[JJH]

I now have these to go in:

• Quaife ATB LSD
• M3 rear control arms/wishbones

Quaife (QDF10N). There have been discussions just recently about which unit to go for but I decided on the Quaife because it is well proven. And proven over a long period and is held in high regard. That was more than enough to sway me. As my car is an 09/2006 build, I have a bolted crown gear so the LSD should be more straightforward to have installed.

The M3 rear arms are the OEM TRW ones. I will be installing these at the same time as the Quaife. Interesting to see any 'M' and 'BMW' serial numbers/logos have been ground off. Also going in is an M3 CDV – will see how this works out. This CDV is definitely less restrictive than the stock ones I have seen. I've taken a photo of the M3 version and will do the same of the one that comes out for comparison.

[DR-JEKL]

Yup that diff shall make a world of difference!!

Re the CDV delete (or in your case the M3 CDV) I drove my car today and yup makes a massive difference. Sometimes it felt as though i would misshift and if you wanted a quick get away it wouldn't let you.

Whilst i havent launched the car i noticed its much quicker to engage and no more shitty gear changes!

[JJH]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Whilst i havent launched the car i noticed its much quicker to engage and no more shitty gear changes!

That's what I am hoping for ... thanks for the input dude!!

[JJH]

No pics to show but I thought I would report on a couple of things.

Which LSD?
I considered Quaife and Wavetrac but was also aware of the MFactory option. TBH the MFactory has not been around long enough and I could not gather any evidence of its performance and longevity. It is no criticism of it, simply a question of guaranteed problem free service. I know they are much less expensive but it was still a gamble in my mind. Wavetrac has many fans and good reports but Quaife seems to better it from my research. That was enough for me.

Quaife install
Installation was initially problematic, only because no one here in Canberra had the special wrench needed to undo the locking nut that attaches the drive shaft to the differential assembly (!!!). Yes, really – not any of the independent workshops in town nor the local dealership. It seems that I was the first owner in Canberra who had wanted an E92 differential removed from his car. My mechanic was happy to order one in especially for the installation in my car. The installation process itself was problem free. I used Redline 75W90NS diff fluid (as ATB-type LSDs must NOT be filled with oils with slip additives that are used on most clutch-type LSDs).

I have only driven the car a few times since but I can say I'm very pleased - it has transformed the car in a lot of ways. Most importantly, the car is also much more stable under hard acceleration as it seems that much more grip is now available. Corner exit under power is huge fun now too. Both situations I am sure have to do with the diff and also the upgrade to the rear M3 control arms. I decided to replace all the nuts and bolts associated with the install with new – here’s a parts list for the record.

Drive shaft nut 26 11 7 567 770 X1
Torx bolts 33 20 7 572 716 X12
Diff mount bolts 33 17 6 760 343 X3
Nut for diff bolt 33 32 6 760 380 X1

CDV
Only of interest for you manual guys. I had the stock CDV replaced with the M3 CDV (part no. 21 52 2 283 914), that does not have a restrictor. I still have not figured out why the M3 has a CDV when there is no restrictor – it’s pretty much a straight tube …. Result is a subtle but very noticeable improvement. The clutch is now much easier to modulate when starting off in 1st; the gear changes are much smoother and less vague feeling; the 1-2 gear change especially is so much smoother.

[JJH]

So, thanks to Drew335 who gave me a lead on a set of blackline window trims, I've now had them fitted up. While I was at it, I decided I would do some M3 skirts. I was always in two minds about them but I am stoked at the results as I think it blends in well and lifts the exterior. Overall, with the black trims and the new skirts, I am pretty much satisfied that I am done with the exterior.

[LotusBMW]

Not traditionally a fan of black coupes but that looks the business. Job well done

[JJH]

For a new look to the interior and to get rid of the scratched up brushed aluminium trim, I have gone with a black brushed metal wrap. Am very happy with the new look ....

[Testercles]

Your iDrive controller - is that standard for e92? I have an e90 and only have a Menu button, no voice.

[chappy]

Originally Posted by JJH_335

I now have these to go in:

• Quaife ATB LSD
• M3 rear control arms/wishbones

Quaife (QDF10N). There have been discussions just recently about which unit to go for but I decided on the Quaife because it is well proven. And proven over a long period and is held in high regard. That was more than enough to sway me. As my car is an 09/2006 build, I have a bolted crown gear so the LSD should be more straightforward to have installed.



The M3 rear arms are the OEM TRW ones. I will be installing these at the same time as the Quaife. Interesting to see any 'M' and 'BMW' serial numbers/logos have been ground off. Also going in is an M3 CDV – will see how this works out. This CDV is definitely less restrictive than the stock ones I have seen. I've taken a photo of the M3 version and will do the same of the one that comes out for comparison.

HI
Did you notice any handling difference with the M3 rear arms installed as I'm thinking of doing the M3 rear arms as well, front is done
If you noticed it is more stable under cornering I will get them done.
THANKS
Looks mean man.

[JJH]

Originally Posted by Testercles

Your iDrive controller - is that standard for e92? I have an e90 and only have a Menu button, no voice.

Totally stock - I have not upgraded anything with the iDrive or the controller. Strange that your E90 could be different - unless it is between Professional and Business?? But as we both have 335i, we have Professional

[JJH]

Originally Posted by chappy

HI
Did you notice any handling difference with the M3 rear arms installed as I'm thinking of doing the M3 rear arms as well, front is done
If you noticed it is more stable under cornering I will get them done.
THANKS
Looks mean man.

Yes, definitely and also much less movement or squirm at the rear under hard acceleration, especially with the higher levels of traction after I had the Quaife installed .... That and the M3 sub frame bushes have tamed the rear end for sure.

[JJH]

I had the car washed over the weekend and that called for a photo shoot.

[totti84]

Absolutely stunning.. good job

[EB89]

Still looking the business man! How is the paint holding up? Getting any swirl marks from General washes? Have you had to do any paint correction since your first detail?

[DR-JEKL]

Looks great as always Jon, nice and clean & classy!

[Socket]

sexyyyyyyyy

[JJH]

Originally Posted by totti84

Absolutely stunning.. good job

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Looks great as always Jon, nice and clean & classy!

Originally Posted by Socket

sexyyyyyyyy

Thanks guys!

[JJH]

Originally Posted by EB89

Still looking the business man! How is the paint holding up? Getting any swirl marks from General washes? Have you had to do any paint correction since your first detail?

Thanks man! General washes start off with a low pressure rinse, then a good soak with snow foam, followed by a high pressure rinse-off before anything else. Drying off at the end with a large microfibre towel pulled straight across the panels avoids swirls.

Black is a challenge!

[Socket]

Originally Posted by JJH_335

No pics to show but I thought I would report on a couple of things.

Which LSD?
I considered Quaife and Wavetrac but was also aware of the MFactory option. TBH the MFactory has not been around long enough and I could not gather any evidence of its performance and longevity. It is no criticism of it, simply a question of guaranteed problem free service. I know they are much less expensive but it was still a gamble in my mind. Wavetrac has many fans and good reports but Quaife seems to better it from my research. That was enough for me.

Quaife install
Installation was initially problematic, only because no one here in Canberra had the special wrench needed to undo the locking nut that attaches the drive shaft to the differential assembly (!!!). Yes, really – not any of the independent workshops in town nor the local dealership. It seems that I was the first owner in Canberra who had wanted an E92 differential removed from his car. My mechanic was happy to order one in especially for the installation in my car. The installation process itself was problem free. I used Redline 75W90NS diff fluid (as ATB type LSDs must NOT have slip additive used on most clutch-type LSDs).

I have only driven the car a few times since but I can say I'm very pleased - it has transformed the car in a lot of ways. Most importantly, the car is also much more stable under hard acceleration as it seems that much more grip is now available. Corner exit under power is huge fun now too. Both situations I am sure have to do with the diff and also the upgrade to the rear M3 control arms. I decided to replace all the nuts and bolts associated with the install with new – here’s a parts list for the record.

Drive shaft nut 26 11 7 567 770 X1
Torx bolts 33 20 7 572 716 X12
Diff mount bolts 33 17 6 760 343 X3
Nut for diff bolt 33 32 6 760 380 X1

CDV
Only of interest for you manual guys. I had the stock CDV replaced with the M3 CDV (part no. 21 52 2 283 914), that does not have a restrictor. I still have not figured out why the M3 has a CDV when there is no restrictor – it’s pretty much a straight tube …. Result is a subtle but very noticeable improvement. The clutch is now much easier to modulate when starting off in 1st; the gear changes are much smoother and less vague feeling; the 1-2 gear change especially is so much smoother.

Hey mate are the bolts above applicable to ATs ??
Im doing some research into what I need to purchase for the Mfactory LSD im planning to have installed
I dont see mention of the skim kit (C clip) peeps refer to
Did you not need this in the end?
How much diff fluid do you need btw
Sorry about all the questions

[JJH]

Originally Posted by Socket

Hey mate are the bolts above applicable to ATs ??
Im doing some research into what I need to purchase for the Mfactory LSD im planning to have installed
I dont see mention of the skim kit (C clip) peeps refer to
Did you not need this in the end?
How much diff fluid do you need btw
Sorry about all the questions

Hey Socks, from my research:
(1) as I understand from realoem, MT and AT cars should use the same bolts and nut so the parts you require are those in my list.
(2) shims? As I understand it, diff installers who know what they are doing, know what they have to do to set up the transplant correctly and do not need shims ... Mine did not require it. These are the installation instructions for a Quaife LSD in our cars but I imagine it would be a similar process with yours > http://www.birdsauto.com/sites/defau...68303%20v4.pdf. This clearly outlines the procedure, note in particular the cautions on page 1.
(3) I don't actually know how much diff fluid was required. As I mentioned, I went with the Red Line 75W90NS diff fluid - I bought 2 bottles (1 U.S. quart or 946 mls each) and about 1.5 bottles was used.

Hope this helps - the diff, once installed in yours will make the beast a different car to drive. Good luck with it!

[Socket]

Originally Posted by JJH_335

Hey Socks, from my research:
(1) as I understand from realoem, MT and AT cars should use the same bolts and nut so the parts you require are those in my list.
(2) shims? As I understand it, diff installers who know what they are doing, know what they have to do to set up the transplant correctly and do not need shims ... Mine did not require it. These are the installation instructions for a Quaife LSD in our cars but I imagine it would be a similar process with yours > http://www.birdsauto.com/sites/defau...68303%20v4.pdf. This clearly outlines the procedure, note in particular the cautions on page 1.
(3) I don't actually know how much diff fluid was required. As I mentioned, I went with the Red Line 75W90NS diff fluid - I bought 2 bottles (1 U.S. quart or 946 mls each) and about 1.5 bottles was used.

Hope this helps - the diff, once installed in yours will make the beast a different car to drive. Good luck with it!

Thanks mate...

[JJH]

This is not really a good bye but more to say thanks guys for your help/support/encouragement during my 335i ownership. All good things must come to an end - I have moved on. The 335i is up in Brisbane now so you guys up there may see it around. I'll still be checking here in the Aussie section for sure.

This is my first time in a BMW without a 3rd pedal and sunroof (out of 8 BMWs over the years). It's in Interlagos Blue/Black leather, carbon roof and DCT. Bog stock. For now. But I already have LCI tails and carbon Performance spoiler ready to go on.