Bimster530i

Installed last week and still in the 1,000 mi. break-in period, but I can already say if anyone's looking for a great performance/handling upgrade this is it. The gear ratio change increases wheel torque by 18% (~40 ft-lb on my '04 530i manual) and the limited slip differential noticeably improves both performance and handling. Loads of extra torque and reduced wheel slip = greater acceleration in all conditions.

My concerns: increased differential noise, wheel skip on cornering, added understeer, too much shifting, high revs in 6th gear on expressway . Actual performance: very quiet, smooth on corners, no change/small improvement in steering, slightly quicker shifting on acceleration - less when cruising, 2750 rpm at 75 mph.

Details: Salisbury type LSD configured with light preload and 45/45 ramps as suggested by Jim Blanton/Performance Gearing for mostly street use. Recommended lube change at 1,000 mi. and yearly.

Bottom line: Recommended for a cost effective and low risk choice for significantly improving performance without engine modifications or trading to a different vehicle.

west

Thanks for the feedback and welcome to the forum.

I sort of wish I would have adjusted my gear ratio when we installed the LSD, but at roughly $1000 each time the kernel needs to be yanked from the diff I can wait another year or so before opening it back up.

How high exactly do you rev at when on the expressway?..and how fast are you going on the expressway? Just curious.

Bimster530i

It's running about 2000rpm at 55 mph and 3000rpm at 80 mph (in 6th). The engine is still smooth and quiet at those speeds so it doesn't make a difference to me. Still don't have a read on changes in fuel economy. Did you see any changes in gas consumption on your's with the LSD?

[On a weight-adjusted basis my 530i's acceleration should now be similar to a 535Xi so I think I can tolerate a little drop in fuel economy if there is one.]

west

I haven't observed any changes in gas consumption with my LSD- no, but then again I would really only notice it if it changed significantly. I don't look at the average mpg on my BMW all that often.

cleung

was this the quaffe LSD that you got?

Bimster530i

Thanks. I'll post an update when I have some numbers. I did a ratio-only swap on my Z4 (3.07 => 3.64) and only noticed a change in fuel consumption with 65+mph expressway driving (about 2 mpg worse). No experience with LSDs. Now I wish I'd done both on the Z4.

Bimster530i

No. It was Performance Gearing...(clutch type). I liked the idea of having a preload on the clutch pack because I use the car all winter in ice and snow and want permanent two wheel drive for acceleration and engine braking. Just my preference.