[RJ's325ITS]

Well, after a lot of reading I decided to go with the Team MFactory helical LSD, I even drove a 335 in GA with the LSD and I thought it was worth the price.

After taking my time and carefully take the bearings races off of the old diff, since these bearings are expensive and are hard to find I wanted to make sure I could re-use them. I used my press to install the races in the new LSD pack, I thought from this point out it should be as easy as coasting down a hill……… Yeah, right!

So as soon as I assemble the unit I noticed my ring gear was binding on the pinion gear….

I check a bunch of things trying to find out what did I do wrong, I discover the ring gear was moving in the horizontal axis. Here is the video:

So I took it apart and looked into the MFactory unit it self, a simple spin on the bench test showed me what was the issue.

In short words the whole LSD pack/unit is not straight, I think when it was machine or put together, someone made a mistake. Here is the video:

I contacted MFactory at the California number, but no luck, at the beginning thru WwhatsApp I asked for technical help, then I made the video and send it to them asking again for help with no luck…

Has anyone using their LSD unit had this problem????????

Are they reasonable when it comes to exchanges???????

PS:
I’m not looking forward to remove the race bearings again……

[Ozzie335i]

Question: why didn't you buy the complete pumpkin and swap the entire differential in one shot? Not much more money, and certainly saves time and effort. Sorry that doesn't address your concern, and sounds like Monday morning quarterbacking. Just asking. I am sure Steven will take care of you.

[M-Steep]

I installed my M-Factory unit myself. I did use new bearings (roller), also provided by M-Factory. I did not have any issue like you are seeing.

When I was reinstalling the new bearings in the diff case, I did "press" them in lightly, using the same pvc coupler piece I improvised as a drift to remove them. That way I was confident they were seated squarely in the case and up against the c-clips. You might check that with your installation.

Otherwise, if your unit is bad, as indicated by that off-axis wobble, I am confident Stephen at M-Factory will work with you to make it right.

I believe them to be a solid company making generally quality products. Stephen was sometimes slow in responding to my messages, but he always got back to me eventually.

[RJ's325ITS]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

Question: why didn't you buy the complete pumpkin and swap the entire differential in one shot? Not much more money, and certainly saves time and effort. Sorry that doesn't address your concern, and sounds like Monday morning quarterbacking. Just asking. I am sure Steven will take care of you.

It was a budget thingy.... I bought a used 335 with a goal in mind. My goal included RH intake kit, 25x12x4 FMIC, charge pipes, JB4, DP, straight pipes, coilovers, 18x9.5 square setup with Michelin Pilot Super Sports, TMS solid subframe bushings, Mfactory diff bushings... so I was way over budget and I just needed the time off to install the LSD.

[RJ's325ITS]

Originally Posted by M-Steep

I installed my M-Factory unit myself. I did use new bearings (roller), also provided by M-Factory. I did not have any issue like you are seeing.

When I was reinstalling the new bearings in the diff case, I did "press" them in lightly, using the same pvc coupler piece I improvised as a drift to remove them. That way I was confident they were seated squarely in the case and up against the c-clips. You might check that with your installation.

Otherwise, if your unit is bad, as indicated by that off-axis wobble, I am confident Stephen at M-Factory will work with you to make it right.

I believe them to be a solid company making generally quality products. Stephen was sometimes slow in responding to my messages, but he always got back to me eventually.

I'll wait and see if they get back to me on WhatsApp, but since they are in Ca. and I'm flying to L.A. Sat., I can stop by to talk to them.

[MFactory]

First of all, I would like to mention that WhatsApp'ing me at 5-6am serves no purpose (I am not in the US just now), hence why I don't have the number listed anymore.

Our main point of contact is either through our support ticket system (the contact form on our website), or our main phone number: 909-592-5933

However, if the manager of the facility is not there when you called, you would have only been dealing with the sales staff whom would not be able to assist you. They would either ask you to call back later (ask for David), or to submit a support request via our website.

In terms of the issue, the only way to accurately measure the runout is with a dial gauge. If you send your LSD in, we can check it for you no problem.

[Donutz]

I've had MFactory bits on all my cars. I installed the helical LSD on my last car using a race installation kit, and like the person above, I made a diy tool to install the bearings. My last car saw regular track duty and the LSD was flawless. I always found MFactory's tech support very helpful when I had questions.

I'm not saying there's an issue with the installation, or the LSD, rather just throwing my .02 in the pot. Please come back and update the thread. I'm planning on installing this LSD in my 335i, so I'm genuinely interested in the outcome.

[MFactory]

I believe the issue might be caused by the misalignment of one of the pre-load washers. It has happened before on a handful of units (out of thousands sold), but first time I've seen it on a BMW unit.

We will happily rebuild/replace the unit under warranty

[RJ's325ITS]

Originally Posted by Donutz

I've had MFactory bits on all my cars. I installed the helical LSD on my last car using a race installation kit, and like the person above, I made a diy tool to install the bearings. My last car saw regular track duty and the LSD was flawless. I always found MFactory's tech support very helpful when I had questions.

I'm not saying there's an issue with the installation, or the LSD, rather just throwing my .02 in the pot. Please come back and update the thread. I'm planning on installing this LSD in my 335i, so I'm genuinely interested in the outcome.

I actually spoke with one their tech at the R&D dep. and he asked me to removed the ring gear set it in the case and measure w/a dial gauge the axial play. He said anything pass 0.002" would be OUT OF ROUND.

So I did, and there is about 0.020" of axial play.

Originally Posted by MFactory

First of all, I would like to mention that WhatsApp'ing me at 5-6am serves no purpose (I am not in the US just now), hence why I don't have the number listed anymore.

Our main point of contact is either through our support ticket system (the contact form on our website), or our main phone number: 909-592-5933

However, if the manager of the facility is not there when you called, you would have only been dealing with the sales staff whom would not be able to assist you. They would either ask you to call back later (ask for David), or to submit a support request via our website.

In terms of the issue, the only way to accurately measure the runout is with a dial gauge. If you send your LSD in, we can check it for you no problem.

I really don’t know how to react to the official Mfactory statement but to clear the air on a few cloudy thoughts.

1. I have not met personally the owner of the cell number I have for WhatsApp.
2. I fund the number in a public form of communication, by definition if you post a number under a business or in a public website, what do you expect?
3. I would use text because it was the informal way, sent it, wait for a reply, and the other person at the other end can decided when to answer. Why I rather text, I travel my self a lot, in and out side the U.S. so text is the easiest way to deal with the time zones.
4. The reason why I posted in all the forums is simple, because the members that review it, posted DIY, posted videos w/the LSD are in here, and since I need the car to be drivable by Sat. I figure ask the members that used it, installed it, perhaps they know a fix I ignore.

Originally Posted by MFactory

I believe the issue might be caused by the misalignment of one of the pre-load washers. It has happened before on a handful of units (out of thousands sold), but first time I've seen it on a BMW unit.

We will happily rebuild/replace the unit under warranty

Here is where I stand on the issue:

After talking to the TECH department, they said DO NOT open it, it will void the warranty.

Asked me to do a test (read my reply from above).

There is a reason why I pick this unit and not the others, the forum feedback has been good, the cars running the unit are still running around, their literature of what materials and manufacturing procedures is good, but along time ago I had a desk job, at this desk job I was director of QA, and because humans are not perfect anything we touch has an imperfection, that’s jut part of life. So for now I have a sweet/sour taste of it!

A sour taste from the quality assurance department, and since they are ISO certified and regulated I hope this return gets the SOP’s for quality assurance reviewed so it doesn’t happen to anyone else.

This brings me to the one of the strongest reason why I picked them, they backup their products with a good warranty.

Via email we agreed that I will bring the LSD unit with me to L.A. and drop it off at their Headquarters. Hopefully I’ll get the sweet taste of it soo!

Thank you,

[MFactory]

Yes, this is why we prefer customers to send the unit back to us for inspection/warranty work. If this issue was of our doing, we would reimburse shipping costs.

My apologies for the relatively negative tone in my post. As mentioned in my reply to your WhatsApp, we are very well known for our almost immediate replies to our customers, so was a little bummed when you brought up about not having any luck contacting me. Messaging me on WhatsApp is fine, but don't expect an immediate reply at 5am lol

[talhagursoy]

Nice to see this problem, I was between Mfactory and Quaife...

[Varjo]

Originally Posted by talhagursoy

Nice to see this problem, I was between Mfactory and Quaife...

I wouldn't hold this against Mfactory, it sounds like they had a rare problem that managed to sneak past QA. This happens (QA people are just people). There is no epidemic, just a single case. I'm keeping an eye on the thread, but for the moment everything looks good, Mfactory is being professional and handling the situation as they should.

[Bob20124]

Any update? Curious what was found and resolution.

[windymissile]

The guy walked into the shop and the problem was resolved within 10 mins.

WM

[Bob20124]

So... Still curious what was found. Disregard found answer, on other forum. Glad it was a simple fix.

Originally Posted by Bob20124

So... Still curious what was found. Disregard found answer, on other forum. Glad it was a simple fix.

So, in typical forum fashion, it turns out that the one crying the loudest was actually the one at fault? You don't say...

[MFactory]

Actually, this one was on us. As mentioned though, it was a simple fix

[techwhiz]

I love my M-Factory LSD. My installer had no issues.
Mine has been in for more than a year. No noise, no thumps. It just works.

[snaimpally]

Stephen lives in an other country. The California location of Mfactory is not in the "know" - I had called them about getting an LSD and they said I had to deal with Stephen.

I have had my Mfactory LSD for almost 2 years.

[RJ's325ITS]

I finally got the diff installed in the car, I took it for a quick test drive and felt confident to drive my 335 to work yesterday.

At freeway speeds the car fells like stock, no noises or any binding of any kind. On city streets the car also feels normal, any uneven road surface feels like stock.

The big difference came when I did a hard pull from 5mph roll, I could feel and see the difference. As soon as I hit the accelerator the weigh transfers to the rear tires and the car takes off, the rear of the car stays loaded all thru 2nd and part of 3rd gear, no more throttle modulation is needed due to one wheel spinning.

After driving it in the turns I could say that this LSD gave my the confidence to take the 335 to an open track day, although I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports in a good sticky street tire, I still wonder how the car will behave with a competition DOT tire on track…..

So let’s split a corner in three segments: Deceleration, turn-in to apex, track-out.

Decel: During hard braking and downshifting the rear of the car feels very stable, planted, even when I do not heal/toe downshift the rear end behaves as expected.

Turn-In, Apex: As I turn in the rear end is still predictable and planted, at Apex is still very stable even if some maintenance throttle is used.

Track-Out: Wow coming out that’s where I felt most of the difference, I was able to gradually load the rear end with the throttle all the way to WOT, the car just comes out of the corners stronger that ever before. If I think back with the stock open unit, the car felt like it was hesitating, always struggling with the inside tire, and felt like the diff was robbing the performance of the car, car felt handicapped at corner exit.

I haven’t had a chance to see how the diff will behave under “drift” conditions; I’m hoping that during harsh throttle transitions the rear end stays predictable.

[WedgePerformance]

I now have MFactory in both of my E92's. Other than a good FMIC, the MFactory LSD should be moved very close to the top of your to-do mod list.

[Socket]

Purchased a mfactory LSD as part of a GB earlier this year. After months of waiting finally had my 2008 E92 booked in for mfactory LSD install. Pretty excited given the feedback about the change to the cars handling after this mod.

Unfortunately things quickly went sour, when my diff builder called to say the LSD wouldn't fit, with a 7 mm gap between the crown and pinion gears.

Diff is confirmed as a small bolted that should take a helical MF-TRS-05E46A
He posted me pics of the OEM open diff and the mfactory LSD (below)

My only guess is LSDs in the GB got mixed up and I was delivered the wrong diff??? Ride is now in bits and I am without car until I can get this sorted

Hoping someone can help confirm if this looks like the right diff and if there is a way the diff builder can modify it to fit.... he said something about creating a block and running longer bolts, not sure if this is recommended or not.... some advice would be appreciated

UPDATE

Guys at Mfactory confirmed the LSD is a plate type for a M46 and had no hesitation in arranging a swap for the correct LSD for my E92

Amazing customer service from the MFactory team, that shows they really stand behind their products and value their customers !!

Other vendors should take a leaf out of the MFactory book, these guys set the benchmark for others to follow.. I for one are a huge fan as a result of this experience, get behind these guys they deserve it !!!

MFactory FTW