F30 diff compatibility? Help!

[najainitro]

Hi all

I have a high mileage UK spec F30 316d ( I know)

The diff makes a whirring noise when accelerating which has started to get louder; I suspect it’s the bearings.

As it’s high mileage I’m thinking of just replacing it with a low mileage used diff.

My diff’s part number is 33107599469 (7599469-02) which seems to be exclusive to 316d’s and some E87s. It’s a 3.23 ratio.

Anyways I can barely find any for sale at a reasonable price. There are loads of 318d/320d diffs available - they’re 3.23 ratios but the part number is different on them - 33107599475 (759975-03).

Does anyone know if the 318d diffs are compatible on the 316d?

Any knowledge or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[naturalaspiration]

I think they should fit - they are more robust than yours (188 case size vs yours 168) The big case diff comes as standard on 316d auto, and on all 316d with B47 engine regardless of the gearbox.

[najainitro]

Thanks for the reply… mines an N47 engine but I can’t see there will be that much difference to a 318d in terms of running gear etc…

[Touring442]

Be careful with diff part numbers and realoem etc.

33107599469 is indeed a small case 168 3.23 diff but the replacement part number is one digit over, 33107599470. This happens with E87 and E90 diffs as well. Put 33107599469 into Realoem and it comes up as a 318i Touring B38 diff.

The 168 diff was never great tbh and was a known problem on the E90.

You can fit a 3.23 318d or 320d diff - I sold one for 30 quid recently as they never go wrong and are worthless. You will need a pair of driveshafts and probably a propshaft as well.

Don't be tempted to fit a diff with the wrong ratio - this will confuse the ABS and engine ECU's and put the car into failsafe mode.

[Matthew-qju60]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, I have the exact same issue as the OP but by part number ends in 470, ive purchased a bigger case 475

Ive got a F30 316d Manual ED 2013

Did the OP confirm if it fitted in the end?