I ended up contacting 3 differential builders asking to buy new bolts: Dan @ Diffsonline, Jim @ Performance Gearing, and Metric Mechanic.

Both Dan and Jim replied they use used bolts all the time, no problems. MM hasn't replied, but it hasn't been too long.

Dan mentioned he can't get the BMW bolts either, so he uses high-dollar special bolts for racing, and used bolts for the street (with red locktite).

Jim confirmed the torque specs Ken supplied, after I asked if they are still good for used bolts, but he did say they actually do it by "feel". Dan declined do disclose the torque they use. Apparently ring gear bolt torque is a trade secret. Hmmmm.

So it seems I'm good to go. Thanks for your help!

Erwin 89 750iL Lowered (a little)

Engine Wolf chips 19 lb, 4-hole (Design 3) fuel injectors PowerFlow Intake Air Filters Royal Purple 20W-50 In process: Custom Cold Air Boxes Interior Phone removed, replaced with cut-to-length dash wood trim on hinge E38 Shifter Knob, Console Plate, and Boot M-Tech 2 M-technic Steering Wheel - air bag deleted E38 Self-Dimming Mirror Audio BMW Business CD Player "CD43" Head Unit Refurbished factory amp w/equalizer Bass blockers (300hz/4ohm) on stock front kick panel speakers Rear deck speakers: Alpine SPS-13C2 5.25" 2 way 175 Watt with bass blockers Subwoofers: 2 JBL GTO804 8" 4-ohm subs Subwoofer install: custom sealed enclosure mounted behind ski bag opening Subwoofer amp: Alpine MRP-M450 400w MONO CD changer relocated to driver's door bottom pocket actuated by bio- mechanical arm controlled by semi-intelligent nut behind the wheel Suspension H&R Lowering Springs (1/2 coil removed from fronts) Koni adjustable front shocks Stock rear shocks (self leveling) Racing Dynamics Stress Bar Stock front sway bar Dinan rear sway bar - 21mm M5 aluminum lower control arms Front tires: 245-40-18 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 on 8.5" EuroTech rims Rear tires: 275-40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport PS1 on 9.5" EuroTech rims Exterior 25% Side tint 5% Rear tint BMW Mud flaps - rears trimmed to tire width Rear fender lips rolled Smoked side markers Zymol wax Way too many paint chips touched up Brakes Front Rotors: 850CSi, 324 X 30 mm, cross-drilled and slotted Rear Rotors: stock size, cross-drilled and slotted Pads: Hawk Performance Ceramic (may switch to HPS) Stainless steel lines Racing Blue brake fluid

• Who knows the correct torque for ring gear bolts? - erwin 2008-04-08 17:55:13 (57 views)
  • What size are they? Bentley is no good for this work. Not enough detail. (pic) - kfister 2008-04-09 03:42:30 (84 views)
    • Thank you - it seems I'm hosed - erwin 2008-04-09 10:22:30 (49 views)
      • You may be able to get them from technical support - kfister 2008-04-09 12:39:04 (36 views)
        • Dealer was useless, again - erwin 2008-04-09 14:43:43 (35 views)
          • What about contacting- - stevebu 2008-04-09 16:51:35 (33 views)
          • Here are some ways to possibly find them - kfister 2008-04-09 15:09:16 (34 views)
            • No need to panic, used bolts are fine - erwin 2008-04-09 19:51:49 (45 views)
              • Metric Mechanic agrees - erwin 2008-04-11 14:34:49 (35 views)