LSD options for the E89

InnovativeAuto

Specialist
Mar 14, 2018
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Z4
Looking to upgrade the rear end from the factory one-wheel peel and weighing my options. The M-Factory option of shipping them my diff and having them install the LSD is my first thought but also looking at the Ford 8.8 intrigues me. Another option is installing a E46 subframe/diff. From what I am reading the E46 subframe should bolt up to our E89 chassis. Having a complete E46 M3 rear from a project I never finished I am thinking of seeing if this would be another option. Thoughts?
 
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NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
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Indiana, USA
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Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
I have a quote to put in a wavetrac in mine but I also want to change the final drive.

Figuring out how to get that done has been difficult.
 

InnovativeAuto

Specialist
Mar 14, 2018
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From my understanding the only e46 models that came with lsd are the M3? Was it an option for the non-M3 cars?

Keko, any detailed info would be great on putting the e46 diff in the e89 subframe. Are you running an aftermarket lsd or factory bmw? Any photos by chance of what you had to do?

Any reason you chose to not go with the M3 diff? Availability? Cost difference, ease of installation?
 

Keko

Lurker
May 2, 2019
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Brasil
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Z4
From my understanding the only e46 models that came with lsd are the M3? Was it an option for the non-M3 cars?

Keko, any detailed info would be great on putting the e46 diff in the e89 subframe. Are you running an aftermarket lsd or factory bmw? Any photos by chance of what you had to do?

Any reason you chose to not go with the M3 diff? Availability? Cost difference, ease of installation?
I got an e46 nom M on eBay LSD,really dunno but I think it’s OEM,so I think some e46 nom M did got LSD,I paid like 600$ for it,m3 diff don’t fit the Z4 e89 housing so that’s why I did e46 bom M,ya easy install just need small weld work on diff connection and driveshaft I will try get pics
 

Asbjorn

Lieutenant
Mar 10, 2018
854
602
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European, based in China
Ride
Z4 N54 DCT
We installed a quaife core on mine, and after a few thousand miles the diff bearings were done due to faulty installation. Got a scrap yard diff and had the actual quaife importer do the install with the same old core. So far no problems. Point being, don't cheap out on installation if you go for an ATB core.

However one wheel peel is not really a thing on the Z4 except in the rain. Seems most people get LSDs just because it is cool. Im sure you know what you are getting, but I just want to mention it to others reading.

I do not recommend getting an ATB LSD for the Z4 unless you
1a) want to practice drifting in the rain and/or
1b) care about lap times on a track, looking for a more planted rear end when exiting onto curbs etc.
2) Drive with DSC=off. In good conditions, there are really no benefits to be had if you drive in normal mode imho. Traction control will have already decided to kick in, when the diff starts to react, no matter open or LSD. That is my experience.

Know that the OEM diff is absolutely usable for drifting in the dry. If you want more grip on the street try better tires first. If that doesn't work, try even better tires. A diff wont really increase straight line grip in normal conditions.
 

Rob09msport

Major
Oct 28, 2017
1,929
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Monroe CT
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09 335i msport le mans 18 x5
One benefit is being able to code out e diff and save rear brakes. I would also think brake intervention has to rob some power but that's speculation on it affecting acceleration
 

Keko

Lurker
May 2, 2019
23
3
0
Brasil
Ride
Z4
I
We installed a quaife core on mine, and after a few thousand miles the diff bearings were done due to faulty installation. Got a scrap yard diff and had the actual quaife importer do the install with the same old core. So far no problems. Point being, don't cheap out on installation if you go for an ATB core.

However one wheel peel is not really a thing on the Z4 except in the rain. Seems most people get LSDs just because it is cool. Im sure you know what you are getting, but I just want to mention it to others reading.

I do not recommend getting an ATB LSD for the Z4 unless you
1a) want to practice drifting in the rain and/or
1b) care about lap times on a track, looking for a more planted rear end when exiting onto curbs etc.
2) Drive with DSC=off. In good conditions, there are really no benefits to be had if you drive in normal mode imho. Traction control will have already decided to kick in, when the diff starts to react, no matter open or LSD. That is my experience.

Know that the OEM diff is absolutely usable for drifting in the dry. If you want more grip on the street try better tires first. If that doesn't work, try even better tires. A diff wont really increase straight line grip in normal conditions.
i did got same problem with diff bearing,só now getting new kit with all new bearings on diff and doing the install again,anything more I need do or I will be ok now ?
 

InnovativeAuto

Specialist
Mar 14, 2018
76
21
0
Ride
Z4
I decided to go the E46 M3 subframe/diff route. The stock (E46 M3) ratio is 3.62. I am wondering if this would be geared to high for a 600whp N54? Stock gearing is 3.08. I do see the option of different gears offerings (3.15, 3.23, 3.45). Should I stick with stock gearing or change it while the diff is out?
 

fmorelli

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Aug 11, 2017
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Virginia
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E89 Z4 35i, F10 535d
600whp the general wisdom I've heard (as I'm not there yet) is one can pretty much break loose tires at will. I would take that into consideration.

Filippo
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
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Indiana, USA
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Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
For the drive shaft.... It needs shortened? Or just a different end cut off and welded on then balanced?
 

Asbjorn

Lieutenant
Mar 10, 2018
854
602
0
European, based in China
Ride
Z4 N54 DCT
I did got same problem with diff bearing,só now getting new kit with all new bearings on diff and doing the install again,anything more I need do or I will be ok now ?

The Quaife importer proposed that the reason my bearings failed was due to excessive backlash. The installer denies... We also noticed that the installer had opened the front part of the differential which isn't necessary when swapping the Quaife core. Finally they had replaced all the bolts with custom made bolts because they thought the Quaife bolts had too much slack.

My bearing failure happened slowly over time. Diff whine was louder than usual after the first install and got exponentially louder after a few thousand miles.