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LSD or Open Diff

2.1K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  goosefoot33  
#1 ·
Hello all, I come asking for your guidance again. I'm parting out my 1994 530i manual. I've pulled the differential and trying to determine if it's an LSD or an open diff. It should be easy, but I'm getting conflicting information. According to realoem.com, the part number is 33101213880, and I have an open 3.07 or 3.15 (depending on what website I check). However, I'm looking at the diff now... When I turn the input shaft (where the driveshaft bolts to the diff), only the right output shaft turns. When I turn the right output shaft, the input shaft turns, and lastly, when I turn the left output shaft, the right output shaft turns in the same direction (and also the input shaft turns). This clues me into an LSD, but then how do I figure out what ratio? The tag is completely rusted and illegible by the way. Any input (heh) is appreciated!

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#2 ·
I came across this helpful website that indicates I should have a 3.07: http://www.vinesauto.com/diffratio.htm
I'm gonna go ahead and assume that I have a 3.07 LSD... Anyone interested in,buying it?!

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#3 ·
Goose.
Glad you got it resolved. But FWIW. if it's not off the car already...
then again even if it is, to find out if it's a Limited slip, turn or spin one flange/wheel and the other should turn in the same direction.
 
#5 ·
MSD & alpine- thanks for the tips and link to the vid (I had watched that and also two others on YouTube). What threw me off was that when I turned the right output flange, the left did not turn at all, however when I turned the left, the right turned with it. The other vid I watched explained this, in that most all of the torque from the driveshaft goes to the right wheel. I've also got DSC on my car (part of the cols weather package possibly), which I've read online is not commonly paired with LSDs.
Ah well, I appreciate the help regardless. Please PM if anyone is interested in buying it. :thumbup:

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