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      08-20-2019, 10:24 PM   #1
JaZoN_XD
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Any way to tell if M-Perf LSD is installed?

Hello all,

I've been looking at a 2014 M235i, and I have its VIN so I could check its features, but is there any way I can tell that the LSD is installed on the car? If not from the VIN, how can I tell if I go see it in person?

Thanks!
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      08-21-2019, 12:48 AM   #2
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In person inspection—look under the car. The LSD is a bulbous encased piece that mounts in the center of the rear wheel axel, in front of the gas tank/exhaust system.

I would imagine that since the LSD on the 2-series is a port install/retro fit (save M2's) any 2er with one would have it listed as a selling feature.
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      08-21-2019, 06:08 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 35mmSummicron View Post
In person inspection—look under the car. The LSD is a bulbous encased piece that mounts in the center of the rear wheel axel, in front of the gas tank/exhaust system.

I would imagine that since the LSD on the 2-series is a port install/retro fit (save M2's) any 2er with one would have it listed as a selling feature.
Thanks! I know the LSD was a retrofit option, but didn't know if there was an option code if you chose to option it at the dealer when new. My fear is that it appears the open diff and the LSD are both very similar in shape so it will be difficult to tell them apart.

https://www.pacificmotors.com/wp-con...3697161369.JPG (Open diff)

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/127...g?v=1536331208 (LSD)

The car I'm looking at is a 6mt, apparently possibly a press car (I know I know, it's probably been beaten on), but I would imagine most of the M235i press cars have the LSD installed haha

Last edited by JaZoN_XD; 08-21-2019 at 06:14 AM..
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      08-21-2019, 07:30 AM   #4
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Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has a MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..
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      08-21-2019, 08:22 AM   #5
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Does the current owner claim that it has an LSD?
If not, then it most likely does not have one.
If so, then ask for some sort of proof.
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      08-21-2019, 10:40 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has an MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..
Ah, this is cool, thanks a lot! I'm guessing there's no obvious signs other than small details like this then? Ideally, I would be able to tell by driving it, but I haven't really got another car to compare to :'(
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      08-21-2019, 11:32 AM   #7
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Lift the car so both rear wheels are air born. Turn one of them in one direction. If the other rear wheel turns in the opposite direction it is an open diff. If the other wheel stops or turns in the same direction it is a LSD.
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      08-21-2019, 12:04 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaZoN_XD View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has an MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..
Ah, this is cool, thanks a lot! I'm guessing there's no obvious signs other than small details like this then? Ideally, I would be able to tell by driving it, but I haven't really got another car to compare to :'(
No, as far as I remembered, both units where identical except of that insignia..

If had I not taken back the the old diff from the dealer, I would of thought they were trying to rip me off, based on their exterior's uncanniness to each other..
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      08-21-2019, 12:51 PM   #9
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There are also part number stickers on the outside to distinguish LSD from open diff. Might need to use a phone or camera/scope to read the numbers though. Don't recall if they are easily viewable once installed. The stickers look durable and semi-permanent so I don't think anyone would have a reason to remove them before installing. Look and you'll find one.

There likely won't be an option code for the LSD. You'll have to verify with external markings or go for a drive.
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      08-21-2019, 01:04 PM   #10
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burnout. leaves 11's, then you got one.

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      08-21-2019, 07:14 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has an MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..
^This. Fastest way to tell.
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      08-21-2019, 07:15 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by celsdogg View Post
burnout. leaves 11's, then you got one.

(jk)
The open diff in DSC Off will do a burnout too.
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      08-22-2019, 06:42 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by celsdogg View Post
burnout. leaves 11's, then you got one.

(jk)
I'm sure the dealership will be VERY happy with me leaving a one-wheel peel to inform them of my discovery of open differential installed on the car! It's a negotiation point!
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      08-22-2019, 01:11 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has a MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..


This is not accurate... both of my M performance LSD and Stock LSD have this logo...
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      08-22-2019, 01:18 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerich0 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Look for the Drexler logo on the back of the diff to verify it has a MP LSD; the stock diff doesn't have this etching..


This is not accurate... both of my M performance LSD and Stock LSD have this logo...
I observed both diffs side by side, one had the logo, one didn't..

And factually, Drexler only makes the LSD for BMW.. Why would their insignia be on a open diff unit, without a LSD..

Do you have a photo of both to back this claim? I don't have the car anymore..
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Last edited by Poochie; 08-22-2019 at 02:30 PM..
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      08-22-2019, 01:55 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaZoN_XD View Post
Ah, this is cool, thanks a lot! I'm guessing there's no obvious signs other than small details like this then? Ideally, I would be able to tell by driving it, but I haven't really got another car to compare to :'(
If you accelerate hard in the middle of a turn with the windows down in a quiet area, you might hear a "chlunk" noise when it locks up. Parking garage would be ideal for hearing this.
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      08-22-2019, 03:12 PM   #17
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Re. the part number label: Here is my original open diff unit after it was replaced by the BMW M Performance LSD ...



You'll see it has a part number label on it, which is like this



Given it was on the car 2 years before replacement, through two UK winters and ski trips to the Alps, I'm guessing the label faces upwards, as it's in fairly good condition. Hopefully, it's possible to position a mirror/mobile in the gap between the diff and the bodywork so you can read off the part number of the diff that's fitted on the car.

I'd contact your local dealer's service department and give them the VIN and ask what the part numbers would be for the standard and LSD units for your specific vehicle, as there is variation by model, year and auto/manual.

But as mentioned, I'd expect the owner to have the documentation to hand. If they've retro-fitted the LSD some time after delivery (like me) they'd probably have the original diff as well.
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Last edited by msej449; 08-22-2019 at 03:27 PM..
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      08-22-2019, 10:22 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerich0 View Post
This is not accurate... both of my M performance LSD and Stock LSD have this logo...
That is my experience also. Both had the logo. They look so identical that if the new hadn't been so shiny, and drove so differently, I would have doubted they swapped it.

In fact, about my only gripe about the expensive M-Perf LSD is that it doesn't have a nice M logo. For all that money it would be nice if it looked different. Something you could peak under the back and go "oooh, it has the LSD".

I think the only way to really be sure is to check the part # on the sticker. And yes, it's up on top and a bitch to see when it's installed.

I'm also not sure on the spin the wheel trick. I could swear the last time I had both wheels up I tried it, and they spun in the opposite direction. That behavior could be different based on the technology used in the LSD. This is a clutch based unit, so it may only kick in under spin/speed difference/load. A slow spin by hand likely won't activate the clutches and the regular diff in the middle will still do it's job.
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      08-22-2019, 10:28 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ggggbmw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerich0 View Post
This is not accurate... both of my M performance LSD and Stock LSD have this logo...
That is my experience also. Both had the logo.
That's so weird; do you have a photo of both because I honestly remember only the LSD diff had the etching.. That's why I took a photo of it, to physically distinguish both.

I verified that ZF Friedrichshafen AG supplies the front/rear differential for all BMWs, who is responsible for the final assembly of the system, both LSD or open diffs.

So if you guys are supposedly correct, the million dollar question is why there is a Drexler logo on a part they have no connection with.. :

I hate to mislead anyone with wrong information, so correct me if I'm mistaken with something verifiable that the stock diff has the same identifiable insignia in question.
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      08-24-2019, 12:36 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ggggbmw View Post
That is my experience also. Both had the logo. They look so identical that if the new hadn't been so shiny, and drove so differently, I would have doubted they swapped it.

In fact, about my only gripe about the expensive M-Perf LSD is that it doesn't have a nice M logo. For all that money it would be nice if it looked different. Something you could peak under the back and go "oooh, it has the LSD".

I think the only way to really be sure is to check the part # on the sticker. And yes, it's up on top and a bitch to see when it's installed.

I'm also not sure on the spin the wheel trick. I could swear the last time I had both wheels up I tried it, and they spun in the opposite direction. That behavior could be different based on the technology used in the LSD. This is a clutch based unit, so it may only kick in under spin/speed difference/load. A slow spin by hand likely won't activate the clutches and the regular diff in the middle will still do it's job.
The indeed look very similar. My open diff had a 2.2 marking and the LSD a 2.1 marking.

Driving the two back-to-back also revealed noticeable differences, especially going up wet hills that are part of my daily commute.

A mirror with LEDs is helpful for seeing the sticker once installed; something like the link below. A good tool to have in the kit in any case.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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      10-04-2019, 03:51 AM   #21
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I had the exactly same question and what I did was jacking up the rear of my car and do the spinning test..both spinned in the same direction, so LSD.

About the "Drexler" insignia in the LSD, the one with "2.2" is not their insignia. My LSD has it but my open diff (which I keep) has it too (with 2.2 too), I just checked it this morning.

What I could not verify is the code reference of the LSD, as it is already mounted and Im only able to see the lower part of the differential.
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      10-04-2019, 03:55 AM   #22
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Where should be the sticker? In the opendiff is in the top side, so once is mounted is impossible to see it.

There should be a yellow sticker in the rear of the LSD (the part where the 2.2 insignia is)?
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