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BMW Differential and Gearing Upgrades

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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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:379320
Part#: PFR5-526BX2
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 102.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 102.99 USD
Free Shipping

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. 

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OS Giken - Corporate Logo
T#:200230
Part#: MN024-HA
In Stock
$ 1,650.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,650.00 USD
Free Shipping
If your MINI is only for competition use - autocross, time trial, or racing - this OS Giken LSD may be a better option than the standard 1.5-way unit. This race-spec LSD was developed over several seasons of competitive autocross. It uses a new high pressure ring for quicker response time and faster lockup. This makes it ideal for quick transitions and rapid on/off throttle motions typically encountered on the track. It's a one-way lockup so the car stays predictable under braking and gives the driver more feedback. For street use we prefer the normal 1.5-way setup because it's more progressive during lockup.

The biggest shortcoming of any MINI is not the lack of power - it's being able to put all of its useable power to the ground! The Cooper S is basically a one-wheel drive car and sending 200+ hp through that one tire does not live up to its full potential. A limited-slip differential is essential to any highly-tuned FWD car. The OS Giken Super-Lock is one of the most advanced clutch-type differentials on the market, and a favorite of autocrossers and road racers. The OS LSD for the MINI features ten clutch discs for a smooth and progressive lockup. By putting all of your available power to the ground you're at an instant advantage over the stock open-type differential. You'll be able to power through corners and on rough surfaces instead of uselessly spinning a wheel. Understeer is reduced by giving more bite to the tire that has the most traction. With an LSD in your MINI Cooper S you'll wonder why it wasn't first on your list to begin with (or why MINI/BMW left it out in the first place...).

The MNI OS Giken LSD uses a special 80W250 fluid that must be purchased separately.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2002-2006 R53 MINI MINI Cooper S (6MT manual transmission only)
2007-2013 R56 MINI MINI Cooper S (6MT manual transmission only)
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Powerflex Black Series - Corporate Logo
T#:379935
Part#: PFR5-4625BX2
Ships in 2 Business Days
$ 107.99 USD
Free Shipping
$ 107.99 USD
Free Shipping

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. 

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OS Giken - Corporate Logo
T#:1387
Part#: BM237-HA
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 1,950.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 1,950.00 USD
Free Shipping
The M Dynamic limited slip unit on the M3 is designed to be a pure street car differential. It's simply not up to the rigors of professional or amateur racing. The OS Giken Super Lock LSD is giant step up in from a stock M3 lsd unit. It's ready for the extreme conditions of racing, offers 100% progressive locking capability, and is able to do this while operating smoothly and quietly. It's use of advanced technologies that make it perfect for both street cars AND pro race cars... and everything in between. We're excited to be carrying the OS Giken LSD unit in our performance catalog, as we've been using them in our own Championship winning M3 race cars.

OS Giken incorporated revolutionary new ideas when developing the their own limited slip diff, utilizing their accumulated racing knowledge and experience and over 4 years of development. Their design 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!). This is such a great design, in that it can be used in any situation -- whether it's for a street car, or a 100% Professional race car. Zero break-in required. Super smooth and quiet engagement, and 100% progressive locking capability. Professional installation is recommended.

This Limited Slip Differential Unit fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 M3 coupe & convertible
2008-2013 E9X M3 coupe & convertible
1991-1995 E34 M5 sedan
1999-2003 E39 M5 sedan
2006-2008 E85 Z4M Z4 M Coupe, Z4 M Roadster
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14mm Front Differential Bushing Upgrade
You will need to drill the diff casing & tap to M14x1.5
Condor Speed Shop - Corporate Logo
T#:597385
Part#: 14MME36DIFFBU
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 130.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 130.00 USD
Free Shipping
These E36 & E36 M3 Differential Bushings from Condor Speed Shop are designed for the street and the track. You won't have to worry about any more rubbery flex in your diff mounts during hard acceleration. They use UHMW in all their suspension bushings because they are stiff, and have almost zero deflection while also absorbing vibration. It will outlast other types of rubber and polyurethane bushings.
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OS Giken - Corporate Logo
T#:34382134
Part#: LSD-TUNE
Ships in 3 Business Days
$ 150.00 USD
Free Shipping
$ 150.00 USD
Free Shipping