Z3 2.8 rear diff cover bushing mount cracked

[Ryan1B]

Hey all,

So, I am in the process of installing the rear subframe camber and toe adjustment kit... I have everything out of the car and powder coated ... ready to start installing.

I had taken the diff cover / mount to have the bushing replaced at a local shop... well, it did not go in straight... and now the housing cracked.

Anyone happen to have a broken diff that they would sell the cover for ? there are a couple on ebay... but the bushing in one is garbage.

part number is 33111428238

I would have just gotten a new one, but it is discontinued. so, need to source a replacement. preferably with the bushing still installed and not broken.... my old bushing was cracked and needed replacement anyways. but I won't have this shop do it again if I have to replace another.

I am also considering having it repaired / welded. and tack in weld the bushing in place too. I'll likely never have to take it out / replace again anyways. garage queen and not driven hard at all.

 

[ExMX5owner]

Well you cant really tack in the bushing, due to heat. but a competent welder could certainly fix the housing.. Its sprung a bit but thats fairly easy to address. If thats your last option.. When I did mine I honed out the housing just a fraction and then used loctite 263 from memory, to make sure it didn't move.I also had to split the bush sleeve to get the old one out, It was in there tight.. .

 

[Ryan1B]

I am looking at going both routes...

repair and source a replacement. Will be checking a few local BMW parts / specialists.. and one guy on ebay has one coming in a few weeks.

so, will see what comes of it.

In the meantime, i'll be installing the trailing arm bushings, then the wheel bearings ( will probably have a shop do those. )

 

[ExMX5owner]

I am looking at going both routes...

repair and source a replacement. Will be checking a few local BMW parts / specialists.. and one guy on ebay has one coming in a few weeks.

so, will see what comes of it.

In the meantime, i'll be installing the trailing arm bushings, then the wheel bearings ( will probably have a shop do those. )

Keep the old bush, because it would help if welding it up is a last resort.. I would certainly find it useful, as both a former and a heat sink. Cast alloy does behave badly sometimes....

 

[DomiMik]

Hi Ryan,

buy a 3.0 diff cover, it's still available from BMW and costs even less than the 2.8 one.

33117507770

The bushing is slightly stiffer/harder but that can be ignored.

 

[Pingu]

If you look at the stevenage bmw website, you may discover that the casing PLUS bushing is the cheapest option.

[edit] I just noticed that you are Canada, but the principle applies. It may be cheaper to get the casing PLUS bush.

 

[Lee]

The cost of repair might outway buying a new rear casing. To get that weld to pen enough and skim back internally it will need to be machined so they might want a pretty penny. As said above look at a 2.8/3.0 diff case, I have repaired one in the past and it's still ok today so it can be done.

 

[Pingu]

If you look at the stevenage bmw website, you may discover that the casing PLUS bushing is the cheapest option.

[edit] I just noticed that you are Canada, but the principle applies. It may be cheaper to get the casing PLUS bush.

Final drive cover/trigger contact. BMW | Sytner Stevenage BMW, Stevenage Hertfordshire

BMW Final drive cover/trigger contact

www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk

UK prices, but will probably give you a relative comparison

 

[Ryan1B]

So, I found a couple options.

And one of then is the 3.46 ratio version.

What do you recommend ? stick with the 3.15 ( if I can get one ),or go for the 3.46 ?

This is not a car I will drive fast in at all, and occasional highway ( maybe one trip a year ). so, the higher RPM is not a concern for me

It gives me more options to find a used one

 

[Ryan1B]

Final drive cover/trigger contact. BMW | Sytner Stevenage BMW, Stevenage Hertfordshire

BMW Final drive cover/trigger contact

www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk

UK prices, but will probably give you a relative comparison

I've contacted several places that list the same parts list as that place. They all source from the BMW corporate parts inventory and relay. Then, when you ask about it, it is not available because BMW no longer stocks it, so they cannot get it.

Because the system just pulls from the data feed, it appears to be something you can order, but you can't the ONLY option is a used part in this case.