Rear axel and drive shaft

[Maxmush]

My drive axle at the rear makes noise every time I release the clutch after changing gear, due probably to wear and tear and too much free play. Optimum auto checked it and says I may need to change the axle and the drive shafts on both side considering that it too has some free play. The number stamped on the rear axle is 3.64. I believe this number has something to do with the gear ratio, am I right?Someone had told me a while back that if I do decide to change the axle, I would be better off to get 4.1 rear axle, it gives the car a higher top speed. If I were to do that my question is "would I sacrifice on acceleration?". I am no motoring buff nor am I an expert on bmws. Can anyone help out on what to make on all this. Am I, perhaps, better off sticking to the axle that comes standard with my E30 1985 model.

 

[chriseunos]

im not good in explaining in how things work but i can give u simple answers. Your current axle ratio is 3.64, if u change to 4.10, u'll get excellent acceleration and suffer top end speed. If your goal is to get top end speed, get ratios such as 2.93 . However, i recommend you to get 3.73 or keep the current 3.64 as it has best of both worlds. I presume your e30 is using m20 engine, its best to keep the current ratio IMO.

Chris

 

[mizhan]

3.73 is best balance for 6 pot E30 in relatively standard tune. a modded 2.5, go for 3.64.

 

[Maxmush]

If possible I want the best of both world. Good accelaration and good top end. But I guess I can't have both so I'll go for accelaration. My E30 is stock standard M20 engine. Thanks chriseunos, mizhan. I'll be shopping for 3.73 rear axle then. Anyone got one anywhere hidden in their boot or store. If together with drive shaft kiri kanan lagi cantik.

 

[mizhan]

unfortunately, a state where you enjoy best of both worlds simply doesn't exist. what is available is 'best compromise', which is the 3.73 you are searching for if running stock m20b25 - decent out-of-the-tollplaza acceleration, and if you're brave enough, exceed 210kph. good luck bro..

 

[chriseunos]

ur best bet is 3.73 . if u want purely acceleration. Get LSD 3.91

 

[Maxmush]

3.73 it is then. 210kph at my age....hmmmm! Yep I can still do it. Provided my ride is in tip top condition. 210 is not going to happen any time soon, still lots to do. Thanks guys.

 

[mizhan]

once again, good luck to you max.. drop me a pm if you require one extra opinion. i would be more than happy to assist a fellow E30 enthusiast.

 

[schwa]

sorry tumpang thread, 3.25 is for what model? my e30 is 3.25

 

[naharnms]

Helo bro mizhan.. you are located at ttdi..?what is your ride, would love to see and exchange ideas. I am located at pj only..