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09-08-2021, 12:22 PM | #1 |
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E90 M3 differential problem
Hey guys! So a little big accident happened to me yesterday. Was driving on the highway, as I was going up the bridge didn't see some garbage on the road, when I saw it was too late to maneuver. Looks like some metal piece was laying there and it whipped my differential cooling fins and broke the cover off. Since it was a bridge I couldn't pull over and had to driver for another mile or so. Didn't see a lot of smoke coming out of it, but still differential was engaged without oil for some time. Obviously towed it back home.
Anybody had that problem? Is it "fixable" or do I have to buy a new differential? Any suggestions on where to order one? Thanks in advance! |
09-08-2021, 01:18 PM | #2 |
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You can get a new differential cover from Turner Motorsport or ECS. It's possible that the diff could have sustained damage from the debris and running dry but there's no way to tell without having it inspected. If worse comes to worst and you need a new one, I'd recommend diffsonline
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09-08-2021, 01:49 PM | #3 |
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No way would I try and run that again without full inspection and testing. New cover is the easy part, obviously. It may be fine, considering you were driving easy and without much in the way of load, but it could very well have overheated the clutches or done other damage. It would be best to pull it and let a qualified shop take a look. Sucks, no doubt, but better safe than sorry.
And diffsonline is definitely the best place to go.
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randrews15291.50 GentleUser11.50 |
09-08-2021, 02:33 PM | #4 |
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At first I wouldn't think it would be that bad as hopefully some fluid would still be on the gears while it coasted to a stop.
But looking at those pictures changed my mind, it looks pretty dry, not even a drip out the bottom, all the fluid is already gone.
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tbuck1197.00 MilehighM3919.00 |
09-08-2021, 03:06 PM | #5 |
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I'd replace the cover and add oil. Run it and see what happens. If it doesn't sing, change the oil and enjoy it. If it sings... if you can live with that, it is all good. Otherwise replace it.
There are other things you can do, but you'd have to do step one and report back. Good luck. |
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09-08-2021, 06:53 PM | #6 |
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I was thinking the same thing. Looks like the ring gear slung all the oil out as it spun. And it had to have been loud AF when it snapped the cover in half and took out a bolt as well.
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09-08-2021, 06:55 PM | #7 |
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M diff runs as an open diff unless it senses a speed differential between the rear wheels, and then it locks up. So it's possible the clutches were not engaged during the 1 mile dry run and you may not have suffered any major diff damage.
I'd replace the cover, clean the insides and fill it back up. Then run it and listen for abnormal diff noises. I have a feeling you may be fine. Good luck. |
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GentleUser11.50 Davisca4552218.00 |
09-08-2021, 07:02 PM | #8 |
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Thanks guys. I dropped the car off at mechanics today. Will get a new cover, flush it and try to drive it. If it's ok, Will thank all car Gods for saving my ass. If not, looking at $5-6k bill for new diff
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Davisca4552218.00 Gossypiboma562.00 |
09-08-2021, 07:25 PM | #9 |
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If you're going to have to replace the diff, just go OS Giken. It's cheaper, much higher performing, and has zero additional NVH.
Also there's this option for the diff cover: https://store.vacmotorsports.com/mob...-m3-p4846.aspx Lets see some street trash try to take that one out. Lol. |
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09-08-2021, 11:02 PM | #10 | |
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Sweet mother of pearl. Diffsonline will be very expensive compared to just buying a used diff. Yeah f you really want to spend more, then spend more. But if the diff is good enough for you, a used one can be found pretty cheap. The diff is also really easy to change. Cheers,
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09-09-2021, 05:01 AM | #11 |
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Diff is done, buy another one.
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09-09-2021, 11:04 AM | #12 |
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That is for an aftermarket one, but the OE part is still $500 or so. Cheaper ones used on eBay.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/33112283010/
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09-09-2021, 11:32 AM | #13 |
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Yes, finally someone logical. There's a great chance its perfectly fine. I'm betting there's no internal damage.
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09-09-2021, 04:33 PM | #14 | |
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If it doesn't pay off, then he is out the labor to swap the cover on, which I assume is the same as dropping the diff. If he could have found a good used diff which usually comes with a diff cover for not much more, could save paying labor twice if it ends up being bad.
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09-09-2021, 08:45 PM | #15 |
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I went through a broken diff recently, and the best/most affordable option is diffsonline.
After sending my old diff back for the core charge, it cost me about $1600 shipped for a stock rebuilt 3.85 differential including upgraded powerflex differential mounts. |
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09-09-2021, 11:58 PM | #16 | |
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09-10-2021, 12:02 AM | #17 | ||
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09-13-2021, 04:05 PM | #18 |
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I've got a used diff if someone's looking. Just replaced mine and have the OEM 3.85 (6MT) sitting in the garage.
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09-14-2021, 12:35 AM | #20 |
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Just got the cover. Waiting for BMW to get new bolts and oil. Should have in next 2 days. Will keep you posted.
Dealership said that new diff is $3800. Insane. Only 5 of them are coming to North America and they don't know when. If I'll have to do replacement probably will go with used one. |
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09-14-2021, 08:52 AM | #21 | |
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I also have a used OEM one available. Keep us updated.
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09-18-2021, 02:32 PM | #22 | ||
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Will have to go with a new diff. Still thinking if I should go with OEM new, build one with different gear ratio or try to fix one I have. |
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