Subject: Nice write-up, Evan, Here are a couple more points Author: kff (moderator) : member since February, 2004 : 3607 posts Posted on: 2008-04-12 18:29:40

The diff being installed is a medium diff with the E30 rear cover replaced with the rear cover from the E23. This rear cover has the drain hole in it. If the diff in your car has a side drain then the car has a big diff and this swap is a bit more involved. The big diff cover does not fit the medium diff. The big diff is standard in the 745 and other Euro E23s the US cars generally got the medium diff.

If the halfshafts allen head bolts are not cleaned completely and the wrench slips out of them, the trouble begins. I have had to cut the head of these off to remove them. They are not tight, just in tension from the installation. Once the head is cut off and the halfshaft removed, the bolt comes out easily. Vise-Grips help here sometimes, too. But it is best to clean the socket and loosen them manually before using power tools on them.

On installation of the diff, the top bolts MUST be installed first. The diff will NOT FIT otherwise.

Bimmerboard Project and Repair Links List for the E23
Bimmerboard Project and Repair Links List for the E28
Rick's No-Start Page

• My Differential Project with instructions and photos (pic) - ejonesie22 2008-04-11 15:19:04 (1193 views)
  • Question... - mofinco 2008-04-14 00:22:32 (209 views)
    • Re: Question... - ejonesie22 2008-04-14 16:32:14 (163 views)
      • Re: Question... - mofinco 2008-04-14 20:05:04 (190 views)
        • Ok, here is what I found... - ejonesie22 2008-04-21 09:47:49 (161 views)
          • That's GREAT! - mofinco 2008-04-22 14:43:57 (179 views)
            • Re: That's GREAT! - ejonesie22 2008-04-25 16:33:29 (145 views)
              • No doubt... - mofinco 2008-04-28 00:42:59 (152 views)
    • What are you doing with the 3.46? (nt) - demet 2008-04-14 08:59:38 (158 views)
      • Re: What are you doing with the 3.46? - mofinco 2008-04-14 20:06:39 (170 views)
  • Nice write-up, Evan, Here are a couple more points - kff 2008-04-12 18:29:40 (194 views)
    • Yes. I should have pointed out it was my North American 733i I did this on... - ejonesie22 2008-04-12 20:16:49 (191 views)
  • Good info. - demet 2008-04-11 18:09:55 (139 views)
    • Its a permetex gasket dressing that comes in twist stick tube. - ejonesie22 2008-04-11 18:16:28 (324 views)
      • Is a sealer necessary? - stevebu 2008-04-27 07:49:37 (130 views)