[JonM]

My parts guy is working on getting me a 3.46 diff.

In addition to the differential itself, I am planning for other parts I will need during the swap. On big jobs I always figure do it once, do it right, and don't do it again. Normally I would email Ron directly and ask him, but in the interest of learning and adding content to the board, I figure this would be a better way to go. That, and it will cut down on email traffic to Ron with repeat questions. I will add price data as I get it and revise this thread.

This is what I have so far:

• 3.0i 3.46 speed sensor, 62 16 8 357 020, qty 1
• O-ring for speed sensor, 33 11 1 206 166, qty 1
• Fill/Drain crush washers, 07 11 9 963 355, qty 4. I figure 2 when I build up the diff to install and 2 more at break in change
• Gasket, 33 11 1 211 708, qty 1
• Diff Mounting Bolts M12x1.5x32, 34 11 1 156 982, qty 4
• Diff Mounting Bolt Busings, 33 17 2 228 297, qty 4
• Wave washer, 07 11 9 932 112, qty 8
• Self locking hex nut M12x1.5, 07 12 9 900 047, qty 1

I am missing, and I think I still need part numbers for:

• Driveshaft nuts, qty 4
• Output shaft bolts, qty 12
• M output shafts, qty 2

Ron, can you critique my list?

 

[Kaz]

Wow, I'm glad my car came from the factory with this... This isn't a LSD is it?

 

[JonM]

S54 cars swap differentials from 3.15 to 3.46 so we the Black Sheep can rightfully beat the M3 flagship.

This is becoming a popular mod for 2001-2002 M coupes and M roadsters.

 

[Ron Stygar]

Ron, can you critique my list?

>>>Sure. Will go over it and add to it later today. As you know, I replaced all related hardware. Nickel dime plus. Nite.

 

[Tommy V]

Jon,

Question: Why are you replacing all the related parts?


My coupe had 2800 miles on it and I just did the diffy/speed sensor. Took it to an excellent inde shop to do the work. They said nothing about replacing the related parts.

Thanks for your input.


Tommy

 

[JonM]

Many of the fasteners are one use only. That, and I want to keep my 3.15 intact in case I need to put it back in (hence another set of M output shafts).

Your independent may have done the same as I am planning.

 

[Ausgang]

Fasteners

Many of the fasteners are one use only.

Jon, your conservative approach is likely to be a very wise decision. The one-use fastener requirement is typical of fasteners which are intended to be (or may be) tensioned into yield. It is also the approach often taken with respect to locking fasteners, especially all-mechanical locking systems.

Assuming these fasteners are intended to be tightened to 85% of proof load or higher, the use of new fasteners is a safe, conservative idea. It's impressive to see BMW (and you) being 'fastener smart'. :thumbup:

Few OEMs pay enough attention to critical fasteners.

Good luck with the swap.

 

[JonM]

Always replace fasteners....

It's an aircraft thing.

It's been burned into my brain.

 

[Ron Stygar]

My parts guy is working on getting me a 3.46 diff.

In addition to the differential itself, I am planning for other parts I will need during the swap. On big jobs I always figure do it once, do it right, and don't do it again. Normally I would email Ron directly and ask him, but in the interest of learning and adding content to the board, I figure this would be a better way to go. That, and it will cut down on email traffic to Ron with repeat questions. I will add price data as I get it and revise this thread.

This is what I have so far:

• 3.0i 3.46 speed sensor, 62 16 8 357 020, qty 1
• O-ring for speed sensor, 33 11 1 206 166, qty 1
• Fill/Drain crush washers, 07 11 9 963 355, qty 4. I figure 2 when I build up the diff to install and 2 more at break in change
• Gasket, 33 11 1 211 708, qty 1
• Diff Mounting Bolts M12x1.5x32, 34 11 1 156 982, qty 4
• Diff Mounting Bolt Busings, 33 17 2 228 297, qty 4
• Wave washer, 07 11 9 932 112, qty 8
• Self locking hex nut M12x1.5, 07 12 9 900 047, qty 1

I am missing, and I think I still need part numbers for:

• Driveshaft nuts, qty 4
• Output shaft bolts, qty 12
• M output shafts, qty 2

>>>
This is a very involved how to. Have many things going on now. Will get to this in time. For now....
I always use new nuts and bolts doing things and order extras, just in case. Nickel dime. Some of them are one use only. If you screw up you have a back up. When doing the differential mod, to torque things is difficult, depending on the tools you have. I was able to torque the differential mount bolts using a crow foot. Screwed up one not aligning up the crow foot. Having a back up solved this problem.
3.0 speed sensor, 62 16 8 357 020 $29.50 retail
Speed sensor o-ring, 33 11 1 206 166 $0.67 retail
I would purchase two. If you push the o-ring all the way on to the sensor, you ruin it on the install. Just push it on to where the ramp on the sensor begins. This way the
o-ring fits the opening in the differential cover. When you push the sensor in, it creates the seal.
Fill/Drain crush washers, 07 11 9 963 355, qty 4. I figure
2 when I build up the diff to install and 2 more at break
in change. $0.07 retail.
Gasket, 33 11 1 211 708, qty 1, $3.56 retail. They tear easily so I would purchse two. When we powder coated the covers, we used gasket sealant on the cover assuming the powder coating prep process might mess up the seal. Not necessary.
Diff Mounting Bolts M12x1.5x32, 34 11 1 156 982, qty 4, $1.83 retail each.
Diff Mounting Bolt Bushings, 33 17 2 228 297, qty 4, $3.79 retail each. Could probably skip these.
Wave washer, 07 11 9 932 112, qty 8, $0.08 retail each.
Self locking hex nut M12x1.5, 07 12 9 900 047, qty 1, $0.24 retail.
Driveshaft hex nuts with ribs, qty 4, 26 11 1 227 843, $0.64 retail each. The remove torque is much greater than the install torque on these ribbed nuts. There is an explanation of this if you look at: http://www.mcmaster.com/
Output shaft bolts, qty 12, torx screws with ribs, 33 21 1 227 664, $1.79 retail each.
The torque on these bolts is 100 Nm or so depending on the color and if they have ribs or not. I found that approaching this level felt like the bolts would snap right off, so I used a slightly lower value.
M output flanges, qty 2, 33 13 2 227 265, $70.50 retail each.
If you do not care about keeping your stock differential intact, you can move the output flanges from your stock differential to the new. They just pull right out. Line up the spline and they push right in. A split metal lock ring holds them in place.

 

[Ron Stygar]

Whiz locknuts

 

[ARC///M]

Diff install 3.46

Jon if you still have any questions e-mail me,We have spent alot time on this project.Ron covered it well in his article,I have time to discuss it.

 

[JonM]

Diff showed up yesterday. I realized I am missing 2 parts from my parts list that I will need. Will try to get them from the local Stealer today:

• O-ring seal for output flange, 33 11 1 204 872, Qty 2
• Lock Ring, 33 13 1 207 280, Qty 2

 

[jbrandt]

diff swap

Ok

 

[wifesauto]

Pelicanparts.com can order the drive axle torx bolts and they are cheaper than buying from the dealer considering you have to spend 10-20 dollars in gas to get to the dealer and back. I found a place that has reman drive axles for pretty cheap. When I swapped my diff I found a bad cv joint on the left inner side. I will look up the company if you need me to. Cost me $115 total.

i think they are okay with the parts by now....the post is from the year 2002