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      04-07-2009, 06:05 PM   #1
SoYank
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Dancing On Two Wheels

Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Kevin Birds operations in Ivers, Bucks to get a little bit done to my E90. I'd contacted Kevin several weeks ago about getting an LSD installed and we'd booked it in. I figured that if I'm to get this done I might as well have it done by the experts. I arrived just before 8:30 and they took it straight to the shop with an expectation of a four hour job. They actually had it finished by 11 am, including the shakedown test drive.

While the disassembly of my car commenced and I was talking with the service manager, Pinder, getting an education on how this device works, I caught sight of a black coupe driving up and recognized the number plate as that of a plain yet 'only slightly' modified E92. It was rather appropriate that Tony should show up at Birds' at that time as he had convinced me to go ahead with this mod on my car.

I've never ridden in my own car as a passenger much less while letting someone else shake the bugs out. Even as I'm driving I'm not sure how to describe the feel of the car now; can't put my finger on exactly what's different except that there is a difference. The car seems to pull away much more smoothly out of the roundabouts and bends. It's almost like the outside tyre is trying to power itself around the turn radius whereas before it didn't. Alas, the drivers around here aren't exactly permissive of letting me accelerate from the roundabouts as I'd like. I always seem to get behind someone that has a slightly wound rubber band for an engine. The acceleration in a straight line seems to be more responsive but I can't explain the reason other than maybe a subconscious expectation that that's what is supposed to happen so it must be happening. I've not recognized the left-right-left shifting Tony wrote about in his synopsis but I'm also not a heavy footed driver so don't tend to experience the breaking traction other's might. Motorway driving, most of which I've done since the installation, doesn't give much chance to demonstrate the characteristics of the LSD. At least I have five weeks to get used to any significant changes to the way the car responds before I go to Germany.

Here's a small collection of photos I took yesterday at Birds. Nothing spectacular photographically speaking. I really need to use the camera more.

Last thought. Am I supposed to get better gas mileage with this?
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2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec
SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7
European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor
Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269

Last edited by SoYank; 04-08-2009 at 03:49 PM..
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      04-07-2009, 06:11 PM   #2
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Cool Floyd, didn't know you were considering one!

Next stop the Pod I guess?
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      04-07-2009, 06:51 PM   #3
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I work only 5 mins from there I am tempted to go in but i know i will end up spending lots of money!!
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      04-07-2009, 07:32 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoYank View Post
Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Kevin Birds operations in Ivers, Bucks to get a little bit done to my E90. I'd contacted Kevin several weeks ago about getting an LSD installed and we'd booked it in. I figured that if I'm to get this done I might as well have it done by the experts. I arrived just before 8:30 and they took it straight to the shop with an expectation of a four hour job. They actually had it finished by 11 am, including the shakedown test drive.

While the disassembly of my car commenced and I was talking with the service manager, Pinder, getting an education on how this device works, I caught sight of a black coupe driving up and recognized the number plate as that of a plain yet 'slightly' modified E92. It was rather appropriate that Tony should show up at Birds' at that time as he had convinced me to go ahead with this mod on my car.

I've never ridden in my own car as a passenger much less while letting someone else shake the bugs out. Even as I'm driving I'm not sure how to describe the feel of the car now; can't put my finger on exactly what's different except that there is a difference. The car seems to pull away much more smoothly out of the roundabouts and bends. It's almost like the outside tyre is trying to power itself around the turn radius whereas before it didn't. Alas, the drivers around here aren't exactly permissive of letting me accelerate from the roundabouts as I'd like. I always seem to get behind someone that has a slightly wound rubber band for an engine. The acceleration in a straight line seems to be more responsive but I can't explain the reason other than maybe a subconscious expectation that that's what is supposed to happen so it must be happening. I've not recognized the left-right-left shifting Tony wrote about in his synopsis but I'm also not a heavy footed driver so don't tend to experience the breaking traction other's might. Motorway driving, most of which I've done since the installation, doesn't give much chance to demonstrate the characteristics of the LSD. At least I have five weeks to get used to any significant changes to the way the car responds before I go to Germany.

Here's a small collection of photos I took yesterday at Birds. Nothing spectacular photographically speaking. I really need to use the camera more.

Last thought. Am I supposed to get better gas mileage with this?
Gas mileage won't change really... glad you're liking it Floyd..! Was good to catch up with you - hope the drive back didn't take too long. See you in a few weeks!!
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      04-08-2009, 11:26 AM   #5
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Floyd, Fantastic review buddy. I know how good these diffs are. Superb mate.
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      04-08-2009, 02:29 PM   #6
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Nice write up Floyd and such efficiency with the pics etc.

You becoming a bit of a boy racer then or planning some track days?
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      04-08-2009, 03:47 PM   #7
SoYank
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None of the above. I've had a few issues with the car not doing what I was expecting it to do in the turns, bends, and twisties.
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2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec
SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7
European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor
Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
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      04-08-2009, 04:06 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoYank View Post
None of the above. I've had a few issues with the car not doing what I was expecting it to do in the turns, bends, and twisties.
And have you been noticing a big difference now? Doesn't it feel a lot more 'tactile' and responsive ?
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