Looking for a diff(erential)

[HoustonRunner]

So I'm close to finally pulling the trigger on a new diff for the E28. The driveline whine is bugging me enough, I'd prefer an LS unit, and I'd like a bit more "go" off the line. Current diff is a non-limited slip 3.25. It also may be leaking a drop every week or so.

Luckily BMW used that same diff for a long time in a number of cars, all the way through the Z3 (6 cyl). I'm still looking at $600-800, unless I can find one locally. (Turns out shipping a heavy hunk of metal isn't cheap.) I'd like to get something in the 3.64 to 3.73 range, 3.91 is probably ok (I don't do much highway driving), but I don't think 3.46 would be enough to feel much of a difference.

Also, after seeing listings for shims when I search for diffs on ebay, I did some investigation and realized my driveline noise may be due to incorrect lash settings on the diff. I guess being off by even a mm can cause the type of driveline whine I've been hearing.

I know we have a couple of current and former E28 owners in the oppo-verse - any chance one of you has a line on a diff that would work before I scour ebay?

(Just now looking at this picture, and probably could use a new diff mount as well.)

[Bandit]

@houstonrunner Have you tried car-part.com? It's a website that just shows you parts that junkyards have available. I've found the prices to usually be 3-4x less than if you were trying to by another used part off ebay

[HoustonRunner]

@bandit said in Looking for a diff(erential):

@houstonrunner Have you tried car-part.com? It's a website that just shows you parts that junkyards have available. I've found the prices to usually be 3-4x less than if you were trying to by another used part off ebay

I have not, but will now for the next 15 minutes at least...thanks.

[HoustonRunner]

@Bandit Well, that was quick. No locking diffs from my search. Thanks for the tip though, will come in handy at some point.

[Bandit]

@houstonrunner said in Looking for a diff(erential):

@bandit said in Looking for a diff(erential):

@houstonrunner Have you tried car-part.com? It's a website that just shows you parts that junkyards have available. I've found the prices to usually be 3-4x less than if you were trying to by another used part off ebay

I have not, but will now for the next 15 minutes at least...thanks.

It has that awfuly 90s UX design and the search features are kind of clunky so you may need to try searching for known interchangeable vehicles until you find what you need

[HoustonRunner]

@bandit Gotcha, don't expect it to be "smart" in any way, shape, or form.

[HoustonRunner]

@Bandit Aha, that may be the ticket, seems to be one in Austin for $450...

[onlytwowheels]

@houstonrunner

Also try:

https://www.hollanderparts.com/