[nate]

I like

http://www.quaifeamerica.com/differentials/diffs.htm

 

[GregW in Oregon]

Quaife differential E46?

I like

http://www.quaifeamerica.com/differentials/diffs.htm

I very much doubt it. If BMW wanted to offer an upgrade, the natural thing would be for them to offer the MLock differential from the M3. It works great, probably better than the Quaife(although there have been reports of some failures).

 

[Karl]

Except that the MLock differential is so huge, the M3's rear strut mount points had to be widened to accomodate it. No chance of getting that on a regular E46 anytime soon.

 

[blackdawg]

serious future in autocrossing....

'would find a more focused platform with competition packages available.

that bmw has diluted the e46 to the point of no rear differential speaks volumes about your struggles to keep competitive mechanically.

first there is the weight. then the tendency of the OEM rotors to warp. how about the longish shift throws? and then, no mechanical rear differential?

for this endeavor: wouldn't you be just as successful in a first or second generation miata (which come with rear diff), are lightweight, well-balanced, etc? or the upcoming Z car? WRX? evo7?

i applaud that bmw and porsche have broadened their horizons for long-term viability, but that also means less focused performance products. i.e. we can make M cars with HP, but we cannot make them light anymore. too expensive.

i'm ready to trash my heavily modified M coupe for something more pure on the racetrack because i'm also a little tired of working within the limitations of the chassis and where they cut corners (in the e36/8's that's almost everywhere, byt the way!).

cheers, and good luck,
coky