What size diff is in my 97 528i 5spd NON sport? I was thinkin about upgrading to a lsd and id like to make it shorter for some faster acceleration. any sugesstions?

All about all the BMW diffs.

http://www.metricmechanic.com/pdfs/Differentials.pdf

Final drive ratio 528 Auto 4.10 and 528 Manual 2.93

Consider buying a used LSD from an M3 for a mild upgrade. The 3.23 go for $400 regularly in the classifieds. No core charge. I will probably put my M3 3.23 into my 528i when I put a 3.64 into my M3 next year instead of selling it. I'll wake up the 528i a little and give it an LS at the same time.

Philip Bradley

the 528 can take a e36 m3 diff? thats awsome!

the 528 can take a e36 m3 diff? thats awsome!

If you read the metric mechanic link I posted you will see and understand why they can be swapped.

Maybe I wrote without researching enough. I just read the MM link and am no longer as sure that they can be swapped -- from the pictures it looks like the mounting may be different, some E39 use the large case diff, and some E39 use a medium case diff with perhaps different guts that have a lesser torque rating.

Philip Bradley

If you read the metric mechanic link I posted you will see and understand why they can be swapped.

Yes i see that and that makes me happy!

Maybe I wrote without researching enough. I just read the MM link and am no longer as sure that they can be swapped -- from the pictures it looks like the mounting may be different, some E39 use the large case diff, and some E39 use a medium case diff with perhaps different guts that have a lesser torque rating.

Philip Bradley

How do i know for shure my 5spd 97 528 has the medium, cause as soon as i do its buy time!

Wow 4.10's would be wild. I already fine my 3.46 on my 328Ci too wild especially without a 6th gear.

I want to put a 4.10 out of a 528iA in my 530iA.. How much increase in 1/4 mile times would I see if I did this?
-Nick

[QUOTE=qckSpectre; How much increase in 1/4 mile times would I see if I did this?
-Nick[/QUOTE]

A decrease in times, not an increase. An increase in performance. :)

i put a 4.10 in my 525 it had a 3.46 man let me tell you it is the best 300 dollars i have spent.

i put a 4.10 in my 525 it had a 3.46 man let me tell you it is the best 300 dollars i have spent.

A 4.10 is a pretty low gear (high numerically). The auto trans must have quite a bit of overdrive in its top gear or else your motor would be screaming at 70 mph on the highway.

Does anyone know what the top gear ratio is in that tranny?

A 4.10 is a pretty low gear (high numerically). The auto trans must have quite a bit of overdrive in its top gear or else your motor would be screaming at 70 mph on the highway.

Does anyone know what the top gear ratio is in that tranny?

not really i have had it for a year now at 80 my revs are at 3000

not really i have had it for a year now at 80 my revs are at 3000

What size tires are you running?

I'm suprised your rpm is that low at 80mph, my 3.46 on my 328Ci would be alittle over 3,600rpm, but then again you do have an O/D gear.

What size tires are you running?

I'm suprised your rpm is that low at 80mph, my 3.46 on my 328Ci would be alittle over 3,600rpm, but then again you do have an O/D gear.

275/30/19

not really i have had it for a year now at 80 my revs are at 3000


I did not say your motor was screaming. I said since its not screaming the OD ratio in your top gear must be strong.

The OD is what prevents it from screaming. Your top gear is an overdrive gear. My question is what is the ratio?