First a disclaimer. I love that this thread exists and understand it about as much as advanced quantum mechanics... particularly after reading:
"...4 clutch upgrade with 45/45 degrees ramps in ZF 2way housing that would upgrade the locking precentage at 40-45%.."
However, if the LSD-nerds hang out here then this is the place to ask the questions bugging me. Because my car is leased, I can mod it/repair it/upgrade it on pre-tax dollars in preparation for buying it outright at the end of the lease. I've already done throttle actuators (replaced reduction gears with brass/delrin set); have a set of RBs in my garage awaiting March next year; and already replaced the DCT oil+pan+seals.
To my horror I saw a throw-away line that the LSD on the E9x M3 has a life expectancy of about 60-80K miles (!). A few people dismissed this, but on the turner sport website (
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...=AQEBAQEB)they state:
"Limited Slip Options The M3's M Variable locking differential is genius when it's working properly. Unfortunately, as many M3 owners have come to find, the system only has a service life of 80,000 miles (sometimes less) and then the viscous unit inside starts to fail (is your's clunking?)."
Now - they probably have an agenda, somewhat, of wanting to sell these items. Still, the thought that replacing the LSD every 80K miles as routine maintenance isn't pleasant.
So... LSD-nerds... assuming the M's being driven by a non-track-although-aggressive-within-the-law street driver who doesn't drift
- How appropriate is Turner Sport's statement, i.e. IS the standard LSD in the E9x a part requiring regular replacement;
- How would a LSD numpty like me test if it did need replacement or do I just ask next time I take it in for a service; and
- If replaced, is there an LSD that provides similar cornering ability but with less (or preferably no) replacement?
I'm thinking that most, if not all, times I've gone around corners I've always had the rear two tyres on the ground, hence a torsen style LSD like Quaife may be a good way to go if I did have to replace. Perhaps my driving is so sh*tty that who cares if it "acts like an open diff"... be that as it may, I would appreciate any and all advice.
Finally, apologies in advance if I'm throwing in a match onto a dry tinder topic - it's not my intention to get anyone riled and, if so, it's done so out of ignorance.
Thank you.