318ti.org forum

Go Back   318ti.org forum > Technical, Maintenance and Modifications > Differentials

Notices

Differentials Limit Slip, gear ratio discussions.

.
» Recent Threads
1999 M-Sport For Sale
12-31-2023 05:10 PM
Last post by Coop540iT
03-23-2024 06:39 PM
1 Replies, 99,085 Views
Once again 318ti owner...
03-20-2024 12:39 PM
Last post by two30grain
03-22-2024 02:04 PM
1 Replies, 62,014 Views
What brakes do I...
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
Last post by huirtera
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
0 Replies, 59,286 Views
Reply Share/Bookmark
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-20-2015, 10:04 PM   #1
Steve K-B
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 15
iTrader: (0)
Default 318ti with S54 diff axle problems

Hi people,

Im looking for an upgrade to my axles and possibly rear arms etc. I'm currently running an S54 in my 318ti making 280 rwhp (what torque I have.... I'm not sure). there is more power to come out of out of it and I'm also looking at a supercharger system for the future so want a set up that can handle up to 400 rwhp.

I have two question areas, if you have any of the answers I would love to hear from you.

1: I currently have a medium case 6 bolt 3.91 diff and E30 325i axles (same as E30 M3). What power/torque can these handle before they give problems? Is the 8 bolt 210mm diff an over kill? Has any one put one of these in a ti? What diff did the E36 Z3M use?



2: Since my engine upgrade from 180 to 280 rwhp I have not surprisingly broken the stub shaft off the outer CV. I see there are lots of options of using custom axles like here:
https://www.pureperformancemotorspor...ft-axle-s.html

The only problem i see is the area where it broke wont have changed.

I know little of the Z3M upgrade, Does this give you you a larger axle? I believe the off set in the arm is larger. I use a 20mm spacer on the rear so this shouldn't be a problem other than it being very expensive option.



The car is only raced on tarmac roads and I can be pretty rough on my drive line. I'm looking for something strong and reliable.

Thank you in advance

Steve
Steve K-B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2015, 05:10 AM   #2
Toolmaker
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wichita Falls,Texas
Posts: 106
iTrader: (1)
Default

I have so rear MZ3 trailing arms and shafts that I may put up for sale.

Lino
Texas
Toolmaker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2015, 11:14 PM   #3
M GmbH
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAYTON, OH
Posts: 86
iTrader: (0)
Default

http://m.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z3-M-3-2L-...908?nav=SEARCH
M GmbH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2015, 06:53 AM   #4
Marv17
Senior Member
 
Marv17's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: LA, Bellflower, CA
Posts: 3,613
iTrader: (4)
Default

Have you looked into the rear end of the z3m coupe that has the s54 stock? I would imagine that would be sufficient since it should be a similar rear end as the 318ti since it's based off the z3 design still

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
__________________

-Theta Chi-
Float like a cadilac, sting like a BIMMER

.... my socket is just too thick and won't fit in the hole! damnit!


Marv's 332ti is in the werks. Stay tuned ya'll ...

Check list: S52 swap, manual transmission swap, 3.25 LSD with M Coupe diff cover, SuperSprint muffler, M3 style mirrors, AFE intake, ASC delete, M50 Manifold swap, UUC strut bar, ZHP lighted knob, Vaders, M-tech interior, OEM armrest, AC Schintzer front lip, AC Schnitzer rear spoiler, Roof spoiler, 18'' rims, M3 front drilled brakes, LED interior lights, 3 spoke Euro style steering wheel, OEM roof spoiler and bike holder, Thule fairing, Euro tail lights, oil pressure guage, carbon fiber hood painted to original paint (still showing CF weaving), what's next to do...?
Marv17 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2015, 09:28 PM   #5
Steve K-B
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 15
iTrader: (0)
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker View Post
I have so rear MZ3 trailing arms and shafts that I may put up for sale.

Lino
Texas

How do these differ from the E30 325 trailing arms and axles? I see thay have a bar welded across the arm but are they stronger around the hub? and any difference to the axle?

Let me know how much you want for them.

M GmbH: Thank you for that. Parts over in the US are much more available than here in New Zealand.

Marv17:

Quote:
Have you looked into the rear end of the z3m coupe that has the s54 stock? I would imagine that would be sufficient since it should be a similar rear end as the 318ti since it's based off the z3 design still
I think this would be ideal but I cant find much info on the web. Most web sites I go to people know what there talking about but I haven't found an explanation on what the Z3M differences are. I'm quite big on keeping things OE if I can.


Thanks for all you input so far
Steve K-B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2015, 11:54 PM   #6
M GmbH
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAYTON, OH
Posts: 86
iTrader: (0)
Default

This one's going in my racecar. LSD, rear rotor are substantially bigger, louvered rear diff cover, larger sway bar. I'm going to run M3 brakes front and rear. I purchased a brake booster and master cylinder from a M roadster to go along with this set up.
[/URL]
M GmbH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2015, 11:19 PM   #7
BimmerBum
Senior Member
 
BimmerBum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fl
Posts: 1,353
Vehicles
iTrader: (9)
Default

The Z3 based M Coupes and M Roadsters all came with 188mm LSDs. The axles on the Z3 based M cars is thicker than the stock ti and E30 325 axle.

At the bearing, the Z3 M trailing arm is reinforced. You are also correct that the M Z3 axles are offset further in so you will need to add at least 20mm to the spacer you're already using to maintain current wheel position.

That said, I don't think ti arms, E30 axles and a 188mm diff would have any trouble handling 400whp. You can take the arms off and have them reinforced to mimic the reinforcements on the M Z3 arms if you wanted to.

I'm not a fan of the finned diff covers on track cars. They hang too low for my comfort. A real diff cooler is a much better option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve K-B View Post
Hi people,

Im looking for an upgrade to my axles and possibly rear arms etc. I'm currently running an S54 in my 318ti making 280 rwhp (what torque I have.... I'm not sure). there is more power to come out of out of it and I'm also looking at a supercharger system for the future so want a set up that can handle up to 400 rwhp.

I have two question areas, if you have any of the answers I would love to hear from you.

1: I currently have a medium case 6 bolt 3.91 diff and E30 325i axles (same as E30 M3). What power/torque can these handle before they give problems? Is the 8 bolt 210mm diff an over kill? Has any one put one of these in a ti? What diff did the E36 Z3M use?



2: Since my engine upgrade from 180 to 280 rwhp I have not surprisingly broken the stub shaft off the outer CV. I see there are lots of options of using custom axles like here:
https://www.pureperformancemotorspor...ft-axle-s.html

The only problem i see is the area where it broke wont have changed.

I know little of the Z3M upgrade, Does this give you you a larger axle? I believe the off set in the arm is larger. I use a 20mm spacer on the rear so this shouldn't be a problem other than it being very expensive option.



The car is only raced on tarmac roads and I can be pretty rough on my drive line. I'm looking for something strong and reliable.

Thank you in advance

Steve
__________________



SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE!
Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW!

www.BimmerBum.com ALL NEW!
318ti Specific Parts For Sale
www.facebook.com/BimmerBum

BMWCCA #132203
95 318ti Club Sport
98 318ti Active S50 Swap

BimmerBum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2015, 02:59 AM   #8
xxxJohnBoyxxx
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Gulfport, Florida
Posts: 3,208
iTrader: (1)
Default

Sweet...Spacers and you got a solid driveline

Quote:
Originally Posted by M GmbH View Post
This one's going in my racecar. LSD, rear rotor are substantially bigger, louvered rear diff cover, larger sway bar. I'm going to run M3 brakes front and rear. I purchased a brake booster and master cylinder from a M roadster to go along with this set up.
[/URL]
xxxJohnBoyxxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2015, 05:03 AM   #9
M GmbH
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAYTON, OH
Posts: 86
iTrader: (0)
Default

I forgot about the spacers. We are going to make some Forgelines for the Ti. Hopefully we can still do a Square set up. Was thinking about 17x8.5.
JohnBoy I need to talk to you about a motor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xxxJohnBoyxxx View Post
Sweet...Spacers and you got a solid driveline
M GmbH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2015, 05:16 AM   #10
Toolmaker
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wichita Falls,Texas
Posts: 106
iTrader: (1)
Default

You looking for an s54 ?

Lino
Toolmaker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2015, 10:06 AM   #11
Steve K-B
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 15
iTrader: (0)
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerBum View Post
The Z3 based M Coupes and M Roadsters all came with 188mm LSDs. The axles on the Z3 based M cars is thicker than the stock ti and E30 325 axle.

At the bearing, the Z3 M trailing arm is reinforced. You are also correct that the M Z3 axles are offset further in so you will need to add at least 20mm to the spacer you're already using to maintain current wheel position.

That said, I don't think ti arms, E30 axles and a 188mm diff would have any trouble handling 400whp. You can take the arms off and have them reinforced to mimic the reinforcements on the M Z3 arms if you wanted to.

I'm not a fan of the finned diff covers on track cars. They hang too low for my comfort. A real diff cooler is a much better option.
Thanks for the reply's people.
I agree on the diff cover, I need all the space underneath I can get.

So the Z3M arms are a skinnier track width? I thought they were 20mm wider... If its 20mm skinnier that the standard 318ti this Z3M option wont work. I already run 20mm spacers and cant legally go any thicker than that and I wouldn't really want to either!

How are they stronger at the bearing end? I see the extra bar welded between the two trailing arms. Not saying BMW dont know what there doing but I don't really see the point in adding a bar there? I would think the weak point would be between the shock mount (esp as I've put coil overs in), wheel bearing and where the wheel bearing joins and where the two arms join to one.

Thanks interesting that the Z3M used a 188mm diff, it makes me feel the diff I have may be OK. Will be interesting when it comes apart for an inspection early 2016. Maybe all I need is bigger axles as I've already broken one. Will try and get a photo of it so you can see where it broke.

Thank you guys!

Steve
Steve K-B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2015, 10:13 AM   #12
Steve K-B
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 15
iTrader: (0)
Default

.

Last edited by Steve K-B; 12-31-2015 at 06:30 PM. Reason: Mistake
Steve K-B is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
318ti s54 Swap!!!! Jony787 Engine Swaps 19 12-30-2017 04:20 AM
IL FS: 318ti with M3 Drivetrain (S52, OBDII, M3 5 sp., 318 3.91 lsd) + FREEBIES! Bayerische E36 Cars for Sale 7 02-27-2016 03:31 PM
E30 Diff and Axle swap questions pred Differentials 2 08-14-2012 08:54 PM
WTB 318ti diff output flanges vigilantemotors US and North America 0 07-28-2005 04:17 PM
97 318ti and 99m3. What problems will my shop run into? Silver00spike Engine Swaps 18 06-13-2005 03:07 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:33 PM.


.
Powered by site supporters
vBulletin Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org
© vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2
[page compression: 109.69 k/129.47 k (15.28%)]

318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.