amesser325

If I recall correctly, you stuck with a non-M 2WD ABS pump, right? Looking back through my trace files from when I converted my car, it seems once I removed the AWD stuff from the VO and updated the software/VIN in the DSC module to stock [from V63.0 files] I deactivated Hill Descent Control in the DSC (HILLDESC_DXC_8_0C) and KOMBI (DSC_ALLRAD_CC_WAHL, HDC_VERBAUT) modules. I also changed the 'driven wheels' parameter in SZL (ANTRIEBSDEFINITION) but don't recall that having an impact. This removed the option to select in my iDrive screen. I can't recall if I had errors prior to that when driving it but I distinctly remember bleeding the brakes using the ABS service function and noting that it couldn't too messed up since that worked. I also checked the start-off assist fuctionality with success.
Keep in mind I already had a manual so I don't know if there would be anything additional with that that I didn't have to do.

Cheers,

Andy
07 530iT "EX-XIT"

ucsbwsr

I am curious, why would you want the M5 LSD if you still plan on keeping AWD? I haven't seen any concrete data confirming the exactly what the DSC looks for when recognizing slip but what I heard and what I used as a rule is to keep the rolling diameter under 1% F/R. IIRC the DSC picks up the wheel rotation from the pulse generators and then if that is over a certain threshold the transfer case actuator is engaged to offer more traction. This makes sense as you will hear some guys in the E9X community say "yo, bro I run a staggered wheel setup (>1% rolling diameter) and there are no issues." Then down the road you see all these DSC errors and worn out transfer case actuators since they are going crazy trying to keep up with perceived clip.

You never explicitly stated it but I assume you don't have errors? You run the original AWD pump? Mechanically is your car RWD with the front drivetrain removed and RWD trans installed?

Yes, I have a regular rwd DSC pump. The M5 unit has 2 additional input sensors (acceleration and yaw?) which are part of the main wiring harness so I didn't want to go barking up that tree. The wizard who is helping me with the advanced coding states the hurdle as my chassis (E61) being mismatched with the RWD configuration in the US market since it was only offered in AWD here.

535xrayindigo

ucsbwsr

It's not thread jacking if I am asking questions, that is assuming you answer them. Why even add the LSD to AWD? It isn't clear to me what you will gain or what your goal is?
I never had traction issues even at well above stock power levels. If you track the car and really want to maximize the it's handling at the limit then that's a plausible explanation but merits the question: why even bother with a 535xi as a track weapon?

535xrayindigo

pocholin

I think UCSBWSR is right, why spend money on LSD on the AWD wagon? If you want a sleeper, put money on a tune, downpipes, larger turbos, FMIC, etc. it will be money better spent. I've read of other people with all previously mentioned mods and they still don't need LSD.

535xrayindigo

ucsbwsr

Let me start by saying it's your car, your build, and you can do whatever you like.
I am a man who defaults to logic and reason so fitting the M5 LSD to an AWD E61 didn't make sense when factoring in the amount of work it is to fit the LSD and the negligible gain in grip and handling characteristics so I was curious your reasoning. FWIW the E9X cars seem to really struggle with traction where the (I assume) weight of the E6X cars helps to put it down, they are putting 17" wheels and drag radials once they get above the 500whp, maybe it's for looks?

Regarding your comment about AWD handling power, that depends on your power level but once you get above 500awhp there is some good stress on the front drivetrain, it's pretty tiny and not built to handle extreme stress. Will it fail? This primarily depends on your power level, the tune (power delivery), and how you drive the vehicle. If torque is limited at lower rpms and lower gears and you are doing rolling pulls or spirited canyon it could last the life of the car. If you are brake boosting/ dumping the clutch from every stop light then don't expect to have the same luck.

From what I gather in the N54 community the AWD cars will experience reliability issues with the drivetrain before lack of traction is an issues and expect this to be even more lopsided with the E61s due to their ~500lbs (more DT stress and more grip).

Regarding the M5 LSD it is a different system that a lot of aftermarket diffs which instantaneously lock up both wheels once slip occurs, drift super stars and track heros appreciate the instant and consistent lock these systems offer. In contrast the M5 LSD uses two clutch packs which are activated by a hydraulically filled cylinder, as one wheels slips it builds pressure in the cylinder which is applied to the opposing clutch pack, engaging the opposite wheel, the system will dance back and forth maintaining optimum grip between both wheels. For outright grip it is superior to a completely locking unit but the M5 LSD can seen sluggish and harder for a driver to predict while doing something like drifting. Personally I love the M5 LSD since my goal was hooking up on the street and it does just that and very well I might add. The big let down of the unit is aside from some extremely "enhanced" gear oil BMW sells the clutch packs can't be serviced or replaced so once they wear the system develops slop. Missed opportunity there, being able to replace the discs would be great, not only to add life but to tune the LSD.

amesser325

Correct - no errors, but I did swap out to a 2WD ABS pump/DSC module. I did the whole enchilada conversion as well, 2WD subframe, trans, etc. I have have a thread here if you are interested. Still working on the guide tho :-\ I kept the final drive as the stock 6MT AWD (3.38:1) with the future thought of moving to the sedan 3.23:1 for a bit lower engine speed at highway speeds but figured if I was going to do that I'd put in an LSD. Problem is the car is a pre-LCI 3L with 184k on it so I'm not sure the value:money ratio is there [I'm looking more for Grand Touring than rocket sled].

Same here - I tried NL71 Euro 2WD wagon in the VO but that wasn't well liked in the service tool (ISTA+, never tried to connect with INPA) - just gave me an unrecognized vehicle or some such error. I ended up going with NE73 USA 2WD sedan and that works fine with no errors and full functionality. I think that has to do with the VIN decoding (just a guess). I confirmed this a day after putting it on the ground when we got 2 inches of snow and I had to disable the DSC so I could spin wheels up a hill instead of coming to a traction controlled stop.
As I look back on my VO, however, I'm reminded there is an option for 4WD that I presume you removed early in the coding process - $203, yes?

ucsbwsr

Yes, that was one of the initial coding changes. With the advanced coding I will double check with changing the body style from wagon to sedan. My DSC module is from a 528i but from what I gather the hardware of the rwd E60s was all the same and the difference was in software/coding.

Cool to see someone going deep with drivetrain conversions, doing it "right", and documenting it; respect.

With your struts the 5mm sleeves solved your "xi strut" in "rwd spindle" issue?