Jlastor
10-02-2012, 07:12 AM
Yup, my e46 M3 diff actually fell while driving. Thankfully no mayor damage, $150 got it solved in a single day.
Apparently the M3 has a common failure at the diff cover bushings, which no body (not blaming you guys) told me I should have changed them before the whole process of installation. In the e36 the bushings can be replaced for $11 each, while in the e46 the entire cover has to be replaced because BMW wont sell the bushings separately.
The scary part was when it actually fell because I was on the highway and the car started shaking very hard whenever I would touch the gas. Since I could not stop to check, and I was near my mechanic, I got to his house thinking the worst; new diff, new carrier, new axles, cracked panels, sell the car. He told me that he could get the part from the dealership at $150 (instead of the $365 that would have cost me if I went by myself), and he would not charge me because he had forgotten to suggest me changing it the first time. Fortunately the part was available and later that day I was on my way again.
Now the car feels even better than before, and I am happy no other damage was done, and I can keep the car.
Pic of the "carnage"
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/MrJohn/diffcover_zpsefdf113f.jpg
So, if you are planning on doing the M3 diff swap, take this into consideration. You can also buy solid bushings, or polyurethane bushings, and reuse the diff cover; but that is more race oriented.
Apparently the M3 has a common failure at the diff cover bushings, which no body (not blaming you guys) told me I should have changed them before the whole process of installation. In the e36 the bushings can be replaced for $11 each, while in the e46 the entire cover has to be replaced because BMW wont sell the bushings separately.
The scary part was when it actually fell because I was on the highway and the car started shaking very hard whenever I would touch the gas. Since I could not stop to check, and I was near my mechanic, I got to his house thinking the worst; new diff, new carrier, new axles, cracked panels, sell the car. He told me that he could get the part from the dealership at $150 (instead of the $365 that would have cost me if I went by myself), and he would not charge me because he had forgotten to suggest me changing it the first time. Fortunately the part was available and later that day I was on my way again.
Now the car feels even better than before, and I am happy no other damage was done, and I can keep the car.
Pic of the "carnage"
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/MrJohn/diffcover_zpsefdf113f.jpg
So, if you are planning on doing the M3 diff swap, take this into consideration. You can also buy solid bushings, or polyurethane bushings, and reuse the diff cover; but that is more race oriented.