Project Cologne: Upgrading Rear End & Limited Slip Differential | M539 Restorations

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- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this riveting episode from the M539 Restorations channel, the team unleashes their automotive prowess on Project Cologne, a race car in the making. With the engine already swapped and a few laps around the Nurburgring under their belt, it's time to tackle the suspension and chassis. And what better way to do that than by overhauling and swapping in a complete E46 M3 rear end? But wait, there's more! They also get their hands on an M3 limited slip differential, subframe, drive shafts, prop shaft, and beefier sway bar and brakes, all for a fraction of the cost. It's a win-win situation!
But as any restoration project goes, challenges arise. Stubborn calipers and a torn boot put their skills to the test, but the team is undeterred. They refurbish the calipers and fix the boot issue with new clamps. However, the real battle begins when it's time to remove the subframe. A bent subframe threatens to derail their progress, but they quickly send out a distress signal to a friend who promises to straighten it out and reinforce it with a handy plate. Crisis averted!
Now, onto the pièce de résistance - the M variable visol loock differential. This complex piece of machinery is a speed-sensing limited slip differential that uses friction plates and a combination of a viscous coupling unit and LS clutchback. It's a mouthful, but it promises a 0 to 100% lock, making it perfect for fun and daily driving. However, on the track, its speed-sensing nature leads to a slight delay before it locks up, which can be felt when you step on the throttle. But fear not, our heroes have a solution! They disassemble the differential, upgrade it with a racing diff kit, and install a preload shim to ensure predictable lockup and eliminate that pesky delay.
With the differential upgraded and the subframe reinforced, it's time to strip the interior and prepare for further modifications. The team removes the seats, carpet, and sound insulation, discovering a rust spot that needs immediate attention. But they remain undeterred, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment of Project Cologne, where Martin from Miran Cages will work his welding magic and take this race car to the next level!

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Fixing & Reinforcing Factory Weak Points - BMW E46 330i - Project Cologne: PT13 on Youtube
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