[Rowie01]

I'm wondering how best to get a LSD for my '16 m235i vert. Sounds like there are better options than the factory product. Not sure which is best path for value and performance. I welcome any helpful advice!

[WolfGTI]

www.diffsonline.com

Knowledgeable and great service.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Rowie01

I'm wondering how best to get a LSD for my '16 m235i vert. Sounds like there are better options than the factory product. Not sure which is best path for value and performance. I welcome any helpful advice!

The M Performance LSD is a very high quality piece made by Drexler for BMW. Drexler is one of the best LSD builders in the business for both higher end OEM and racing. The M Performance LSD is a clutch-based LSD setup with ideal lock-up for street and the typical track usage. IMO, clutch-based is best LSD setup for a daily driver with some track use.

Like Wolf GTI pointed out, diffsonline.com is great too and they can give you all sorts of options of LSDs plus optional gear ratios. Keep in mind that if you have an automatic, you will likely need to stay with the stock gear ratio or else the car may not shift right, throw codes, or both.

In terms of cost, buying the M Performance LSD or something custom from diffsonline.com will be a wash. Most people spend MORE going with something from diffsonline.com. In the end, you'll likely spend $2500-3000 all in and installed, regardless of the LSD you go with.

As I've said so many times on this forum, an LSD is a MUST for this car. It transforms it. With an open LSD and extra power, the rear end is a bit of a mess in comparison.

[flypenfly]

Might be worth considering: http://www.teammfactory.com/catalog/.../MF-TRS-05E46A

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by flypenfly

Might be worth considering: http://www.teammfactory.com/catalog/.../MF-TRS-05E46A

Buying that would require installation of the LSD into the pumpkin. That's something best left to a drivetrain professional plus you'll need new bearings and a number of other supporting parts to assist with installing the LSD assembly. It is definitely not a plug and play mod like the M Performance LSD or ordering something from diffsonline.com.

[WolfGTI]

To add to XutvJet's post - you would need to drill out the welded crown gear from the factory diff as it is no longer bolted on, then machine and drill the gear to bolt to the LSD. When you are installing the actually LSD into the differential housing you also to get the pre load correct or it will whine and you will get driveline lash when you hit the gas.

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Buying that would require installation of the LSD into the pumpkin. That's something best left to a drivetrain professional plus you'll need new bearings and a number of other supporting parts to assist with installing the LSD assembly. It is definitely not a plug and play mod like the M Performance LSD or ordering something from diffsonline.com.

[Rowie01]

Originally Posted by WolfGTI

To add to XutvJet's post - you would need to drill out the welded crown gear from the factory diff as it is no longer bolted on, then machine and drill the gear to bolt to the LSD. When you are installing the actually LSD into the differential housing you also to get the pre load correct or it will whine and you will get driveline lash when you hit the gas.

Thanks for the comments. Sounds like I need to get myself an M LSD - I notice they're about $1000 lower price than a Quaife etc.

[WolfGTI]

Watch for Black Friday specials - some of the vendors here run specials on diffs.

Originally Posted by Rowie01

Thanks for the comments. Sounds like I need to get myself an M LSD - I notice they're about $1000 lower price than a Quaife etc.

[Rowie01]

Originally Posted by WolfGTI

Watch for Black Friday specials - some of the vendors here run specials on diffs.

Thanks! I'll be watching for some deals.