[DBinOH]

As a result of some other posts on here with folks, I'm doing some research on limited slip options for my 2016 m235i 6MT convertible. I spoke with my dealership, they're quoting me about $3,500 installed. Is that a decent price? Looking on some online stores, it looks like the part is about $2,300?

Also, are there any alternatives that I should be considering? I don't really intend to track the car but I like the idea of the additional grip and responsiveness.

Thanks!

[Mboi235i]

$3500 installed doesnt seem too far off a fair price. I havent been able to find any for under $2800 these days.

[Coupsoup]

I'm working on getting a quaife installed. I'm trying to build everything myself so I'm just getting the differential but they do offer complete assemblies.

Here is a quote from the email they sent me on july 30th.

"The most popular 'plug & play' option is our Complete QUAIFE LSD with uprated bearings. This is a complete differential pre-built with Quaife LSD and all new tapered bearings for better strength/durability. This comes with a 3 year guarantee in addition to the Quaife lifetime warranty.

The price is normally GBP £1945 + £185 shipping, however we are actually about to start a special offer that reduces the LSD price by 10%, so we could offer it to you for only £1750.50 + £185 shipping.

Alternatively, if you are working with a smaller budget, we also have low mileage QUAIFE differentials (still running the original bearings), which are priced at £1545 + shipping. These differentials are thoroughly inspected and come with a 2 year guarantee.

Note that if you'd like to pay by card we would need to add a 2.8% transaction fee. You will also be charged a 2.5% U.S import tax directly by the courier (DHL) during the shipment.

Both options are in stock and shipping is 1-3 working days delivery."

These differentials are pretty novel. I dug into their process and they take low mileage open differentials, machine the ring gear off the stock differential and add bolt holes. Then they mount it to their ATB system LSD with upgraded main bearings.

Their literature says they've sold 5k diffs and haven't had to warranty a single one.

GBP is great british pounds, which is about 1.3 dollars.

[jam235i]

What's the general consensus on used oem limited-slip diffs?

[Coupsoup]

James at quaife said they source used gear sets for their builds.

quoting from our email:

"There is not much point in adding a load of cost for new ring and pinion gears as they are highly durable and it's extremely rare to see them become excessively worn. The most important parts to replace are the bearings (in particular the pinion bearings) which we actually upgrade with specially made tapered bearings too."

[Ericwd]

[QUOTE=Coupsoup;31464810]I'm working on getting a quaife installed. I'm trying to build everything myself so I'm just getting the differential but they do offer complete assemblies.

Here is a quote from the email they sent me on july 30th.


Thanks for sharing this. Have you purchased?
It is on my to-do list.

[Coupsoup]

[QUOTE=Ericwd;31613496]

Originally Posted by Coupsoup

I'm working on getting a quaife installed. I'm trying to build everything myself so I'm just getting the differential but they do offer complete assemblies.

Here is a quote from the email they sent me on july 30th.


Thanks for sharing this. Have you purchased?
It is on my to-do list.

I have not pulled the trigger yet. I'm working on the engine and suspension first. My bm3 stage 2 is way too much for the wheels/tires/diff combo i have already, so the LSD needs to happen soon. Someone here recommended I check out the Wavetrac diff so that's also on my radar now.

I've got a few projects pending already so I likely wont be getting to the diff until jan/feb next year.

[wheela]

[QUOTE=Coupsoup;31614335]

Originally Posted by Ericwd

I have not pulled the trigger yet. I'm working on the engine and suspension first. My bm3 stage 2 is way too much for the wheels/tires/diff combo i have already, so the LSD needs to happen soon. Someone here recommended I check out the Wavetrac diff so that's also on my radar now.

I've got a few projects pending already so I likely wont be getting to the diff until jan/feb next year.

I second looking into the Wavetrack option. I had one on my old eclipse. The advantage Wavetrack has over Quaife, is if one wheel completely unloads on the Quaife (goes airborne, hits loose gravel, ice, etc.) the diff will actually unlock and act like an open diff whereas the Wavetrack design will fully lock up under these conditions.

[rhop101]

For street use, or just very rare drag/AX run. Just get whatever is reasonably priced installed, because having any of the diffs > no diff. If you can find a used one great! Just make sure it’s the right spec for your car and the seller has a history for it.

If you’re just looking to make the car that little bit closer to a true M and are not a drift junkie. M-Performance diff is perfect for that. It’s quiet on the street and actually makes sport+ a much more usable driving mode.

$3500 I think is fair for a dealer price. I bought mine online and got it installed at an Indie shop in NYC for $2900 all in. $2100 online diff cost (including shipping) with no core charge required.

I think you’re going to be hard pressed to get a quaife or wavetrac installed for under $3700 at an indie shop based on what I saw on diffsonline last I speced it out though unless you do a bunch of the work yourself like Coupsoup is.

My original plan last year was to save up for a wavetrac, because I was concerned about the inside rear going light or ice traction.

Once I saw that $2100 price for the M Performance unit online though. I jumped on it instead.

Quaife is good too but does best when incorporated into a wholistic package that mitigates the inside lift risk.