I would like to start this review by declaring that I have no affiliation with any of the mentioned companies.
I have been researching for an economical solution to add an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on my car; E46 320CI with s/s. My requirements would be a plug and play solution without case modifications (thus eliminating clutch-based units) at a reasonable price tag. Car being 13 years old, I did not want to spend a large amount of money. The popular options that I found was the Quaife (established brand, widely used) and Wavetrac (newer brand in the BMW E46 field, higher tech, unique features), with similar price tags; (750 GBP and 1200 USD respectively).
Relatively recently, I stumbled across the LSD unit from Mfactory. I went on their website and checked in their wide model based if there is a unit suitable for my application/vehicle (mine is 3.38 final drive ratio, 188K case). I was a bit skeptical at first due to the fact that the LSD is manufactured in Taiwan (vs UK / USA for the other 2), but after reading a lot of reviews from both BMW and JDM world, I decided to proceed purchasing it. The cost was lower than the competition as well which is a big plus and also the lifetime transferable warranty.
Specs – Straight from their website:
Click here
Before purchasing I communicated with the company to make sure I get the correct model and I received prompt replies via e-mail and later on through the PM system on E46Fanatics. I received the unit within 1 week of ordering via EMS Express mail.
Extremely well-packaged without any damage even on the carton.
Opening the package revealed the LS unit wrapped in nylon with oil (guess for preservation). The unit construction appears solid, without any blemishes, machining remains, or rough edges or whatever. If it was presented as a BMW part, I would not be able to tell the difference. The unit is also quite heavier than the original factory one.
Here are some pictures from the unpacking:
As with any installation of such nature, I made sure to purchase from dealership some necessary items:
Halfshaft oil-seals, gasket maker silicone, new bolts, Motul differential oil (1200ml).
FYI, for the E46, BMW does not list individual parts, but they rather sell you a complete differential unit. The bolt part number is from an E36 328 Coupe MY1999. No part numbers are listed as there are variations across models.
I decided not to purchase bearings or any other parts (i.e. shims) unless needed, as I didn’t want to spend unnecessary money. Asking several local builders, I was told that they never had to replace bearings in the LS builds.
On the 30th I planned the installation, at a BMW specialized shop. Was happy to see a pile of reconditioned differentials there.
Some pictures from the installation:
Badly leaking from gasket area
Undoing all the bolts/nuts to allow the diff to drop
Driveshaft disconnected
Out:
Input flange with pinion nut (left it there didn’t touch it)
Prying the 2 halfshafts out and marking each side to go back to same place
Pop the oil seal out using a prybar (TIS instructions)
Wiped the area around the oil seals, removed the bearing races (again marking sides), removed diff cover (8 bolts) (7 bolts for the smaller 168K)
Open differential sitting on the bench
Output flanges with races and locking springs/shims and bearings
Inside the 3.38 188K unit:
Crown wheel out:
I have been researching for an economical solution to add an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on my car; E46 320CI with s/s. My requirements would be a plug and play solution without case modifications (thus eliminating clutch-based units) at a reasonable price tag. Car being 13 years old, I did not want to spend a large amount of money. The popular options that I found was the Quaife (established brand, widely used) and Wavetrac (newer brand in the BMW E46 field, higher tech, unique features), with similar price tags; (750 GBP and 1200 USD respectively).
Relatively recently, I stumbled across the LSD unit from Mfactory. I went on their website and checked in their wide model based if there is a unit suitable for my application/vehicle (mine is 3.38 final drive ratio, 188K case). I was a bit skeptical at first due to the fact that the LSD is manufactured in Taiwan (vs UK / USA for the other 2), but after reading a lot of reviews from both BMW and JDM world, I decided to proceed purchasing it. The cost was lower than the competition as well which is a big plus and also the lifetime transferable warranty.
Specs – Straight from their website:
Click here
Before purchasing I communicated with the company to make sure I get the correct model and I received prompt replies via e-mail and later on through the PM system on E46Fanatics. I received the unit within 1 week of ordering via EMS Express mail.
Extremely well-packaged without any damage even on the carton.
Opening the package revealed the LS unit wrapped in nylon with oil (guess for preservation). The unit construction appears solid, without any blemishes, machining remains, or rough edges or whatever. If it was presented as a BMW part, I would not be able to tell the difference. The unit is also quite heavier than the original factory one.
Here are some pictures from the unpacking:
As with any installation of such nature, I made sure to purchase from dealership some necessary items:
Halfshaft oil-seals, gasket maker silicone, new bolts, Motul differential oil (1200ml).
FYI, for the E46, BMW does not list individual parts, but they rather sell you a complete differential unit. The bolt part number is from an E36 328 Coupe MY1999. No part numbers are listed as there are variations across models.
I decided not to purchase bearings or any other parts (i.e. shims) unless needed, as I didn’t want to spend unnecessary money. Asking several local builders, I was told that they never had to replace bearings in the LS builds.
On the 30th I planned the installation, at a BMW specialized shop. Was happy to see a pile of reconditioned differentials there.
Some pictures from the installation:
Badly leaking from gasket area
Undoing all the bolts/nuts to allow the diff to drop
Driveshaft disconnected
Out:
Input flange with pinion nut (left it there didn’t touch it)
Prying the 2 halfshafts out and marking each side to go back to same place
Pop the oil seal out using a prybar (TIS instructions)
Wiped the area around the oil seals, removed the bearing races (again marking sides), removed diff cover (8 bolts) (7 bolts for the smaller 168K)
Open differential sitting on the bench
Output flanges with races and locking springs/shims and bearings
Inside the 3.38 188K unit:
Crown wheel out:
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