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BMW 188mm oem LSD swap kit into E46/E39 188k
RD3060
230,00€ - 330,00€
ZF Plated LSD Installation Kit — BMW E46 (188K Differential)
Transform your BMW E46’s driving dynamics with the RacingDiffs ZF Plated Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Installation Kit. This kit lets you install a factory ZF plated LSD core from E30 / E36 / E34 into the E46 188K differential housing—complete with crown-gear spacers tailored to your final-drive ratio.
What’s Included
- Adapter components to install a ZF plated LSD unit (from E30/E36/E34) into an E46 188K differential housing.
- Custom crown-gear spacers matched to your gear ratio (see Spacer Selection table under technical specs section).
- Step-by-step tutorial for the swap process, plus video resources on rebuilding the 188 mm ZF LSD.
Key Benefits
- Cost-effective upgrade: Fit a proven ZF plated LSD for less than most new aftermarket units—pair with our Performance Packs for track or street.
- Durability & function: We recommend refreshing the donor LSD (many are 25+ years old) before installation for peak performance. Check the Video. Parts are available on this link.
- OEM-like driving manners: Smooth, predictable lockup with excellent corner-exit traction.
Technical Specs / Installation Tips
- Diff type: BMW E46 188K.
- Donor LSD: ZF plated core from E30 / E36 / E34 (188 mm).
- Preparation: Inspect/refresh clutch packs, ramps, and bearings on the donor unit prior to install.
- Setup: After assembly, set carrier preload and backlash per BMW spec; verify gear contact pattern.
Spacer Selection (specify when ordering)
Choose spacer thickness based on your E46 final-drive ratio and the ratio range of the donor 188 mm LSD unit you’re installing:
| Final-Drive Range (your E46) | Donor 188 mm LSD: 2.65–3.07 | Donor 188 mm LSD: 3.15–4.45 |
|---|---|---|
| Low (2.37–2.87) | 7.15 mm spacer | No spacer needed |
| Mid (2.93–3.07) | 12.15 mm spacer | 5.15 mm spacer |
| High (3.15–4.45) | 19.15 mm spacer | 12.15 mm spacer |
Ordering note: At checkout, include your E46 gear ratio and the donor LSD’s ratio range so we can supply the correct spacer.
Install Tips
- Clean all mating surfaces; use medium-strength thread locker on ring-gear bolts; torque in a star pattern.
- Measure backlash at ring gear; target per factory spec after spacer selection.
- Use quality LSD oil after rebuild/bedding.
Fitment — BMW 188K Applications
This kit installs an E30/E36/E34 ZF plated LSD core into an E46 188K differential. Below is the complete 188K chassis/application list for reference.
3 Series — E46 (target kit)
- 320Cd M47N
- 320Ci M54
- 320d M47
- 320d M47N
- 320i M54
- 323Ci M52
- 323i M52
- 323i 2.4 M52
- 325Ci M54
- 325Ci M56
- 325i M54
- 328i M52
- 330Ci M54
- 330i M54
- 330xd M57
- 330xd M57N
- 330xi M54
5 Series — E39
- 520d M47
- 520i M52
- 520i M54
- 523i M52
- 523i 2.4 M52
- 525d M57
- 525i M54
- 525td M51
- 525tds M51
- 528i M52
- 530i M54
- 535i M62
7 Series — E38
- 725tds M51
- 728i M52
- 728iL M52
- 735i M62
- 735iL M62
X models — E83 (X3)
- X3 2.5i M54
- X3 3.0d M57N
- X3 3.0i M54
X models — E53 (X5)
- X5 3.0d M57
- X5 3.0d M57N
- X5 3.0i M54
- X5 4.4i M62
- X5 4.4i N62
- X5 4.6is M62
Z models — E85 / E86 (Z4)
- Z4 2.2i M54
- Z4 2.5i M54
- Z4 3.0i M54
- Z4 3.0si N52
Note: Only E46 188K uses this installation kit. Other 188K chassis are listed for fitment reference (e.g., component sourcing / cross-compatibility).
Tip: Refresh the donor ZF LSD before installation (clutch plates, ramps, bearings). Then set backlash and preload to spec for silent, long-life operation.
