Vehicle Model Parameters: BMW E36
The customer, an automotive enthusiast from the United States, enjoys participating in car club track events and often engages in high-speed driving on weekends. He owns a 1998 BMW E36 328i, which has undergone some modifications. The E36 is well-regarded in car communities for its classic handling and powerful engine performance. As the customer’s driving skills improved, particularly during track days, he began to notice that the car struggled with traction, especially when accelerating out of corners or driving on wet surfaces, with the rear wheels frequently losing grip and affecting overall stability.
Challenge
The customer sought to improve the power distribution and handling of his BMW E36, particularly enhancing rear-wheel traction and control during aggressive driving. The factory open differential was proving insufficient in these situations, especially when one wheel lost traction, leading to wasted power and potential vehicle instability.
Solution
After researching various upgrade options, the customer decided to purchase our Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). This gear-based LSD automatically distributes more torque to the wheel with better traction when one wheel slips, enhancing the vehicle’s stability and control during cornering, on wet roads, and in high-speed turns.
After installing the Torsen limited-slip differential, the customer immediately noticed a significant improvement in the BMW E36’s performance. On the track, the car now accelerated out of corners more smoothly, with the rear wheels maintaining better traction, reducing the amount of wheel slip. On wet roads, the customer experienced improved handling stability, especially at high speeds, where the rear end of the vehicle felt more controlled and less prone to oversteer.
The customer was extremely satisfied with the upgrade, noting that not only did it improve track performance, but it also enhanced safety during daily driving. The limited-slip differential made the BMW E36 more balanced and predictable in a variety of driving conditions, and the customer plans to continue using LSD upgrades for future modifications to further enhance the car’s handling capabilities.
