LSD on a D3 Sedan F30?

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German

LSD on a D3 Sedan F30?

Post by German » Sun Mar 01, 2015 12:17 pm

After a Porsche Cayman S (fantastic car but only 2 seats) and a Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (fun car for the city), I'm looking into an Alpina D3 F30.

I test drove the touring version, which is absolutely stunning, but decided to go for the D3 sedan. The reason for the D3 sedan is that it is much lighter than the touring. The car will be used mainly for daily driving and I plan to track the car very occasionally.

For those who have experience with the D3 F30 sedan, would you recommend to spec the LSD? It seems that with all the torque available the LSD would be helpful. Do yo know if on damp or wet roads it will slow down the ESP to kick in? Also do you know the weight of the Drexler LSD?

Thanks.

German

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GuyW
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Post by GuyW » Sun Mar 01, 2015 5:01 pm

Hi German,

Yes, I would spec the LSD. Several advantages:

* pulling our from a junction with lock on, you don't get scrabbling of the rear tyres or the traction light coming on
* you get considerably better life out for the rear tyres. I am on 26,000 on the original rears with 4+mm left
* it does handle better at the limit, but best not explore that on the public roads :)
* at 700Nm of torque, most manufactures fit LSD or 4 wheel drive. The new C63 is 650Nm or 700Nm and they both have LSD.

Guy
Alpina D3 BT #232 (sod 2017)
Alpina D5 BT #021 (sold 2015)
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe #087 (sold 2010)

German

Post by German » Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:01 pm

Thank you Guy this is helpful. LSD is not a cheap option to spec :D
Does anyone know how much weight it will add to the car or is this insignifica nt?

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Post by GuyW » Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:25 pm

They use a Drexler LSD which weighs about 2.6kg. Insignificant on a 1580kg car.
Alpina D3 BT #232 (sod 2017)
Alpina D5 BT #021 (sold 2015)
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe #087 (sold 2010)

German

Post by German » Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:06 pm

Thank you for the information. That is indeed insignificant. I also learned that the Drexler LSD is maintenance free for the life of the car.

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Post by B10BRW » Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:51 am

German wrote: LSD is not a cheap option to spec :D
Certainly cheaper to have a LSD on the original spec.
Didn't spec one on my B3S Bi Turbo from new :(

Enquired about a retrofit, Alpina quoted 6000 Euros plus fitting :shock:
I politely declined :lol:

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Post by simon13 » Tue Mar 03, 2015 2:55 am

They should be standard fitment really. They were until the early 90's then we had a period of no LSD's on the e46 and e39 where it wasn't an option no they're returning

I'd be ticking it, as said the ESP will be alot less intrusive as you'll always have alot more traction.

Plus you won't get stuck as easily in the snow!
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German

Post by German » Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:18 am

Thank you all for your feedback and comments.

Are there any downsides to be aware of? For example noise from the rear axles when driving?
Last edited by German on Tue Mar 03, 2015 7:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.

German

Post by German » Tue Mar 03, 2015 6:59 pm

B10BRW, 6000 Euros is indeed a steep price !!!

Did you consider aftermarket like Quaife? Seems to be a popular slip diff on this forum

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Post by B10BRW » Tue Mar 03, 2015 7:52 pm

German wrote:B10BRW, 6000 Euros is indeed a steep price !!!

Did you consider aftermarket like Quaife? Seems to be a popular slip diff on this forum
I did consider Quaife, but with the mileage I was doing, decided not to bother.

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