differential cover bushings available separately?

[0-60motorsports]

Visually it's clearly a different part, though perhaps for 01 cars it was different (the part was superseded in Mid 2000 and then again in 2002)

That part number comes up as the front diff bushing on the M3.....

I have been using E36 M3 bushes for the cover for years for a lot of M3s, No ones complained so far LOL.

[old///MFanatic]

Visually it's clearly a different part, though perhaps for 01 cars it was different (the part was superseded in Mid 2000 and then again in 2002)

That was the first thing I noticed too when saw the listing the E46 M3 bushings having the part number on the inside metal ring (and colored foam) . Reason why asking if anyone knows more about this part.
They also list their E46 OEM M3 bushing as “..item revised from the original foam bushes now in solid Rubber-Metal Mount”.
So can’t tell if this is a bushing made by Corteco differently or if even Corteco (maybe Febi-Bilstein) but material changed up. Or if this is actually just the E36 M3 one being marketed as OEM E46 replacement?

[old///MFanatic]

look like the e36 bushing, fwiw my 01 had those in the cover when i removed it, but unsure if they were original or not,

I thought they were E36 also. But the Corteco (who is said to be the OEM) have different markings on them (in the rubber). So wasn’t sure.
Interesting didn’t know early E46 M3 used the E36 M3 diff cover bushes.

[kaiv]

Yes, the early E46 M3s had the E36 style rubber bushings

[terra]

Visually it's clearly a different part, though perhaps for 01 cars it was different (the part was superseded in Mid 2000 and then again in 2002)

[fattycharged]

look like the e36 bushing, fwiw my 01 had those in the cover when i removed it, but unsure if they were original or not, the r&p was replaced with a 4.1 around 60k miles


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[old///MFanatic]

Anyone know anything about these?

https://www.gear-lab.co.uk/product/bmw-e46-m3-differential-o-e-rear-cover-bushes-genuine-oem/

[fattycharged]

e36 ones are softer, so a performance downgrade (probably NHV upgrade).

If you want new stock, the only option is a new cover. Other than the e36 bushings, everything you can press in in place of stock is a huge NHV penalty.

They're not, been running them a decade

[George Hill]

Do you center them or press them to be flush with the backside (the side that mounts to diff/sub)?

Flush, that way they sit firmly against the subframe mounting point. IF you centered them and then tightened I feel like eventually they would "move" towards the subframe and then make the bolts loose.

[Tbonem3]

They are not 100% the same size. Outside diameter: yes. Length: no, they are just a little shorter than stock E46.

With that said they came in Euro E36 M3s that made just slightly less power and we've been running them in a ton of cars for years with no issue.

Do you center them or press them to be flush with the backside (the side that mounts to diff/sub)?

[George Hill]

Right. I’m wondering if they didn’t change the design just so they’re not stuck with a bunch of diff covers in inventory from people just buying the bushings. You know, don’t make it too easy for people to just buy the rubber.



My guys didn’t realize the E36M bushings were a direct fit until I told them (thanks a ton to the folks here). I said “do the diff bushings”, they said “you have to buy the whole cover”, I said “no you don’t, the E36M ones are a direct fit”… “really?!”… “yes, trust me, I’m not guessing.”

maw

They are not 100% the same size. Outside diameter: yes. Length: no, they are just a little shorter than stock E46.

With that said they came in Euro E36 M3s that made just slightly less power and we've been running them in a ton of cars for years with no issue.

[Kdubski]

I have a diff cover with AKG black bushings for sale.

[maw1124]

If they carried them over, we could likely still press them in 🤣

Right. I’m wondering if they didn’t change the design just so they’re not stuck with a bunch of diff covers in inventory from people just buying the bushings. You know, don’t make it too easy for people to just buy the rubber.



My guys didn’t realize the E36M bushings were a direct fit until I told them (thanks a ton to the folks here). I said “do the diff bushings”, they said “you have to buy the whole cover”, I said “no you don’t, the E36M ones are a direct fit”… “really?!”… “yes, trust me, I’m not guessing.”

maw

[Obioban]

Interesting… I got them as a clunk riddance device because they were plug and play fit. Dayenu. I had no idea there was a difference in material. I wonder why. Most engineers would simply carry over the part.

maw

If they carried them over, we could likely still press them in 🤣

[maw1124]

At the end of the day I've had it for years and they are fine. Many other cars have installed them and are fine so I wouldn't sweat it. Go with what you feel happy with.

Like I said, mine have already been done. This isn’t an active question for me. Idle curiosity. Mine are on the car. At this point I’ve had them for years too.

maw