Z4 E85 differential compatability

[Cruicka]

I have a 2006 (facelift) E85 with a noisy diff.

I am having difficulty tracing a replacement diff with the same product/ part number 33 10 7 545 565 (7 545 565)

Does anyone know if I can put in a different variant i.e. 7 514 149 or maybe 7 545 564?

 

[GazHyde]

Not sure if you've had a look on realoem but that part number suggests it's Z4 only diff. Have you considered getting it sent to a specialist for a refurb?

 

[Cruicka]

Not sure if you've had a look on realoem but that part number suggests it's Z4 only diff. Have you considered getting it sent to a specialist for a refurb?

I have seriously considered going to a specialists for a rebuild, but haven't found any as yet. I have also considered doing a rebuild myself, however I am concerned about adjusting the back lash since that seems tricky.

 

[GazHyde]

Where abouts are you, we know a guy near us in Hampshire who sorted my Z4M diff for me. We've used him for another couple of diffs as well.

 

[Cruicka]

Where abouts are you, we know a guy near us in Hampshire who sorted my Z4M diff for me. We've used him for another couple of diffs as well.

Alas, I am in Bonnie Scotland, Edinburgh to be precise.

 

[Andyboy]

It's just a Type 168 3.38 diff from an E46 with the finned alloy rear cover that can be swapped over with a new gasket.

The 3.38 is found in the 316i, 318i, 320i etc, part number 33107559330. The 320i version has bigger output flanges but these are easily drifted out and yours knocked in. The trouble now is finding any of these diffs that aren't knackered. They suffer from worn out planet gears resulting in the annoying clonk-clonk power on and off.

 

[Cruicka]

It's just a Type 168 3.38 diff from an E46 with the finned alloy rear cover that can be swapped over with a new gasket.

The 3.38 is found in the 316i, 318i, 320i etc, part number 33107559330. The 320i version has bigger output flanges but these are easily drifted out and yours knocked in. The trouble now is finding any of these diffs that aren't knackered. They suffer from worn out planet gears resulting in the annoying clonk-clonk power on and off.

That's very useful information, which is of help. Thanks.

As you say, the challenge is trying to find a diff that isn't already knackered. I've tried two so far and failed, hence my thinking of trying to rebuild it myself (gulp).

 

[Andyboy]

The trouble is finding parts. I assume yours is a 2.0i? Is yours just clonking or is it whining as well? Either way I wouldn't get involved in a rebuild.

Annoyingly I could have got you a 50,000 mile diff from a written off 1999 318i but it's sold.

Diff clonk (power on/off) can also be caused by wear in the driveshaft CV joints (try twisting them back and forth) plus some play in the propshaft splines on the front/back section joint. That can be cured by tightening the collar nut.

This is all standard E46 stuff and I've ridden that rodeo many times. They just aren't as well made as the Z3/E36.

 

[Cruicka]

The trouble is finding parts. I assume yours is a 2.0i? Is yours just clonking or is it whining as well? Either way I wouldn't get involved in a rebuild.

Annoyingly I could have got you a 50,000 mile diff from a written off 1999 318i but it's sold.

Diff clonk (power on/off) can also be caused by wear in the driveshaft CV joints (try twisting them back and forth) plus some play in the propshaft splines on the front/back section joint. That can be cured by tightening the collar nut.

This is all standard E46 stuff and I've ridden that rodeo many times. They just aren't as well made as the Z3/E36.

Mine is a 2.5i with a whinning/ grating noise.

Still tempted to do a rebuild, can you advise why you wouldn't recommend that?

 

[Andyboy]

I doubt you have the tools to rebuild one. Pullers to get the pinion bearing inner race off, presses to fit the new one, dial gauges to set the backlash, shimmed circlips for the side bearings.....I could be wrong though. I've rebuilt enough diffs to know it's not worth the bother on such an inexpensive differential.

A 2.5 uses a bigger Type 188 diff, a different thing and it's very rare for one to fail.

The ratio is 3.38 (manual box) and the part number for a Z4 is 7551912. Or 7551857 for a 3.73 auto diff.

It's another E46 diff with a finned rear cover.

The easiest to find is a 3.38 from a 320i with the 188 diff.

Or a 3.23 from a 325i Auto.

The older M54 2.5 diff is a 3.23 ratio and close enough that you won't notice. Like this one:

BMW Rear Differential 3.23 Ratio Fits Z4 E85 2.5 M54 Manual 7514149 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BMW Rear Differential 3.23 Ratio Fits Z4 E85 2.5 M54 Manual 7514149 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I bet £150 will buy it.

 

[Cruicka]

I doubt you have the tools to rebuild one. Pullers to get the pinion bearing inner race off, presses to fit the new one, dial gauges to set the backlash, shimmed circlips for the side bearings.....I could be wrong though. I've rebuilt enough diffs to know it's not worth the bother on such an inexpensive differential.

A 2.5 uses a bigger Type 188 diff, a different thing and it's very rare for one to fail.

The ratio is 3.38 (manual box) and the part number for a Z4 is 7551912. Or 7551857 for a 3.73 auto diff.

It's another E46 diff with a finned rear cover.

The easiest to find is a 3.38 from a 320i with the 188 diff.

Or a 3.23 from a 325i Auto.

The older M54 2.5 diff is a 3.23 ratio and close enough that you won't notice. Like this one:

BMW Rear Differential 3.23 Ratio Fits Z4 E85 2.5 M54 Manual 7514149 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BMW Rear Differential 3.23 Ratio Fits Z4 E85 2.5 M54 Manual 7514149 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I bet £150 will buy it.

Once again, some very useful information, which I will need to mull over. What a quandary... to rebuild or buy (again).

 

[lukee86]

Where abouts are you, we know a guy near us in Hampshire who sorted my Z4M diff for me. We've used him for another couple of diffs as well.

Hey, I'm in Wiltshire and have a leaky diff. Where in Hampshire did you go to have your diffs sorted?

 

[BillyB]

Seeing as how your in Edinburgh ,I have recently used Alpine Transmission Ltd at Blantyre for my diff overhaul, good guy very knowledgeable and likes his motors, very happy with his work. Give him a call or arrange to pop through and speak to him.

 

[BillyB]

I realise that message has no significance now.