325ix differential interchange

[gmoritz625]

Does anyone know if a 325i rear differential will interchange with an ix? I'm hearing conflicting reports. I want to put a posi in the back of my ix because I got stuck in the snow a couple of weeks ago and damaged my tranny getting out. As far as I can tell the ix never came with a rear locker but several other 6 cyl models did. I've heard that all e30's with 6 cylinder motors have interchangable rear differentials. is this true? how difficult would it be to convert my open differential to a locker? Thanks in advance for your help, greg.

[jase007]

Greg:

See my response to your post for the info from the iX registry.

"Most" 6 cylinder E30 rear ends can be swapped but you (an iX owner) have to replace the rear AND the front differentials. This means getting optional ring and pinion sets (ratios) from europe if you can find them b/c all US iXs came with one ratio (which other E30 owners find desirable b/c it drops all gears).

You can put a quaiffe or torsion limited slip differential in there as long as you maintain the EXACT same drive ratio as the front (these are BIG $). I have not heard of someone doing this but there are people who race / modify iXs in the US. I track mine occasionally, drive it in 8+" of snow and have not thought of doing any R & P swaps or installing a LS or Locking rear / front differential. A "posi" is a limited split rear differential. A "locked" rear end is for drag cars / pure race cars and super off duty 4WD vehicles. You do not want a "locked" rear end.

I would replace the stock items, get some good snows and maintain what you have.

Jason