E60 LSD Options - N54Tech.com

nefariousminion · 12:24 PM

Hello all,

Tax return just came in, and the car is running really well since all the fixes, index 12's and coils/plugs. So LSD just moved up on the list.
My research says any M/T 335i diff will fit my E60. That is, large pumpkin, 3.08, probably going to be welded. I would be willing to go 3.46 from the auto if it would be easier to source (some sources say all 335 AT diffs are bolted, others say only the early 07).

Does anyone have suggestions for getting an LSD on the cheap? It looks like N54tuning.com offers the Wavetrac (big fan of the zero load concept) for $1878 with $800 core. If they are correct about the AT Diffs only being welded from 03/07 to 09/07, then I would definitely go buy a 10/07+ AT diff for cheap, buy a lsd for $1,000 and sell my diff.

Edit: VAC says production date 07/07 and later AT diffs are all small pumpkin. Anyone know if other e60 diffs (528i) might be small pumpkin so I could use longer axle shafts, and allow use of the small pumpkin?

Nanometer · 04-24-2019, 02:45 PM

You might find this interesting and applicable to you. Not sure if it works on 535 dif as I dont know that platform, but worth looking into for like LSD performance on the very cheap.
Click Here for Link

nefariousminion · 04-24-2019, 03:17 PM

Yes! I had no idea they had diy friction plates, I think this would even work in zero load conditions. Thought that was going to be a link to a welder lol. I wonder if the friction plates would allow for any movement at all, or if it would be essentially locked, like mini spools or welded. Many thanks for the link. I might pick up another diff and try that. Though I see that guy had a bolted diff, wonder if it can be done with the ring on

BeatupVR4 · 04-24-2019, 05:01 PM

Those have been around forever. I put one if my friends FWD DSM like 15 years ago. It did increase traction but over a pretty short period of time it reverted back to a pretty much open diff. Both wheels would spin the same direction with the front jacked off the ground but you could stop one of them with one finger.

Worst case it can do this.

DSM - LSD INSERTS - Jacks Transmissions

Unfortunately you just gotta suck it up and pay to play when it comes to a limited slip diff.

nefariousminion · 04-25-2019, 03:34 AM

I wouldn’t expect longevity of a quality unit, but dsm is a very different realm. My N/A 2g would consistently blow axle seals, the torque steer on those cars is ridiculous, and so only one side really slips.. At least here, the axle lengths are equal, and the torque bias isn’t working every time you touch the gas. Let me dream lol

I assume the risk with all my macgyvering. If 1k gets me a converted ring gear and lsd that lasts a year, I’d be more than happy to throw in a wavetrac after that. Spent years looking for a 6MT Non XI 535i, now I want too enjoy it!! Exit ramp lock in ftw!!!!

BeatupVR4 · 04-25-2019, 07:36 AM

Considering it's the exact same design I wouldn't count on it being any more reliable. But I'm all for other people being guinea pigs.

And a GST with an AWD drivers side stub shaft has equal length axles and no torque steer.

nefariousminion · 04-25-2019, 08:16 AM

Meh. I'm not saying it's functionally improved, but I also dont drive my 5er the way most drive dsm's. That old 2g was my favorite handling car on koni's and ground control coilover conversion. it was a spyder too =(

Any other ideas? This diy sounds like it would be $500 - $1k with used diff and machining of welded ring & gears, which to me is worth it if you have a bolted gear ring at the end of it.

Kaane · 04-29-2019, 06:07 AM

E60 diffs are different than e92. The case is similar, but the cover and mounting point on it is different, also driveshaft flange is different, axle stubs are larger diameter on E60.

Auto E60 uses medium case with smaller output shafts. Manual uses Large Case.

I just swapped to a 6MT in my auto 535i and got a 3.08 manual 535i diff. Needed a new driveshaft and new axles.

The internals off the diff are the same as 335i.

nefariousminion · 04-29-2019, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaane

E60 diffs are different than e92. The case is similar, but the cover and mounting point on it is different, also driveshaft flange is different, axle stubs are larger diameter on E60.

Auto E60 uses medium case with smaller output shafts. Manual uses Large Case.

I just swapped to a 6MT in my auto 535i and got a 3.08 manual 535i diff. Needed a new driveshaft and new axles.

The internals off the diff are the same as 335i.

Input much appreciated. I was under the assumption the flanges and stubs could be swapped out if the case is the same size. Seems like wavetrac might run me a bit more if they don't have e60 cores to send out. Maybe I'll look for a 3.08 e60 diff and do the diy lsd hack.

rkreimer10 · 05-12-2019, 12:30 AM

I too have been trying to find the best way to do this. I may just buy an mfactory for my car and have them gear it for 3,08 so I do not have to swap axles. Still do not have a solid plan for my 6mt 535i

nefariousminion · 05-12-2019, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkreimer10

I too have been trying to find the best way to do this. I may just buy an mfactory for my car and have them gear it for 3,08 so I do not have to swap axles. Still do not have a solid plan for my 6mt 535i

How much will the Mfactory run? The N54tech route still seems the most cost effective solution if they can do it for e60

rkreimer10 · 05-12-2019, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nefariousminion

How much will the Mfactory run? The N54tech route still seems the most cost effective solution if they can do it for e60

I have not got a hold of mfactory about this yet as I am trying to lock up projects. But I think they were $1000, and i have not done enough research to give any insights on install or if they would require a dirrent pumpkin?

Mylesq · 06-26-2019, 08:58 PM

You ever get ahold of them? I sent an email out trying to get more info and haven’t heard back

LessIsMore · 07-09-2019, 12:20 PM

Mfactory is my vote for price , strength, and customer service. I had one was very happy. no issues, noise or problems. On my E60 i used a standard 3.46 diff core with no problems. price was 1500 (1000 LSD + 500 install in pumpkin. Mine arrived very clean and ready to install with new bearings, seals, etc.

Mylesq · 07-09-2019, 01:25 PM

How did this process work, do you send in your old pumpkin? or do they send you a diff and you install in your pumpkin?

Thanks for any info

Quote:

Originally Posted by LessIsMore

Mfactory is my vote for price , strength, and customer service. I had one was very happy. no issues, noise or problems. On my E60 i used a standard 3.46 diff core with no problems. price was 1500 (1000 LSD + 500 install in pumpkin. Mine arrived very clean and ready to install with new bearings, seals, etc.

LessIsMore · 07-09-2019, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mylesq

How did this process work, do you send in your old pumpkin? or do they send you a diff and you install in your pumpkin?

Thanks for any info

I actually bought a cheap diff on eBay and had it shipped directly to Mfactory to make it easier on me. They cleaned up the diff, put in the LSD unit with new seals and bearings, and then shipped it out to me ready to install.

You can also just remove your differential as long as the pumpkin is in good shape, and send it to them. I just opted to do what I did for less down time .

Mylesq · 07-10-2019, 06:10 AM

Thanks for all the help. I’m pretty sure this (33107560882) is the part number for the diff that I could pick up off eBay ?