BMW Rear Differential Replacement

Xon

I had a basic service on my 2005 3 Series 2L Msport by a mechanic friend of a friend.

He suggested that the rear differential needs to be replaced and to get it checked out by a BMW servicer. It makes sense as the power distribution feels a bit jerky under acceleration.

If it is worst case, any ideas on what this job costs to be done incl parts, labour, vat etc?

Is a second hand part an option?

Xon

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bimmer

Xon wrote: »

I had a basic service on my 2005 3 Series 2L Msport by a mechanic friend of a friend.

He suggested that the rear differential needs to be replaced and to get it checked out by a BMW servicer. It makes sense as the power distribution feels a bit jerky under acceleration.

If it is worst case, any ideas on what this job costs to be done incl parts, labour, vat etc?

Is a second hand part an option?

Sign up to www.bmw-driver.net (Irish BMW drivers forum) and post your message and you'll get a good response. You will be pointed in the direction BMW indys throughout the country who can diagnose the problem and do the work for you as well as any breakers who might have suitable parts.

Your diff may not be completely gone, it could benefit from a change of the "life long" diff oil, can make a massive difference. The uprated M-spec diff oil with FM booster is expensive but worthwhile (designed for //M limited slip diffs but works well in all e46 diffs).

Inbox

Should be around plenty of 2nd hand diffs around,maybe fit a slightly shorter geared diff for better acceleration.

ShiresV2

If they have to drop the exhaust or take other bits off it could take more time, but to give you an idea: lying on my back in my driveway, it took me about 2 hours to change the diff on a 5 series.

If you get a second hand diff, change the oil as others have mentioned.. Usually API GL-5 75w90. The dealer sells this oil. You might also need a new driveshaft CV joint <-> diff gasket, and CV joint grease to top up what's there. To do it by the book calls for new fixings (bolts) all around but most places probably wouldn't bother. May be worth asking the parts department at the dealer what ancillary bits you need for your car.

Xon

thanks gents