LSD just installed!

Pyrat 2 · 01-31-2009, 04:02 PM

After almost a 2 month wait (bmw shipped the wrong parts so we had to reorder) I just had my limited slip differential installed! This mod DEFINATELY has improved the performance of the car. Unfortunately I have no proof of this other than the butt-o-meter. The car just seems to be much more responsive with the new diff. Give the car some gas and it seems to move forward effortlessly in 1st through 4th and with less effort in 5 and 6. This is no doubt due to the fact that I had a higher gear ratio put in when the LSD was built.

Here are the details of this LSD which was built for street with occasional track use:
- 3.38 final drive ratio. 3.64 is also available. The stock ratio for a 330 6MT is 3.15 so the increase was about 7.3%.

- four 90mm (chromoly/ceramic coated) friction discs

- asymmetrical ramp housings (30/90) for increased dynamic ( throttle initiated) lock (40% to 100%) during acceleration, but minimal dynamic lock (40% maximum) during deceleration to prevent rear wheel lockup

- static ( always "on" ) lock set to 40%, to provide the maximum inside wheel spin control without generating understeer and to constantly maintain an unnoticeable transition between the dynamic lock generated during acceleration and the separate dynamic lock generated during deceleration.

- addition of a drain plug which is not provided on the E90 differentials. This allows for easy diff fluid replacement. You can see the drain plug in the pic below.

If your looking for a mod that actually increases the performance of the NA this is it. I have the performance exhaust too which is also a great mod. It sounds great but has questionable performance benefits. The LSD doesn't look like much or have any sound effects but definately delivers some performance.

4wheelpilot · 01-31-2009, 04:58 PM

very nice!

what prompted you to do this...did you have occasions of bad traction in wet/snow/ice?
what is the cost of the bmw lsd?
who installed it, how many hours of labor? and cost of labor?
length of warranty?

thanks and good luck with your new lsd.

heemry328i · 01-31-2009, 05:21 PM

wow.. i bet it feels like a completely different car almost huh?

Pyrat 2 · 01-31-2009, 05:36 PM

Was looking for a performance mod that would provide a real performance benefit. Certainly, I was looking for the added traction. I'm anxious to evaluate the diff this season at the track and at autocross events.

Labor was about $450 and was performed at Patrick BMW. I have a good relationship with the service manager and employees there and he undercut one of the local BMW performance shops. As far as the cost of the diff, it wasn't cheap. You can shop around and the cost will vary depending on your car and the options for the diff. I was VERY happy with Performance Gearing who built this for me.

I3aby · 01-31-2009, 06:09 PM

Thank you for posting this !

nevets1 · 02-08-2009, 07:21 AM

Nice post Mark. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after a few miles and some track days. Have you been able to do any timed (0-60) runs yet? Can you hear it at all...as I've read some have reported clanking sounds? Good job

Omni · 02-08-2009, 07:52 AM

So jealous.

Pyrat 2 · 02-08-2009, 08:04 AM

No 0-60 times clocked yet. The car definately pushes around corners faster than the stock diff when pushed hard - no flashing traction control light with the brakes kicking in and slowing me down.

As far as noise - none - absolutely quiet. I brought this up with Jim Blanton at Performance Gearing before ordering. Here is what he had to say:

"I know noises are a big issue with aftermarket limited slips. I hold my units to the same standards as BMW, so all my limited slips are as quiet as stock "open" final drives. I couldn't sell them if they were not. I have seen my competitors limited slips and can point to the components responsible for the "shudder" noise during tight turns and the "clunking" that occurs during acceleration/deceleration transitions. I wouldn't tolerate the noises myself, so I certainly wouldn't market a product that wasn't at least up to the stock unit standards."

He was correct. This LSD is absolutely quiet. I'd highly recommend this mod, wallet permitting, and definately recommend going to Jim at Performance Gearing.

nevets1 · 02-08-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdemange

No 0-60 times clocked yet. The car definately pushes around corners faster than the stock diff when pushed hard - no flashing traction control light with the brakes kicking in and slowing me down.

As far as noise - none - absolutely quiet. I brought this up with Jim Blanton at Performance Gearing before ordering. Here is what he had to say:

"I know noises are a big issue with aftermarket limited slips. I hold my units to the same standards as BMW, so all my limited slips are as quiet as stock "open" final drives. I couldn't sell them if they were not. I have seen my competitors limited slips and can point to the components responsible for the "shudder" noise during tight turns and the "clunking" that occurs during acceleration/deceleration transitions. I wouldn't tolerate the noises myself, so I certainly wouldn't market a product that wasn't at least up to the stock unit standards."

He was correct. This LSD is absolutely quiet. I'd highly recommend this mod, wallet permitting, and definately recommend going to Jim at Performance Gearing.

This is really great to hear. Keep us posted on your driving impressions after a few miles. Looking forward to hearing more about this

micah · 02-09-2009, 05:48 PM

Cool to see this on another 330i. I am taking it you are not talking about the Quaiffe? Sounds like a different product. Why so tight-lipped about the price? Would love to know about that!

TSM330i · 02-12-2009, 08:37 AM

This is definitely a mod I have been considering. I realize how much time I must be loosing on the track when I forget to disable the DSC on the track. The car feels weird and slows down and then I look down and see that stupid light flashing.

Any issues with the speedo going to the new gearing?

You forgot to give us Jim @ Performance Gearing's contact information.

To help on the track, I'm going to do this, strut tower brace and under car brace to stiffen the car.

stressdoc · 02-16-2009, 10:40 AM

At some point it would be fun to get together and compare the LSDs from Quaife, KMS, Performance Gearing, Metric Mechanics, Diffsonline etc.

Brett Anderson (KMS), Jim Blanton (PG), and Jim Rowe (MM) are mechanical geniuses that have an amazing understanding of BMWs.

At a minimum we should write a comparative review of the clutch-type vs. Quaife.

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/
http://www.performancegearing.com/
http://www.metricmechanic.com/

Pyrat 2 · 02-16-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW325xi

Any issues with the speedo going to the new gearing?

You forgot to give us Jim @ Performance Gearing's contact information.

No speedo issues with the new gearing. The speed sensor on the e90s is at the wheel and not at the diff like some older BMWs.

As far as Jim's contact information you can contact him through the web site at www.performancegearing.com

Pyrat 2 · 02-16-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

At some point it would be fun to get together and compare the LSDs from Quaife, KMS, Performance Gearing, Metric Mechanics, Diffsonline etc.

Brett Anderson (KMS), Jim Blanton (PG), and Jim Rowe (MM) are mechanical geniuses that have an amazing understanding of BMWs.

At a minimum we should write a comparative review of the clutch-type vs. Quaife.

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/
http://www.performancegearing.com/
http://www.metricmechanic.com/

I went to my local BMW hot rod shops to get recommendations on who to go to. Both recommended PG and both stated problems with another vendor out there based upon their own personal experience.

CV335 · 02-16-2009, 07:38 PM

Have you guys seen a review on the MetricMechanics LSD for e92? Didn't found a thread for one. One of the local perf shops in my area works with them in modified LSDs. Would like to get some feedback (i.e., is their work as good as others?).

Hoothout · 02-16-2009, 07:55 PM

awesome, lucky! haha

Rotary Rasp · 02-16-2009, 08:31 PM

How much, in dollars, was the diff?

Wake27 · 02-20-2009, 01:45 AM

OP - sorry I'm posting on 2 different threads here, I'm just excited to figure out what this really is. So does BMW make an upgraded one of these? Or are they all aftermarket?

Pyrat 2 · 02-20-2009, 08:18 PM

Only aftermarket for the LSD. You can get a 3.64 factory open differential which will help your acceleration but not your traction (which you'll need more of with the higher ratio).

T7R_Sky · 03-04-2009, 02:28 AM

Is this like the Quaife LSD where you need to have an older Bolted Diff to install it in? Or is this a whole swap for the welded diff in the newer cars?

micah · 03-04-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T7R_Sky

Is this like the Quaife LSD where you need to have an older Bolted Diff to install it in? Or is this a whole swap for the welded diff in the newer cars?

Good question with respect to their capabilities, but from the OP's picture it sure looks bolted on his particular car.

Pyrat 2 · 03-04-2009, 06:48 PM

I picked up the whole differential so the question of having a welded vs. bolted diff was not an issue. My car and most if not all 330s in the US have a bolted diff anyway. If I recall correctly the welded diff came once the 335s were released.

01-31-2009, 04:02 PM	#1
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	LSD just installed! After almost a 2 month wait (bmw shipped the wrong parts so we had to reorder) I just had my limited slip differential installed! This mod DEFINATELY has improved the performance of the car. Unfortunately I have no proof of this other than the butt-o-meter. The car just seems to be much more responsive with the new diff. Give the car some gas and it seems to move forward effortlessly in 1st through 4th and with less effort in 5 and 6. This is no doubt due to the fact that I had a higher gear ratio put in when the LSD was built. Here are the details of this LSD which was built for street with occasional track use: - 3.38 final drive ratio. 3.64 is also available. The stock ratio for a 330 6MT is 3.15 so the increase was about 7.3%. - four 90mm (chromoly/ceramic coated) friction discs - asymmetrical ramp housings (30/90) for increased dynamic ( throttle initiated) lock (40% to 100%) during acceleration, but minimal dynamic lock (40% maximum) during deceleration to prevent rear wheel lockup - static ( always "on" ) lock set to 40%, to provide the maximum inside wheel spin control without generating understeer and to constantly maintain an unnoticeable transition between the dynamic lock generated during acceleration and the separate dynamic lock generated during deceleration. - addition of a drain plug which is not provided on the E90 differentials. This allows for easy diff fluid replacement. You can see the drain plug in the pic below. If your looking for a mod that actually increases the performance of the NA this is it. I have the performance exhaust too which is also a great mod. It sounds great but has questionable performance benefits. The LSD doesn't look like much or have any sound effects but definately delivers some performance. Attached Images __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs Last edited by Pyrat 2; 02-16-2009 at 06:49 PM..
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01-31-2009, 04:58 PM	#2
4wheelpilot Private First Class 21 Rep 128 Posts Drives: 2007 e90 335i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (2)	very nice! what prompted you to do this...did you have occasions of bad traction in wet/snow/ice? what is the cost of the bmw lsd? who installed it, how many hours of labor? and cost of labor? length of warranty? thanks and good luck with your new lsd.
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01-31-2009, 05:21 PM	#3
heemry328i Banned 43 Rep 901 Posts Drives: 08' SG E90 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SF 415 iTrader: (6)	wow.. i bet it feels like a completely different car almost huh?
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01-31-2009, 05:36 PM	#4
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	Was looking for a performance mod that would provide a real performance benefit. Certainly, I was looking for the added traction. I'm anxious to evaluate the diff this season at the track and at autocross events. Labor was about $450 and was performed at Patrick BMW. I have a good relationship with the service manager and employees there and he undercut one of the local BMW performance shops. As far as the cost of the diff, it wasn't cheap. You can shop around and the cost will vary depending on your car and the options for the diff. I was VERY happy with Performance Gearing who built this for me. __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs
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01-31-2009, 06:09 PM	#5
I3aby Captain 18 Rep 614 Posts Drives: E92 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver BC iTrader: (8)	Thank you for posting this !
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02-08-2009, 07:21 AM	#6
nevets1 Captain 47 Rep 674 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Jet Blac Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Nice post Mark. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after a few miles and some track days. Have you been able to do any timed (0-60) runs yet? Can you hear it at all...as I've read some have reported clanking sounds? Good job __________________ ________________________________ '06 330i/6mt/JB-Terra/Navi/ZSP/Full M-Tech/CFspitters/CF spoiler/RogueSSK/Performance Shift Knob-Boot/19"MorrVS8's/Goodyear F1 Asym. 245-275/KoniFSD-Eibach Pro/Blacklines/BMW Perf. Intake/BMW Perf. Exhaust/Matte Black Shadowlines/Perf. St. Wheel
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02-08-2009, 07:52 AM	#7
Omni Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 250 Posts Drives: E90 335xi 6MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (9)	So jealous.
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02-08-2009, 08:04 AM	#8
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	No 0-60 times clocked yet. The car definately pushes around corners faster than the stock diff when pushed hard - no flashing traction control light with the brakes kicking in and slowing me down. As far as noise - none - absolutely quiet. I brought this up with Jim Blanton at Performance Gearing before ordering. Here is what he had to say: "I know noises are a big issue with aftermarket limited slips. I hold my units to the same standards as BMW, so all my limited slips are as quiet as stock "open" final drives. I couldn't sell them if they were not. I have seen my competitors limited slips and can point to the components responsible for the "shudder" noise during tight turns and the "clunking" that occurs during acceleration/deceleration transitions. I wouldn't tolerate the noises myself, so I certainly wouldn't market a product that wasn't at least up to the stock unit standards." He was correct. This LSD is absolutely quiet. I'd highly recommend this mod, wallet permitting, and definately recommend going to Jim at Performance Gearing. __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs Last edited by Pyrat 2; 02-08-2009 at 03:12 PM..
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02-09-2009, 05:48 PM	#10
micah Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 290 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1)	Cool to see this on another 330i. I am taking it you are not talking about the Quaiffe? Sounds like a different product. Why so tight-lipped about the price? Would love to know about that!
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02-12-2009, 08:37 AM	#11
TSM330i 2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport 878 Rep 3,699 Posts Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chester Springs, PA iTrader: (2)	This is definitely a mod I have been considering. I realize how much time I must be loosing on the track when I forget to disable the DSC on the track. The car feels weird and slows down and then I look down and see that stupid light flashing. Any issues with the speedo going to the new gearing? You forgot to give us Jim @ Performance Gearing's contact information. To help on the track, I'm going to do this, strut tower brace and under car brace to stiffen the car. __________________ 2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course 2015 GTI S 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
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02-16-2009, 10:40 AM	#12
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	At some point it would be fun to get together and compare the LSDs from Quaife, KMS, Performance Gearing, Metric Mechanics, Diffsonline etc. Brett Anderson (KMS), Jim Blanton (PG), and Jim Rowe (MM) are mechanical geniuses that have an amazing understanding of BMWs. At a minimum we should write a comparative review of the clutch-type vs. Quaife. http://www.koalamotorsport.com/ http://www.performancegearing.com/ http://www.metricmechanic.com/ __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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02-16-2009, 07:38 PM	#15
CV335 Major 62 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: '06 MCS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: TX iTrader: (5)	Have you guys seen a review on the MetricMechanics LSD for e92? Didn't found a thread for one. One of the local perf shops in my area works with them in modified LSDs. Would like to get some feedback (i.e., is their work as good as others?).
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02-16-2009, 07:55 PM	#16
Hoothout Colonel 59 Rep 2,799 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW E92 328i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Brentwood, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 e92 328i [0.00]	awesome, lucky! haha __________________ 2008 SG E92 328i iDrive,Premium Pkg,Sport Pkg,Cold Weather pkg,Black Dakota Leather,GP Thunder 8500k cornering,drl,and foglights, ,Blacked Out Grills,Painted Reflectors,Shadowline Emblems,Hardwired Beltronics V-995, AFE Intake, Muffler Delete, Berger tune
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02-16-2009, 08:31 PM	#17
Rotary Rasp Lieutenant Colonel 241 Rep 1,857 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal - Torrance iTrader: (6)	How much, in dollars, was the diff?
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02-20-2009, 01:45 AM	#18
Wake27 Lieutenant Colonel 46 Rep 1,681 Posts Drives: '06 330i ZPP ZSP Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NoVA missing SoCal iTrader: (1)	OP - sorry I'm posting on 2 different threads here, I'm just excited to figure out what this really is. So does BMW make an upgraded one of these? Or are they all aftermarket? __________________ 2006 JB 330i/ZPP/ZSP/I-Drive/Heated Seats/L7/Blacklines/19" Gunmetal V710's on Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas/BMS PBX/Red MFD Scoops/Matte black grilles/Matte black Amber Gone 2.0s/BSW center midrange speaker/35% tint/Black and white roundels
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02-20-2009, 08:18 PM	#19
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	Only aftermarket for the LSD. You can get a 3.64 factory open differential which will help your acceleration but not your traction (which you'll need more of with the higher ratio). __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs Last edited by Pyrat 2; 02-20-2009 at 09:22 PM..
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03-04-2009, 02:28 AM	#20
T7R_Sky "I know you know that I know you know..." 24 Rep 795 Posts Drives: Sparkling Graphite E90 328i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Escondido, CA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 E90 328i [0.00]	Is this like the Quaife LSD where you need to have an older Bolted Diff to install it in? Or is this a whole swap for the welded diff in the newer cars?
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03-04-2009, 06:48 PM	#22
Pyrat 2 Colonel 1418 Rep 2,560 Posts Drives: Rapidly from A to B Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs or TN Smokies iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 Porsche GT4 [9.64] 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.33] 2007 Z4 M Roadster [8.33] 2020 BMW X1 [0.00]	I picked up the whole differential so the question of having a welded vs. bolted diff was not an issue. My car and most if not all 330s in the US have a bolted diff anyway. If I recall correctly the welded diff came once the 335s were released. __________________ '07 Z4MR '22 GT4 '18 GT3 '16 GT4, '16 M2, '14 X1, '13 135is, '06 330i, '03 323 Ci, '01 330i, '99 M3 (RIP), '96 318is, some non-BMWs Last edited by Pyrat 2; 03-05-2009 at 06:36 PM..
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