Z3 limited slip rear end

[Russ Keller]

Anyone with experience with the 4 clutch carrier limited slip rear ends in a 2002.

The Z3's were about 2900 lbs with a 96.3 wheelbase and the 4 banger cars ran in the 114 to 148 hp range.

The 02's are a lighter at about 2100 lbs, have a 98.4 wheelbase with fewer ponies.

I'm thinking it's a good fit but would be interested to hear if anyone has tried it.

 

[AceAndrew]

Russ, we typically designate that as one of the "medium case" 188mm differentials.  There are a number of people who have modified the 2002 subframe/axles to make them fit.  One of the more well done versions being the one offered by 2002 Underground.  If you are a handy fabricator, then it's definitely possible on your own.

[Russ Keller]

9 minutes ago, AceAndrew said:

Russ, we typically designate that as one of the "medium case" 188mm differentials.  There are a number of people who have modified the 2002 subframe/axles to make them fit.  One of the more well done versions being the one offered by 2002 Underground.  If you are a handy fabricator, then it's definitely possible on your own.

I thought that also but it turns out the Z3 fits into the small 168 differential found on the 2002's, 320i's, e30's etc.   You are correct if it was for the Z3 6 cylinder cars which use the medium 188 diffs.  The 4 cylinder Z3's however used the smaller ones that should fit.  Dave from Aardvarc has come available with new guts and for grins I think I might try one to see how it performs on a street driver. 

[NickVyse]

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/articles/technical-articles/engine-and-drivetrain/strongest-2002-limited-slip-differential-build-r74/

 

[AceAndrew]

Ah, ok.  I didn't see where you were referencing the 4-cyl. small-case version in your initial post.  Generally speaking, most people who ask the question are referencing the more typical medium-case/188mm setup. 

 

In your case, sure thing! It fits in the same mold as using the later 168mm e36 318 guts.  However, the photo you show seems to have a torsen LSD unit, which would not have had clutches (I've actually never seen a small case torsen lsd, so that's pretty neat).  It also appears to have a medium-case housing bolt pattern.

[Russ Keller]

1 hour ago, AceAndrew said:

Ah, ok.  I didn't see where you were referencing the 4-cyl. small-case version in your initial post.  Generally speaking, most people who ask the question are referencing the more typical medium-case/188mm setup. 

 

In your case, sure thing! It fits in the same mold as using the later 168mm e36 318 guts.  However, the photo you show seems to have a torsen LSD unit, which would not have had clutches (I've actually never seen a small case torsen lsd, so that's pretty neat).  It also appears to have a medium-case housing bolt pattern.

Ace you are right again!  That is a torsen unit, I just wanted to have a picture of a diff for the post.  I should post a picture of an actual Z3 LSD.  Like this one, from eBay showing a z3 lsd with the cover open...