diff removal - advised step by step guide - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

hoyleyboyley · 16th January 2007, 13:07

i need to remove the LSD from the 750 i bought.

have had a quick look underneath and loosened off a few bolts that look like the hold it to the car.

obv. need to do d/shafts and prop too.

i assume we'll need to disconnect the diff from prop & driveshafts then drop the whole unit off the car?

any tips tricks to getting it off with ease?

cheers

Scott

IvanDias · 16th January 2007, 18:29

From my memories of doing it with the 535i

Remember to unplug speed sensor. Otherwise it will rip off when diff dropped.
Put car in gear and handbrake on, should allow you to undo prop bolts.
Handbrake should hold driveshafts so they undo ok.

Diff usually held in by three bolts, make sure you have a jack with a towel on it to support, protect and lower the diff. Far easier with a jack than holding it!

It really helps to have two people around.

Make sure the car is supported really well, you seriously don't want to have to explain to St Peter how your plan involving two jacks and no supports went pear-shaped!!

Ideally, a two or four post lift or a pit is nice. Beware this means someone has to "catch" the diff, it is heavy, I'd guess 50kg+ easily!!

Regards

Ivan

SpecRaceM5 · 16th January 2007, 19:16

Don't know if it is the same as the e30, but I just did one on my 325i and it went like this:

Unbolt driveshaft from imput shaft on diff.
Unbolt half shafts from output shafts on diff.
Unbolt rear diff mount (the bolt that goes thru the big circular bushing (leave bolt in place though to support diff.
Unbolt top 2 bolts (highest ones on the diff, further back then the other 2 lower ones.
Support front of diff.
Remove front 2 bolts from top of diff.
Remove rear mount bolt and drop the diff.

The top 4 bolts were a ***** to get to for me. Deffinitely helps with a friend. A good friend that doesn't get offended when you get pissy because the diff bolts won't come off.