2.5i 2007 Diff compatibility

[True-Blue]

Good afternoon all,

I recently picked up my 8th Z4, a cheap 2007 2.5i N52 with a Diff in need of replacement, among other things.

is anyone able to confirm if Diff’s from other versions of the E85/86 are ‘bolt in’ - I do understand the the implications of different ratios, but I’m struggling to determine if, for example, the diff from the 2.0 4 pot will fit, or from the previous M54 engined E85?

Does anyone know with certainty?

my own car is a DSB 30i E89, but I’m trying to resurrect this E85 for my Mrs to enjoy during the summer.

many thanks in advance for any input.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Go to www.RealOEM.com Put the last 7 digits of your VIN into the search tool. Bookmark the results page. Browse for part numbers for your diff. Click on the part number and you'll see what other cars use the same diff.

 

[True-Blue]

Go to www.RealOEM.com Put the last 7 digits of your VIN into the search tool. Bookmark the results page. Browse for part numbers for your diff. Click on the part number and you'll see what other cars use the same diff.

That’s helpful, thanks. I’m familiar with realOEM, but didn’t realise clicking on the Vehicle bit would bring up other vehicles the part is fitted to. Sadly, in this case, it seems it’s only the 2.0 & 2.5i

I had read elsewhere that Diff’s from X3’s and the like may fit, but this doesn’t necessarily rule this out.

 

[NZ00Z3]

When sorting out Diff compatibility, use RealOEM to check these items:

• Diff head size
• Pinon flange size (diameter)
• Pinon Flange bolts number and size
• Output shaft flange size
• Output shaft bolts number and size.

Generally, BMW has a stock diff head size based on the torque it has to transfer, then just plugs on the pinon flange and output flanges to fit the rest of the car. The output flanges are relatively easy to change. The pinon flange is the difficult one to change.

Work out what the diff head, pinon flange and out flanges your car has, then start searching other BMW's with the same size engine to see if there is a diff with the same size head and pinon flange. Then change the output flanges.