BMW Limited-Slip Differential Guide

A limited-slip differential keeps the two rear wheels from spinning at very different speeds. BMW used several kinds over the years: viscous and 25% lock final drives on older cars, a disc-type unit on cars with option 209, the variable M differential lock of the E46 M3, controlled locks on newer M cars, and M Performance units sold for the F2x, F3x and F3x-based 4 Series. This page says which cars BMW's own data ties to each kind.

Part of the BMW differential guide. To look up a particular car, use the E-series lookup or the F and G series lookup.

It does not say whether a particular car has one. Option lists vary by car, so a VIN check with a BMW dealer is the only proof.

Quick read

• Which cars: BMW documents a lock for the E36 M3 (S50), E39 M5, E46 M3, E60 M5, E63 and E64 M6, E82 1 Series M, Z4 M, Z3 M (S54), E9x M3 and the F06, F10, F12 and F13 M cars, and ties option 209 to the E36 and Z3.
• Oil: MSP/A for the disc-type and most M units, SAF-XJ for the E9x M3 and the E82 1 Series M Coupe.
• Types: viscous, 25% lock, disc-type with option 209, variable M differential lock, controlled lock, M Performance and M Sport differential.
• Cost to own: not established; no BMW document found gives a repair cost.
• Main watch item: grinding noise when cornering on the M models, which BMW's bulletin 33 01 02 (850) ties to the lock pad layers and fixes with special oil.

Limited-Slip Differentials At a Glance

Kinds of Limited-Slip Differential

Cars With Limited-Slip Parts in the Parts Catalog

The rows below are the models for which the parts catalog lists a limited-slip final drive, unit or differential. They show what exists for the model, not what a given car was built with.

M Performance Limited-Slip Differentials

Service Parts at a Glance

Known Failure Points and Service Items

01 Grinding noise when cornering, M models

BMW bulletin 33 01 02 (850) names grinding at low speed turns on the E46 M3 to 12/2003, the E85 and E86 M cars to 08/2008 and the E90, E92, E93 M3, E60 M5 and E63, E64 M6 from the start of production.

Watch for grinding or chatter at junctions and parking, which BMW attributes to slip-stick between the pad and steel disc of the lock.

02 Wrong oil in the lock

BMW's bulletin 33 02 95 (007) says MSP oil must not be used in the Z3 Roadster with a limited-slip differential and MSP/A is mandatory.

Watch for creaking noises when driving after a wrong fill.

Common Questions

Which BMWs have a limited-slip differential?

BMW's documents name a differential lock for the E36 M3 (S50), E39 M5, E46 M3, E60 M5, E63 and E64 M6, E82 1 Series M, Z4 M, Z3 M (S54), E9x M3 and the F06, F10, F12 and F13 M cars, option 209 covers the E36 and Z3, and the parts catalog lists an M Performance unit for several F2x and F3x cars.

What oil does a BMW limited-slip differential take?

MSP/A for most, and SAF-XJ for the E9x M3 and E82 1 Series M Coupe.

Is the E46 M3 differential limited slip?

Yes, BMW's table lists the E46 M3 S54 with a 210N unit with variable M differential lock.

What is the Active M Differential?

BMW's press office describes it as an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential that varies locking between 0 and 100 percent.

Sources

• BMW parts catalog data to December 2019.
• BMW service information 33 01 96 (149), 33 01 98 (327), 33 02 95 (007), 33 01 02 (850), and the BMW final drive assignment tables.
• BMW press release, Introducing The All-New 5th Generation BMW M5, June 22, 2011, press.bmwgroup.com.