[Béhème]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

I might not notice the limited-slip functionality, but I will notice the 3.46 rear end immediately... lol

That's for sure!!!!

[Liquidpaper]

Sad news everyone.

Looks like the differential was mis-machined where the axle joins the differential. Diffsonline thinks the splines on the input flange from the axle do not go in as far as he had cut for, or something to that effect. There also might be a problem with an axle groove cut. Not sure yet.

Anyway, diff is being shipped back two day (on Diffsonline's dime) for him to fix over the weekend, then ship back (two day) to have it reinstalled next week. In the meantime, I'm in a rental car (also on Diffsonline's dime). It's faster for him to do this rather than make a new differential because of the custom (3.46) gearing that I have on this one.

I can't say I am happy about the situation, but I am satisfied with Dan Fitzgerald's (Diffsonline) customer service. He really does stand behind his product and will do whatever is necessary to ensure I am happy with my differential. So, kudos to him.

Will update with more information when I know more. With any luck, I'll be ready for Chuckwalla next weekend.

[inktomi]

That's too bad. It's nice that he's taking care of you in the meantime though!

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

Sad news everyone.

Looks like the differential was mis-machined where the axle joins the differential. Diffsonline thinks the splines on the input flange from the axle do not go in as far as he had cut for, or something to that effect. There also might be a problem with an axle groove cut. Not sure yet.

Anyway, diff is being shipped back two day (on Diffsonline's dime) for him to fix over the weekend, then ship back (two day) to have it reinstalled next week. In the meantime, I'm in a rental car (also on Diffsonline's dime). It's faster for him to do this rather than make a new differential because of the custom (3.46) gearing that I have on this one.

I can't say I am happy about the situation, but I am satisfied with Dan Fitzgerald's (Diffsonline) customer service. He really does stand behind his product and will do whatever is necessary to ensure I am happy with my differential. So, kudos to him.

Will update with more information when I know more. With any luck, I'll be ready for Chuckwalla next weekend.

FWIW, though you may be a bit disappointed at the moment, that sounds like some pretty excellent customer service. Good luck with getting everything prepped for your track outing and in for the results!

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

FWIW, though you may be a bit disappointed at the moment, that sounds like some pretty excellent customer service. Good luck with getting everything prepped for your track outing and in for the results!

I talked to Dan (Diffsonline guy) today. He was off by approximately 1mm in machining the diff in one spot - that's all it takes. Anyone can make that kind of mistake. It happens.

However, his customer service is legendary. Covered my rental car, covered the express shipping back and forth, is going to cover my mechanic for the wasted time, and is going to make sure I'm ready for next weekend. I'd highly recommend him, based on that alone.

[///Mobbin]

Any updates on the diff?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Any updates on the diff?

Should be here tomorrow or Thursday. Turns out it was a different set of pins he swapped in from his usual set -- set off the right axle by 2mm, which caused the issue.

I'm REALLY itching to get back into my car. I got a Jeep Compass as a rental, and holy shit, no one does base models like Chrysler. This thing is awful. I mean, I would have been totally cool with a Ford Focus or Fiesta, or well, really anything Ford or GMC/Chevrolet (if we're keeping it American). Oh well -- technically it works and I'm not paying for it, so I guess I can't bitch.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

Should be here tomorrow or Thursday. Turns out it was a different set of pins he swapped in from his usual set -- set off the right axle by 2mm, which caused the issue.

I'm REALLY itching to get back into my car. I got a Jeep Compass as a rental, and holy shit, no one does base models like Chrysler. This thing is awful. I mean, I would have been totally cool with a Ford Focus or Fiesta, or well, really anything Ford or GMC/Chevrolet (if we're keeping it American). Oh well -- technically it works and I'm not paying for it, so I guess I can't bitch.

Good deal, keep us posted! And I know what you mean, base model rental cars seem to have a new level of "base" lately.

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Good deal, keep us posted! And I know what you mean, base model rental cars seem to have a new level of "base" lately.

To be fair, it does have an aux jack, so I guess it has that going for it.

[Liquidpaper]

It's in. And it is fantastic.

Okay so, gearing ratio change -- the car revs like crazy and is seriously quick(er) now. Fantastic upgrade.

LSD functionality -- totally awesome. You put your foot into the car in a corner and you can feel the car chuck you through the corner like a slingshot.

Super excited for this weekend. Will give a full track review.

[Blackcross]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

It's in. And it is fantastic.

Will give a full track review.

Looking forward to the full review. That effective torque boost is fantastic: I've done it in a race E36 325 and e46 M3.

I was out today trying different things with the stock open diff: yawoza! Talk about a real loose rear end: no progression, and then when you've got it out there, it is wiggling all over. And for those unfamiliar, I do not mean fishtailing. I mean a lack of confidence and unpredictability in the rear end when you've got it out there.

I do love roundabouts.

Got my first track day May 18 so we'll see.

[ketema]

Awesome that you got it worked out. I am keen to understand the differences between yours, the MPerformance diff which I have and wavetrac which has some no load feature.

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

It's in. And it is fantastic.

Okay so, gearing ratio change -- the car revs like crazy and is seriously quick(er) now. Fantastic upgrade.

LSD functionality -- totally awesome. You put your foot into the car in a corner and you can feel the car chuck you through the corner like a slingshot.

Super excited for this weekend. Will give a full track review.

More thoughts after 12 hours:

Again amazing. Feels like a "real" M car now. With the gear ratio change, the car puts out SO MUCH effective torque it is amazing. I was spinning my outside wheel on hard right turns when I was locking the rear end back up. The traction control light is just freaking out all over the place with all the extra torque.

Quality, quality work. Should be a blast at the track.

[Blackcross]

Someone earlier was looking for a way to calculate speeds and RPMs with different gearing ratios.

I've attached an excel spreadsheet that I used a number of years ago for my e36 race car and mod'd e46 M3. It shouldn't have any macros (or viruses) but buyer beware as usual. And if you do detect anything, please let me know. Originally created by dbratten.

Speeds are in mph.

To use, change the wheel diameter and possibly the gear ratios.

Then just drop in different final drive ratios. For example, the chart currently shows 62 mph at 2000 rpm with a 3.08 final drive. Change that to 3.64 and you would then have 64 mph at 2750 rpm.

[Anderw]

wow glad everything worked out, sounds like you're loving the diff. Its definitely on my todo list

[2fast4utoo!]

Is the price for this is without a core? Do you keep your factory differential?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by 2fast4utoo!

Is the price for this is without a core? Do you keep your factory differential?

There is a core deposit. You send your core back to him

[Kgolf31]

Dan is an awesome guy. Glad to hear everything worked out.

I run a custom 3-clutch from Dan in my car. Absolutely love it

[evanescent03]

good feedback - looking forward to hearing track reviews! had you tracked it before the LSD?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by evanescent03

good feedback - looking forward to hearing track reviews! had you tracked it before the LSD?

I did. 12 days. It does okay without an LSD -- the eLSD is adequate. However, with as much torque as the M235i produces, it can get a little harry in the rear on corners without an LSD.

In the end, if you are on a budget, you don't need it. You're better off with proper wheels, tires, suspension, brake upgrades, etc. But, if you can afford it, I'd recommend. Makes a big, big difference.

[evanescent03]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

I did. 12 days. It does okay without an LSD -- the eLSD is adequate. However, with as much torque as the M235i produces, it can get a little harry in the rear on corners without an LSD.

In the end, if you are on a budget, you don't need it. You're better off with proper wheels, tires, suspension, brake upgrades, etc. But, if you can afford it, I'd recommend. Makes a big, big difference.

beautiful .. just was I was looking for!

I think since I'll be doing it so infrequently (1-3days/year) I'll most likely just do the 228, MSport, track pack, set of pads/fluid/wheels & tires and try that .. if I end up keeping the car I'll do the LSD down the road. I drive very conservatively on public roads so LSD won't be necessary for my commute.

nice contributions, keep it up!