M performance LSD install, high quote going DIY

CTDrifter · 02-25-2019, 06:07 PM

I figured with the special tools required I'd quote the dealer but they wanted $700 plus fluids.... going to DIY it. I have few questions for anyone who has done this:

Looking through online manual the castrol Syntrax is a suitable oil for the diff, can anyone confirm? Also I plan to replace at same interval as recommended for M3, same type of LSD I believe.

I'm not going to buy the $500 special tool to remove the rear axles, looking at it I believe I'll be able to pop it out using two pry bars. Does anyone have experience pulling these out without the special tool?

Each rear axle has a circlip which needs to be replaced, I pulled P/N 33131214961 from realoem but other sites says it doesn't fit. Does anyone know if this is correct P/N?

Polo08816 · 02-27-2019, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTDrifter

I figured with the special tools required I'd quote the dealer but they wanted $700 plus fluids.... going to DIY it. I have few questions for anyone who has done this:

Looking through online manual the castrol Syntrax is a suitable oil for the diff, can anyone confirm? Also I plan to replace at same interval as recommended for M3, same type of LSD I believe.

I'm not going to buy the $500 special tool to remove the rear axles, looking at it I believe I'll be able to pop it out using two pry bars. Does anyone have experience pulling these out without the special tool?

Each rear axle has a circlip which needs to be replaced, I pulled P/N 33131214961 from realoem but other sites says it doesn't fit. Does anyone know if this is correct P/N?

I installed the M Performance LSD as a DIY with a special tool. I tried to see if I could get it out with 1-2 pry bars but I don't think you can. The area you need to engage is pretty touch to gain leverage on. It's a small ring around the axle shafts. I purchased the special tool.

1QuikWS6 · 02-27-2019, 04:49 AM

If the special tool really costs $500, & you have to use it - might as well just have the shop do the entire job for $700

StuyMac · 02-27-2019, 05:34 AM

I did the Diff, DIY without the special tool. I let the hub go on the right side of the car and removed the whole shaft. With that shaft removed, I had enough room to move the diff over to get the other shaft out.

Took me 3 hours on a 2 post ramp - but I fitted subframe inserts at the same time.

Oil and snap rings came with the diff from BMW.

Polo08816 · 02-27-2019, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuyMac

I did the Diff, DIY without the special tool. I let the hub go on the right side of the car and removed the whole shaft. With that shaft removed, I had enough room to move the diff over to get the other shaft out.

Took me 3 hours on a 2 post ramp - but I fitted subframe inserts at the same time.

Oil and snap rings came with the diff from BMW.

So were you just able to pop out the axle shafts once you removed the hub? Just give it a good tug? lol.

It seems what the tool does is save you on the cost for alignments by not having to remove the wheel hub.

StuyMac · 02-27-2019, 08:00 AM

Yes, I removed caliper, and left supported, unclipped some handbrake cable clips to allow more movement, and disconnected the rear arms at the hub. The hub then pulls outward with the shaft, think I used a pry bar to help the splines out of the diff. All the alignment adjustment is on the subframe side of the arm, so you dont adjust the alignment. I did however put a transmission stand under the wheel when refitting, and tightened the arms up under load to make sure they went back in the same place.

cfm56d7b · 02-27-2019, 08:16 AM

The larger question is why BMW requires a special tool as opposed to whether the use of the special tool could be avoided.

I hope everyone installing LSD as a DIY followed all torque specs and double checked the wrench settings.

ChrisFulton · 02-27-2019, 09:09 AM

Does anyone know the LSD oil change intervals?
Is there a recommended initial change after a break in period?

Munchi435i · 02-27-2019, 09:39 AM

Not 100% sure but thought the M-LSD comes with fluid already installed and its suppose to be lifetime fluid BUT I'm not sure

insane11 · 02-27-2019, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchi435i

Not 100% sure but thought the M-LSD comes with fluid already installed and its suppose to be lifetime fluid BUT I'm not sure

i had m performance lsd installed. drove 500 mile to break in and change it.. when i change it.. the fluid look very very dirty ..

Polo08816 · 02-27-2019, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisFulton

Does anyone know the LSD oil change intervals?
Is there a recommended initial change after a break in period?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchi435i

Not 100% sure but thought the M-LSD comes with fluid already installed and its suppose to be lifetime fluid BUT I'm not sure

I change it every track season.

ChrisFulton · 02-27-2019, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insane11

i had m performance lsd installed. drove 500 mile to break in and change it.. when i change it.. the fluid look very very dirty ..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polo08816

I change it every track season.

How difficult is it to change? I think the drain plug if I remember is on the side?
Can it be drained out or do you need a vacuum fluid extractor?
What oil are you guys filling it with? The BMW stuff is $$$.

insane11 · 02-27-2019, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisFulton

How difficult is it to change? I think the drain plug if I remember is on the side?
Can it be drained out or do you need a vacuum fluid extractor?
What oil are you guys filling it with? The BMW stuff is $$$.

It's really easy to change.. The fill bolt is in the back.. You do need to suck out the old fluid and something to pump the new one in tho.. I used redline redline 75w140 gear oil when I change last

CTDrifter · 02-27-2019, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insane11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisFulton

How difficult is it to change? I think the drain plug if I remember is on the side?
Can it be drained out or do you need a vacuum fluid extractor?
What oil are you guys filling it with? The BMW stuff is $$$.

It's really easy to change.. The fill bolt is in the back.. You do need to suck out the old fluid and something to pump the new one in tho.. I used redline redline 75w140 gear oil when I change last

Why did you go with redline over one of the approved oils listed by BMW?

From the manual it's unclear if BMW is against the use additives in the LSD. They state "transmissions".

EstorilMSport · 06-14-2019, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuyMac

I did the Diff, DIY without the special tool. I let the hub go on the right side of the car and removed the whole shaft. With that shaft removed, I had enough room to move the diff over to get the other shaft out.

Took me 3 hours on a 2 post ramp - but I fitted subframe inserts at the same time.

Oil and snap rings came with the diff from BMW.

Which subframe inserts did you install? And what tools were needed? Thx.

T5viggen · 06-15-2019, 04:14 PM

Seeing as you’re from CT, figure some CT guys might come here for LSD instal info. I just had mine installed at Coventry Motor Car in Coventry, CT. Was $378.50 out the door. Good group of guys over there. Same dealer I bought I few cars from as well (B7 S4 and RS4 and the current 335).

CTDrifter · 06-18-2019, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T5viggen

Seeing as you're from CT, figure some CT guys might come here for LSD instal info. I just had mine installed at Coventry Motor Car in Coventry, CT. Was $378.50 out the door. Good group of guys over there. Same dealer I bought I few cars from as well (B7 S4 and RS4 and the current 335).

I DIY everything but I always wondered about that place, definitely have a great car selection. Good to know they're trustworthy.

G80S58 · 06-18-2019, 08:20 PM

Has anyone purchased their LSD somewhere else and tried to get it install at a dealer?

I contacted 2 local dealers and they both said they don't install parts that's not purchased from them, even if they are OEM BMW parts. smh.

T5viggen · 06-18-2019, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTDrifter

I DIY everything but I always wondered about that place, definitely have a great car selection. Good to know they're trustworthy.

I usually do to the point where this is first time I’ve had a shop do something. Part was my lack of time but also I dropped the car off Thursday and had it back Friday. In the end the price for the LSD and install was still worth it.

Jvac · 06-18-2019, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRAMAZIN

Has anyone purchased their LSD somewhere else and tried to get it install at a dealer?

I contacted 2 local dealers and they both said they don't install parts that's not purchased from them, even if they are OEM BMW parts. smh.

This is a common answer from a lot of dealers now, but 3rd time's a charm. The first 2 dealers shot me down, but the last one in town went for it. I was about to give up and have a local shop do the job, but they didn't sound too confident so I called another dealer. They were all the way across town but they took my ECS diff and slapped it in without a fight. Well, first the SA quoted like 1600 in labor but then I showed them where shopbmwusa.com will let you purchase the part and installation online for a set price, and they honored it.

Jvac · 06-18-2019, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRAMAZIN

Has anyone purchased their LSD somewhere else and tried to get it install at a dealer?

I contacted 2 local dealers and they both said they don't install parts that's not purchased from them, even if they are OEM BMW parts. smh.

See attached

G80S58 · 06-19-2019, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jvac

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRAMAZIN

Has anyone purchased their LSD somewhere else and tried to get it install at a dealer?

I contacted 2 local dealers and they both said they don't install parts that's not purchased from them, even if they are OEM BMW parts. smh.

See attached

doesn't have the auto option

02-25-2019, 06:07 PM	#1
CTDrifter Second Lieutenant 85 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 14' 335i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	I figured with the special tools required I'd quote the dealer but they wanted $700 plus fluids.... going to DIY it. I have few questions for anyone who has done this: Looking through online manual the castrol Syntrax is a suitable oil for the diff, can anyone confirm? Also I plan to replace at same interval as recommended for M3, same type of LSD I believe. I'm not going to buy the $500 special tool to remove the rear axles, looking at it I believe I'll be able to pop it out using two pry bars. Does anyone have experience pulling these out without the special tool? Each rear axle has a circlip which needs to be replaced, I pulled P/N 33131214961 from realoem but other sites says it doesn't fit. Does anyone know if this is correct P/N? Attached Images
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02-27-2019, 04:49 AM	#3
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1621 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	If the special tool really costs $500, & you have to use it - might as well just have the shop do the entire job for $700 __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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02-27-2019, 05:34 AM	#4
StuyMac Private First Class 61 Rep 156 Posts Drives: F31 335i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	I did the Diff, DIY without the special tool. I let the hub go on the right side of the car and removed the whole shaft. With that shaft removed, I had enough room to move the diff over to get the other shaft out. Took me 3 hours on a 2 post ramp - but I fitted subframe inserts at the same time. Oil and snap rings came with the diff from BMW.
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02-27-2019, 08:00 AM	#6
StuyMac Private First Class 61 Rep 156 Posts Drives: F31 335i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wirral iTrader: (0)	Yes, I removed caliper, and left supported, unclipped some handbrake cable clips to allow more movement, and disconnected the rear arms at the hub. The hub then pulls outward with the shaft, think I used a pry bar to help the splines out of the diff. All the alignment adjustment is on the subframe side of the arm, so you dont adjust the alignment. I did however put a transmission stand under the wheel when refitting, and tightened the arms up under load to make sure they went back in the same place.
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02-27-2019, 08:16 AM	#7
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	The larger question is why BMW requires a special tool as opposed to whether the use of the special tool could be avoided. I hope everyone installing LSD as a DIY followed all torque specs and double checked the wrench settings.
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02-27-2019, 09:09 AM	#8
ChrisFulton Lieutenant 228 Rep 301 Posts Drives: m235i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (1)	Does anyone know the LSD oil change intervals? Is there a recommended initial change after a break in period?
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02-27-2019, 09:39 AM	#9
Munchi435i Major 485 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 2014 Alpine White 435i M-sport Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Orlando FL iTrader: (0)	Not 100% sure but thought the M-LSD comes with fluid already installed and its suppose to be lifetime fluid BUT I'm not sure __________________ 435i M-Sport \| Pure Stage 2 Turbo \| MHD Tune \| XHP Stage 3 \| Wagner Comp Evo 2 \| MPE \| Evolution Racewerks CP/DP/TIC \| M-LSD \| XDI-35 \|
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06-15-2019, 04:14 PM	#16
T5viggen Second Lieutenant 212 Rep 231 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: North East iTrader: (0)	Seeing as you’re from CT, figure some CT guys might come here for LSD instal info. I just had mine installed at Coventry Motor Car in Coventry, CT. Was $378.50 out the door. Good group of guys over there. Same dealer I bought I few cars from as well (B7 S4 and RS4 and the current 335). __________________ 2015 F30 335i EBII MSport M Perf Exhaust \| M Perf Brakes \| M Perf LSD \| CTS CP \| CTS Catless DP \| FMIC \| BM3 Stage 2 93oct \| 20" 405m \| 10/15mm Spacers \| KW V3’s \| Vorshlag Camber Plates
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06-18-2019, 08:20 PM	#18
G80S58 First Lieutenant 135 Rep 379 Posts Drives: G80 Xdrive, X3 M40i LCI Join Date: May 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Has anyone purchased their LSD somewhere else and tried to get it install at a dealer? I contacted 2 local dealers and they both said they don't install parts that's not purchased from them, even if they are OEM BMW parts. smh.
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