[Calizboosted76]

Hello everyone I have a 2007 BMW 335i Auto coupe that the diff was leaking when I bought it and I didn’t realize and now it makes a clunky sound every now and then on take offs.


So I am going to be replacing it but my question is, can I use a rear diff from a different year? Let’s say a 2008 bmw 335i auto or a 2009 335xi? I know the ratio needs to be the 3.46, but does it matter about the bolted vs welded and large pumpkin housing vs small housing?


Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am having a really difficult time figuring this out.

[srey]

It needs to be the same housing size so you can mount it correctly. Bolted vs. welded doesn't matter unless you're upgrading to an LSD. In that case bolted is much cheaper. I don't know about the auto trans cars, but my 2007 6mt sedan didn't have small bolts for a flange on the driveshaft to the diff; rather it had one large nut that screws directly onto the driveshaft. Make sure your replacement diff has the same connection from the rear driveshaft to the diff.

I don't know about xi vs rwd diffs for your case.

[lookalikehuuh]

Most likely no, apparently the 2007 year may have a larger diff than later years up to a certain production date in September 2007.

Its best to match the part numbers on the actual Diffs as the smaller diffs also have different output shafts.