[westhampete]

Wanted, differential for an E90 330d on an '06 plate. Seems to be differing opinions as to whether this is an unlucky one off, or an issue that seems to be coming more commonplace. Help desperately needed, any ideas ?

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by westhampete

Wanted, differential for an E90 330d on an '06 plate. Seems to be differing opinions as to whether this is an unlucky one off, or an issue that seems to be coming more commonplace. Help desperately needed, any ideas ?

What's happened ?? Need to let us know first before I can suggest some solutions!

[Dr Dave]

First time I've heard of diff trouble being widespread.

More info if you can!

[lolololol]

I smell a quaife coming on

[westhampete]

Well I was siiting on the M11, cruise control set to 70mph, no unusal sounds or symptoms, when there was an almighty bang and then banging/bumping not disimilar to a blowout. Stopped checked all the tyres, no blowout. Gingerly pulled away again and the engine gearbox were pulling fine, banging was'nt rev related but was rotational. Thinking either propshaft or diff, managed to creep to a workshop run by an old friend. Put car up on ramp, undid oil filler bung on diff, put little finger in the whole and there was swarf evident. Managed to rotate rear wheels enough to see that two teeth have sheered of the planetary gear. Won't print first thoughts but they were money and curse related. Looked at birds website and a quaife is just shy of £1800, spoke to chris at derek woodman and a bmw part is about £950 inc. Great believer in l.s.d's but having trouble justifying the price difference.

[creepy coupe]

How long out of warranty is your motor Pete?

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by westhampete

Well I was siiting on the M11, cruise control set to 70mph, no unusal sounds or symptoms, when there was an almighty bang and then banging/bumping not disimilar to a blowout. Stopped checked all the tyres, no blowout. Gingerly pulled away again and the engine gearbox were pulling fine, banging was'nt rev related but was rotational. Thinking either propshaft or diff, managed to creep to a workshop run by an old friend. Put car up on ramp, undid oil filler bung on diff, put little finger in the whole and there was swarf evident. Managed to rotate rear wheels enough to see that two teeth have sheered of the planetary gear. Won't print first thoughts but they were money and curse related. Looked at birds website and a quaife is just shy of £1800, spoke to chris at derek woodman and a bmw part is about £950 inc. Great believer in l.s.d's but having trouble justifying the price difference.

PM me your VIN number - you might have a bolted diff instead of a welded one, in which case the cost will be considerably less than £1800 !

Alternatively, you might want to give Birds a call directly because they might have a second-hand 330d OEM diff sitting on their shelves...!!

[E92Fan]

Also is your 330d a manual or an auto ?

[dxb335d]

Mate, you would have had symptoms delevoping mate..... Wouldnt just go out of no where... it would have Been making noising for a while.. I know ive done a diff on a Bmw Before.

[westhampete]

no symptoms, as I said earlier, if there had been it would have been investigated

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by westhampete

no symptoms, as I said earlier, if there had been it would have been investigated

Mate, there would have Been symptoms... whining, clonking etc.. you always have load music?

[lolololol]

I smashed the diff on my E30 325i many years ago and that didnt make a sound until it blew up.

[Jude1]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Mate, there would have Been symptoms... whining, clonking etc.. you always have load music?

Not necesssarily, if it's falied through fatigue then the bolt(s) would just shear. It may not be the internal workings that had gone and it is these that on older diffs can become noisy.

Jules.

[westhampete]

Although I appreciate all opinions, to which we are all entitled as individuals however misguided we may be, there were no indications that anything untoward would occur. There are no signs of any uneven wear across any of the components, no gradual degradation or deterioration. At this stage, the primary probable cause would appear to be fatigue,although until fragments are analysed no definitive answer can be given. The car was built 01/2006 and was registered 03/2006.

[illingworth22]

Originally Posted by westhampete

Well I was siiting on the M11, cruise control set to 70mph, no unusal sounds or symptoms, when there was an almighty bang and then banging/bumping not disimilar to a blowout. Stopped checked all the tyres, no blowout. Gingerly pulled away again and the engine gearbox were pulling fine, banging was'nt rev related but was rotational. Thinking either propshaft or diff, managed to creep to a workshop run by an old friend. Put car up on ramp, undid oil filler bung on diff, put little finger in the whole and there was swarf evident. Managed to rotate rear wheels enough to see that two teeth have sheered of the planetary gear. Won't print first thoughts but they were money and curse related. Looked at birds website and a quaife is just shy of £1800, spoke to chris at derek woodman and a bmw part is about £950 inc. Great believer in l.s.d's but having trouble justifying the price difference.

I'd change the speed there mate. I heard you and you were only going 71 MPH. Wouldn't want the cops to think you were speeding and get you in trouble!

[xenon]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Mate, there would have Been symptoms... whining, clonking etc.. you always have load music?

If some teeth simply sheared why would there have to have been symptoms? It's a classic failure without warning - until the teeth shear they would have been meshing correctly and therefore no noise until they went. It's an entirely different situation from worn UJs or bearings, say.

and the OP does seem to know whereof he speaks....

[westhampete]

my mistake meant to say cruise was set to 70 mph