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      05-06-2021, 04:37 PM   #1
oliverp72
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Fixing my rear differential with no experience (help)

My rear differential just went out on my 2015 BMW f30 RWD. The dealer quoted me 4k they diagnosed it and recommended I replace the whole thing. What parts would I need for this? I couldn't find any DIYs online. I found an e90 3 series differential swap video online would that be similar enough to go off of? Any help would be appreciated thank you.
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      05-06-2021, 04:50 PM   #2
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Go to an indy shop. You've already opened MULTIPLE threads about this, and since you have little to no mechanical skill (from what you said on other threads), just pay to get this done properly.
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      05-06-2021, 05:22 PM   #3
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You must be trolling us at this point right? With no wrenching experience I can only assume you don't have any tools to work on cars so you will need to buy all those plus the differential. It'll probably cost you more to do it yourself... especially when you break something else or when you you have to have it towed to a mechanic mid project because you realized you bit off more than you can chew.
Long story short you do not get out of this situation cheaply no matter how you slice it. Bring it somewhere else, get a second quote and second opinion and go from there.
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      05-06-2021, 05:49 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by njdangelo View Post
You must be trolling us at this point right? With no wrenching experience I can only assume you don't have any tools to work on cars so you will need to buy all those plus the differential. It'll probably cost you more to do it yourself... especially when you break something else or when you you have to have it towed to a mechanic mid project because you realized you bit off more than you can chew.
Long story short you do not get out of this situation cheaply no matter how you slice it. Bring it somewhere else, get a second quote and second opinion and go from there.
That's my thoughts. All his threads are serious WTF moments if you read what he posts, and has only did 9 of them.

Either that or someone should shred his drivers license and crush his car, just to save humanity.
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      05-06-2021, 06:18 PM   #5
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Buy a complete, low mileage dif from a salvage yard and have a local shop install. Supply all of the new seals, gaskets, fluids and c-clips required for the change out. Dif changing is bull work, it's not rocket science. This is DIYable in a driveway.
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      05-09-2021, 11:47 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by pshovest View Post
Buy a complete, low mileage dif from a salvage yard and have a local shop install. Supply all of the new seals, gaskets, fluids and c-clips required for the change out. Dif changing is bull work, it's not rocket science. This is DIYable in a driveway.
Diff swaps are simple mechanically, but I doubt he has tools. You also need to know how to get yourself out of trouble for possible issues like a stuck bolt. A person with zero experience cannot get themselves out of trouble.
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      05-09-2021, 12:21 PM   #7
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There is no substitute for replacement of rear differential by a qualified shop. Wires advice is more than conclusive.
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      05-09-2021, 01:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WDE82 View Post
Diff swaps are simple mechanically, but I doubt he has tools. You also need to know how to get yourself out of trouble for possible issues like a stuck bolt. A person with zero experience cannot get themselves out of trouble.
For the labor the indy will charge him, he can easily afford the tools he doesn't have or can't borrow. I bet he's got a friend or two willing to help or provide guidance. I remember the first clutch replacement I did as a 17 yo. It was a struggle but well worth it. I haven't paid for a single mechanical repair since. If he gets stuck, which I believe is unlikely, he tows it to the shop. The experience he gains will be invaluable in future DIY work.
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      05-09-2021, 02:38 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pshovest View Post
For the labor the indy will charge him, he can easily afford the tools he doesn't have or can't borrow. I bet he's got a friend or two willing to help or provide guidance. I remember the first clutch replacement I did as a 17 yo. It was a struggle but well worth it. I haven't paid for a single mechanical repair since. If he gets stuck, which I believe is unlikely, he tows it to the shop. The experience he gains will be invaluable in future DIY work.
If he has decently experienced friends for support then it's fine. I'd gladly invite a friend over to use my garage/tools in this situation. Losing a diff is pretty unlucky.
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      05-09-2021, 03:56 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pshovest View Post
For the labor the indy will charge him, he can easily afford the tools he doesn't have or can't borrow
He can't buy the experience he needs. I'm all for DIY, but replacing a differential isn't the first job that a neophyte should be attempting.
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      05-11-2021, 07:08 PM   #11
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Well said Billfitz, well said...
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      05-11-2021, 09:41 PM   #12
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I have nothing to bring, but I really want to see pictures of the end result.
Swapping a diff isn't hard really, the newer diff are a but trickier with the 1/2 shafts.
But probably best to start with a brake job or oil change or maybe legos.

This thread is really funny though!
I think that OP doesn't want to do it anymore.
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      05-12-2021, 10:08 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frchdragon View Post
I have nothing to bring, but I really want to see pictures of the end result.
Swapping a diff isn't hard really, the newer diff are a but trickier with the 1/2 shafts.
But probably best to start with a brake job or oil change or maybe legos.

This thread is really funny though!
I think that OP doesn't want to do it anymore.
Assuming this is actually a serious thread, Op, where are you located? I have an oe differential from my 2015 335 RWD automatic. It has only 21000 miles and worked fine when removed. I upgraded to the performance differential. These things weigh a ton though. Shipping could be prohibitively expensive if you don't have a discounted option. PM me if interested
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