Differential Upgrade

15

Asked by Sam Nov 04, 2009 at 11:26 PM about the BMW 3 Series

Question type: Car Customization

Which diff ratio do you recommend for the 330i 5sp?  The factory unit is 2.9

2 Answers

265

I suggest that you tell people why you want to change diff ratios? Are you after more top end or more grunt at the bottom? I am assuming that this is an e46? How far are you willing to go? Are you after a 3rd party housing? The quick answer, if you are after marginally lower gears from a bone yard is to throw in a unit from an M or a ZHP (a.k.a - M Performace Package), which is 3.07. Having said this, why not just go with the 6 speed in the first place? You're already half way there. By the way, I have a ZHP and I still can't use 6th reasonably without incurring the (unwanted) attention of the County Mounties ... unless I'm happy cruising at 120 KPH and ~2000 RPM. Suppose if I were cruisin' down the Autobahn, ...but over there I only get 4 bangers, ... Sucks to be a German stranded here in North America!

75

Better get an LSD diff with a 3.07 or 3.46 ... #.07 is better if you have a plan to FI your car later ... 3.46 if you wanna go NA all the way

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,950
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
19 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $4,500
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used BMW 4 Series
27 Great Deals out of 506 listings starting at $11,588
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
98 Great Deals out of 1,455 listings starting at $3,799
Used BMW 2 Series
29 Great Deals out of 369 listings starting at $8,995
Used BMW M4
6 Great Deals out of 99 listings starting at $35,995
Used Lexus IS
25 Great Deals out of 311 listings starting at $5,900
Used BMW M5
56 listings starting at $26,800
Used BMW X3
43 Great Deals out of 1,013 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Charger
38 Great Deals out of 645 listings starting at $4,888
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used BMW M2
7 Great Deals out of 88 listings starting at $34,995
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW X5
47 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $1,599

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.