Changing Final Drive for E46

[CSS]

Hi,

I understand that the earlier batches of E46 318 valvetronics (N42) suffered from excessive backlash from the final drive, resulting is knocking noises from the rear. I had mine change once under warranty at 15,000km and the replacement still has excessive back lash.

A check on the electronic parts catalogue (EPC) revealed that a new final drive (33 10 7 533 148) was introduced to replace the old one (33 10 1 428 171) in Dec 2003. Meaning to say that E46 N42 produced after Dec 2003 has the new final drive unit. Although PML refuse to provide any info why there was a change, I believe that it was to address the excessive back lash problem. Although they mentioned that the new one could be physically fitted to cars that came with the old version, BMW cannot give any confirmation on whether there would be any problems arising from the switch.

I have checked that all the rear drive train component remained the same (i.e. axle carrier, drive shafts, prop shaft, carrier bushings) even the gear ratio remains the same at 38:11 = 3.45.

Question now is that, would there be any problem if I switch to the new final drive? Anyone can advise? Does anyone know the reasons behind the change in parts number? I also realised that the final drive units on E46 320s (M54) where also updated with a new part no. in Dec 2003. Could this be a case of BMW changing the OEM supplier? If yes, why don't they update the EPC to say that I can fit the new final drive?

Thanks for any advice or comments.

Regards.

 

[e46monster]

Re: Changing Final Drive for E46

dear CCS,

not sure bout e46320 with the m54. but, mine came with the m52tu block and had no probs with it since 1999 - 2005. thereafter, had to change entire rear end to match with new 6-sp manual installed. engine? no need to elaborate, lah!

if you need a recommendation where to fix? just let me know.

bst rgds.

Hi,

I understand that the earlier batches of E46 318 valvetronics (N42) suffered from excessive backlash from the final drive, resulting is knocking noises from the rear. I had mine change once under warranty at 15,000km and the replacement still has excessive back lash.

A check on the electronic parts catalogue (EPC) revealed that a new final drive (33 10 7 533 148) was introduced to replace the old one (33 10 1 428 171) in Dec 2003. Meaning to say that E46 N42 produced after Dec 2003 has the new final drive unit. Although PML refuse to provide any info why there was a change, I believe that it was to address the excessive back lash problem. Although they mentioned that the new one could be physically fitted to cars that came with the old version, BMW cannot give any confirmation on whether there would be any problems arising from the switch.

I have checked that all the rear drive train component remained the same (i.e. axle carrier, drive shafts, prop shaft, carrier bushings) even the gear ratio remains the same at 38:11 = 3.45.

Question now is that, would there be any problem if I switch to the new final drive? Anyone can advise? Does anyone know the reasons behind the change in parts number? I also realised that the final drive units on E46 320s (M54) where also updated with a new part no. in Dec 2003. Could this be a case of BMW changing the OEM supplier? If yes, why don't they update the EPC to say that I can fit the new final drive?

Thanks for any advice or comments.

Regards.