Do I have a limited slip differential? Z3 2.0 6 2000

[JFBimmer]

Hi, probably a silly question! Just wondering how I check if I have a limited slip differential?

I’ve seen videos that say that if when both back wheels of theground and you spin one wheel, the other will spin in the same direction. I will try this later. It is probably worth noting that I have an ASC button.

it’s a 2.0 6 cylinder e36 z3 from year 2000. M52 engine.

 

[Zephyr]

Ive had the same question troubling me for quite some time.
checking my Vin in the database the car appears to have one but my wheels did not act as expected from an LSD.
the gang here informed me that it is a trorsen and it has to reach some certain friction level or something like that to work.
so one saturday morning, i got into the car, did a nice warm up, stopped at an empty street, revved up to 6.000, released the clutch with my front wheels turned slightly to the right and started a donut.
stopped, admired the two beautiful black lines on the road, and for back home a happy man.
This, I am told, is the only way to check a torsen (torque sensitive) diff.
You can check if your vin decodes an lsd here:
Just write the vin and check:

Free BMW VIN Decoder : ///M Decoder

BMW VIN decoder will check your BMW VIN and show you full vehicle specification

www.mdecoder.com

 

[JFBimmer]

Ive had the same question troubling me for quite some time.
checking my Vin in the database the car appears to have one but my wheels did not act as expected from an LSD.
the gang here informed me that it is a trorsen and it has to reach some certain friction level or something like that to work.
so one saturday morning, i got into the car, did a nice warm up, stopped at an empty street, revved up to 6.000, released the clutch with my front wheels turned slightly to the right and started a donut.
stopped, admired the two beautiful black lines on the road, and for back home a happy man.
This, I am told, is the only way to check a torsen (torque sensitive) diff.
You can check if your vin decodes an lsd here:
Just write the vin and check:

Free BMW VIN Decoder : ///M Decoder

BMW VIN decoder will check your BMW VIN and show you full vehicle specification

www.mdecoder.com

So the fact that there were two beautiful black lines indicates both wheels were spinning equally, telling you it was an LSD? Thanks for the link! Will try now!

 

[JFBimmer]

Hmm, where does it say about the diff? Can’t see it! But I did find out the engine is an m52/tu… which I have been wondering about! Thanks!

 

[Zephyr]

Should write it somewhere. Here is mine:

 

[Zephyr]

The S209 option.

 

[JFBimmer]

I have also checked parts catalogue based on vin, but it appears to offer both diff lock 25% (lsd I think I’ve understood) and non diff lock. Does that mean I could fit either? Then if it isn’t it’s an upgrade, if not it’s a replacement! Where would I get a reconditioned LSD?

 

[JFBimmer]

Should write it somewhere. Here is mine:View attachment 239059

Hmm, the graphic I got from the link doesn’t look like that. It’s black! And doesn’t have all those listed. Some yes but not all!

 

[JFBimmer]

Maybe it’s not listed because it isn’t fitted. Which might make sense as it has the ASC button! In which case it’s a normal diff. Better not fit an LSD if ASC is installed!

 

[Zephyr]

Maybe it’s not listed because it isn’t fitted. Which might make sense as it has the ASC button! In which case it’s a normal diff. Better not fit an LSD if ASC is installed!

You are correct. My list is the official one from BMW.
the link I gave you is also as good.
if it is not listed then it isnt fitted.

 

[Zephyr]

I have also checked parts catalogue based on vin, but it appears to offer both diff lock 25% (lsd I think I’ve understood) and non diff lock. Does that mean I could fit either? Then if it isn’t it’s an upgrade, if not it’s a replacement! Where would I get a reconditioned LSD?

Yes. You can fin anything. The 25% is a mild one. Better for everyday imho.
to find one just ask here in the forum. I am sure someone will come up with something.

 

[Stevo7682]

The asc button is nothing to do with the diff fitted .
I have 3 Z3's all 3 have asc but only the 2.8 has a lsd.
Like has been said above if you use a vin decoder it should show the standard and options fitted tou your zed
As you have already mentioned its a m52 tu you have I would be surprised if it doesn't have an lsd fitted.
Stephen.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

The 2.0l usually came with a bog standard factory fitted diff, unless it was an optional extra specified at build.

 

[Zephyr]

The 2.0l usually came with a bog standard factory fitted diff, unless it was an optional extra specified at build.

Correct.
from what I am told 1.9 and 2.0 had a limited slip only with the option S719 (SE) and this was the only way to have an lsd in Europe.

and i quote
“The Sport Edition (SE) featured bigger and sportier 17-inch wheels, a slightly different front bumper, slightly lower springs with the standard shocks, brushed aluminium trim, a 3-color stitched M steering wheel, 25% locking differential and an illuminated M gear lever.

All Sport Edition models came with sport seats, usually found with bi-colour leather and some came with the rarer “chameleon leather” option . No M package existed as an option for the Z3, so the SE is considered a rare package.

In total 2.356 SE cars were built”
I am not sure about the last paragraph (M package) but it generally feels like the correct info.

 

[JFBimmer]

I’m pretty sure mine isn’t an m, but it does have an m on the steering wheel and bicolour blue and black seats. Not sure if they’d be considered bucket seats. But the lsd definitely not listed on the info page.

i guess I just need todiagnose the clunk now! And work out whether the map cooling code is the thermostat itself or the wiring. Inpa read out says something is shorting to ground. New battery seems to have rectified the csp sensor immediately!

 

[Stevo7682]

@JFBimmer if you have done the vin check and it does not show option 209 for the 25% diff lock then you won't have it .
Like I said earlier also don't take asc and the diff together they are 2 separate systems.
This is the vin decode from mine as you can see has option 209 diff

And this is my dash you will see I also have asc

Stephen.

 

[motco]

Mine has DSC and a Torsen diff. 2.2i Sport

 

[SV8Predator]

What is this when I decoded?

S818​

Battery Master Switch​

Although it also says my car is an LHD!

 

[Zephyr]

What is this when I decoded?

S818​

Battery Master Switch​

Although it also says my car is an LHD!

Those switches were installed at BMW factory before shipping vehicles over sea, to safe battery life due to long travel.

When car arrives, dealer removes the switch and sell car without it.

 

[Zephyr]

What is this when I decoded?

S818​

Battery Master Switch​

Although it also says my car is an LHD!

what national version does it say?