64 diff.
2006 330i, 6-speed manual, stock 3.15 gears, 255/35-18" rear tires
Gear RatioGearSpeedRPM
40 MPH in 4th
3.154th40 MPH2,100 RPM
3.644th40 MPH2,400 RPM
70 MPH Cruise
3.156th70 MPH2,500 RPM
3.646th70 MPH2,900 RPM
5th Gear Speed @ 6,000 RPM
3.155th142 MPH6,000 RPM
3.645th123 MPH6,000 RPM
Why 5th? Because 6th does not have the mechanical advantage to get past wind resistance at these speeds - it is more of a cruise/overdrive gear. Using 5th for comparison purposes is much more relevant than having to take into account wind direction, resistance, grade, elevation, tire sizing, etc. These numbers are for comparisons among gear ratios only, not to determine what your E90 will top out at.2006-2011 325i or 328i, 6-speed manual, stock 3.23 gears, 255/35-18" rear tires
(click to expand)
Gear RatioGearSpeedRPM
40 MPH in 4th
3.234th40 MPH2,150 RPM
3.644th40 MPH2,400 RPM
70 MPH Cruise
3.236th70 MPH2,600 RPM
3.646th70 MPH2,900 RPM
5th Gear Speed @ 6,000 RPM
3.235th138 MPH6,000 RPM
3.645th123 MPH6,000 RPM
Speed in 5th gear at 6,000 RPM is for theoretical and comparison purposes only. It doesn't mean that these speeds are actually reachable.
A $100 refundable core charge must be added at the time of order. This core charge can be refunded when you ship your original diff back to us.
This item fits the following BMWs with manual transmission only:
2006-2011 E90 BMW 325i 328i 330i - Sedan
2006-2012 E91 BMW 325i 328i - Wagon
2007-2013 E92 BMW 328i - Coupe
2007-2013 E93 BMW 328i - Convertible