I got a 3.91 Limited slipper for my 02...got it all ready to go with the old one out, i have the spacers and new bolts, and new CV joints for it to work with my stock axles...only problem is how do i get the CV joints off the 320 Axles, and my stock axles i have? i pulled the rubber boot off and cleaned up some of the grease and see a round metal thing( tried prying it out, didn't work)...any one done this before....?

Thanks, Phil

You've gotta remove the "cap" around the outer end of the C/V joint on the 320 axle by tapping the edge with a small chisel or screwdriver. (On the '02 axle the end cover presses in sorta like a paint can lid and must be pried out.) Once the outside of the joint is exposed clean off the grease and you'll see a small snap ring preventing the joint from sliding off the shaft. Remove the ring by any means necessary and the joint will slide right off.

Well... Back in July of 2003 I went through mine completely. I have about as many pics as you can do of a subject like this.

Here is the link: JULY2003: CV Joint Rebuild-How-To... (http://www.my2002tii.com/july2003-2.htm)

BEFORE
http://www.my2002tii.com/july2003/DSCF1906.jpg

AFTER YOU CLEAN THEM UP
http://www.my2002tii.com/july2003/pic-%20107.jpg

ALL DONE
http://www.my2002tii.com/july2003/pic-%20115.jpg

These are 2002 half shafts, not 320s. There is a mod that 2002 Haus and others do that give you double drilled flanges that support either type of half shaft. I was told by Rob at 2002 Haus it was better to use the 2002 shafts... I can't recall the exact reason, maybe Skip remembers. My brain is getting foggy with all the facts some times - My rear axle assembly seems like 1,000 parts or 1,000 hrs worth of work ago... :eek:


Here is the flanges after they are drilled to accept the 2002 half shafts. Since it's a 320 unit you already have those already there stock.
http://www.my2002tii.com/aug2003/july03%20017.jpg

Keep in mind you should replace all your differential bolts holding the half shaft on. I recommend you get grade 10.8 or higher for strength. BMW used grade 8.8 originally but the replacements come from them as 10.8. YOu can go to a local supplier like Fastenal and order them in bulk or sometimes off the shelf, or your BMW dealer may carry them too. I still have a box of the black grade 12's left!

ahhh thanks for the help guys...i've been working on my car without any manuals or books really...

by the way...anyone with a 5 speed and 3.90:1 gearing notice any significant accleration increases ...and whats the top end speed at redline in 5th?

I'm planning on doing the LSD thing as soon as I can get the parts and time. Thanks for asking first woot -- I'll be reading this thread again!!

I can get the stock 2002 CV joints out, but i can't get the 320 ones out...i don't want to bang with screwdriver and hammer...any easy way of getting the cap off the end of it? the 2002's is different and easier....any suggestions

74tii...do you need more info on the install and parts? just let me know if so

Wootwoot. I *think* i know what to get, the CV joints and dif. I know of a couple of 320's in a junk yard. Its rather hard to figure out if they have LSDs though -- i'll have to get under them and look. Its been raining so much I don't want to lay round in the mud to try and find out. I guess you need spacers too right?

I don't suppose you know how to tell if a 320 has LSD from the VIN do you? I know they were on 's' packages, but its very hard to tell on these wrecks.

I too went the redrilled route with my 3.91 LSD. You will want the 02 shafts, as stated by Keith (my2002tii). Can't remember either why that is, but it is what is recommended. I think that maybe the 320 shafts are too short and require spacers, can't quite recall. But you don't want spacers, that is one more part to fail.

Good Luck! Do you have a 5spd or 4spd? I still have the 4spd in my tii and the 3.91 really made the car a 0-60 performer, great for AutoX, etc. But not so great on long trips where the RPMs are way up to 4000+ at 80mph. But I don't go on long trips with my baby.... :D

yeah i have a 5 speed, but anyone know how to get the cover off the ends of the 320 CV joints without damanging them or an easy method to it?

74tii-

One way to tell if the 320's diff is Limited slip is to spin one rear tire...if the other tire rotates the other direction...its an open diff, if it is limited slip they should both spin in the same direction...im almost positive thats a good way to tell....if you can get the car jacked up in the yard which most yards in balto someone that works there has to jack it up or you can find a random jack somewheres....

Are you looking for a LSD?, i think the guy i bought my diff from has another one but i will check if you want?

I am looking for one, but I'm light on cash at the moment. Just paid the ol IRS a bundle. I think I can pull one from this yard for $50 if I can locate one. As for jacking the car up -- heh -- I know that trick and these cars are seriously mashed. Turning wheels is out of the question. I understand you can look for an 's' on them. If I can't find one around here maybe I'll ask you about that other one.

I take it you paid more than 50 bucks right? ;)

at the very end i paid $380 ...350 for the diff with shipping and another 30 for the CV joints....but the guy i bought it from also threw in the spacers, new bolts, and new diff cover...i think that it was a pretty decent deal not great but better than expected... he was the guy i bought my 02 from also...

Im not sure if the 320is's came stock with LSD; however(correct me anybody if im wrong) i think that they have to be reworked and made Limited slip....i've only owned my car and been learning stuff about it for about 3 months now...so my knowledge isn't up to par as most the guys on here...

The 320i "S" models were a small % of production but were pretty popular in the USA.

Most if not all of the 4CYL USA E21 models were 3:91 differential because their performance was so bad. The LSD models were almost always found in the "S" model along with Recaros and 5 Speed transmission.

The 80-81 models are the best to find.

If you are in a bone yard looking, the 320i "S" models had no marking on the trunk lid that says it's an "S" or anything else. That's the giveaway.