Diff ratios for 2.0 engine

[Pentode]

Hi,

Sorry if I am asking something that is already on the forum - I did search before I posted.

My diff has developed a strange noise. I am looking at possible options, with replacement being one.

I just want to tie down what the final drive ratio is for the diff on a 2000 2.0 6 cylinder?

From what I can find it looks like it's 3.45, but have seen mention of 3.38 being used on some later cars.

Can anyone help solve the mystery?

Many thanks for any help

Regards,

Nick

 

[Ianmc]

Regret can't advise on the ratios, but have you checked that there is sufficient oil in the diff?

 

[Pentode]

Just done that and will see how it goes. Thought it best to start looking at other options just in case things don't improve!

 

[Zephyr]

i am pretty sure the diff was 3.45 for manual and 4.44 for automatic for all years.

 

[Pentode]

I assume the physical diff design did not change between pre and post facelift models?

 

[Zephyr]

According to Realoem the 2.0 version shares the same differential with all these other models from 1996 to 2001.

looking at the data I understand that it has to be the small case one and not the bigger one used for bigger engines.
nice, as you may find a 25% Torsen lsd to fit if lucky.

 

[Pentode]

Regret can't advise on the ratios, but have you checked that there is sufficient oil in the diff?

Well, looks like the oil change has not solved the issue, so I am now on the lookout for a replacement 3.45 ratio differential.

In case you are interetsed, the issue seems to be manifesting itself as follows:

The problem has come on over the last 300 miles or so. From cold things are generally alright, but after a short distance a noise starts to eminate from the rear. I would best desdribe it as sounding like a piece of metal rubbing agaist a rotating brake disc . If you stop a move off the noise can be heard as soon a you start to move both in forward and reverse. Gererally above 40-50mph it strats to get lost in wind/road noise.

I have had it checked out by my local BMW specalist, who ran it up on a ramp and described it as sand paper rubbing on a desk. They say the noise is much quieter when standing under the rear wheels and is most prominant when standing under the diff. They don't think it is coming down the prop shaft from the prop shaft bearing.

The diff has done 88k, but there are many which have done many more miles with no problems. Am I just unlucky?

If anyone knows of a diff up for sale, I will cetainly be interetsed. I have already scanned e-bay for any possible candidates.

Regards,

Nick

 

[Mint]

Are you absolutely sure it's the diff? 'sounding like a piece of metal rubbing agaist a rotating brake disc' and 'sandpaper rubbing on a desk' sounds like handbrake shoes/mechanism to me...just a thought.

Sorry if you've already eliminated that possibility

 

[t-tony]

I'm with you Dave. It's rare to get any "dry" sounds from a failing Diff.

Tony.

 

[Andyboy]

I've just sold a really good diff as well.

3.38 and 3.45 diffs are fully interchangeable and you won't tell the difference. I'd be surprised if the diff is knackered but it can happen. It's the later stuff (E90, 1 Series etc) that wears out when the pinion bearings fail - they were ball bearings and not taper roller like the Z3, E36 etc.

With the on the ramp it would be very easy to pinpoint the noise - a long screwdriver or a mechanics stethoscope against the diff when running is the usual method.

 

[Pentode]

Thanks everyone for all the feedback.

As I said previously, the diagnosis was done by my local BMW specialist in Northampton. They have been there for many years and from speaking with people they seem to have a really good reputation. With their knowledge and experience I would like to think they would be able to give me a right first time, definitive diagnosis.

The noise does sound like something rubbing against something else and while this is possible in a diff, I agree it a bit unusual for such a component.

I think the best way forward it to gain the opinion of some other professionals just to confirm 100% it is the diff. before I take any action.

Nick