Experimenting with LSD

The place to talk about ALPINAs.
e.g. News, Reviews, Insurance, Warranties, Running Costs, Sightings, general questions etc.

Moderators: Charles, neil, D4

Post Reply
RufRt12
A
A
Posts: 89
Joined: Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:56 am

Experimenting with LSD

Post by RufRt12 » Sun Nov 04, 2018 10:57 pm

Okay, I admit it, it’s a click bait title but I genuinely wanted to share my thoughts on a recent modification to my 2015 F30 D3.

After a couple weeks of deliberation I decided I’d take the plunge and treat my car to a limited slip differential from trusted BMW tuners Birds in Iver.
For those that don’t know the LSD was an option on the last generation of RHD D3’s (the LHD had the option of AWD) but, at around £1800, it was one that was seldom selected. Whereas the petrol powered B3 came with it as standard I can only imagine that, for the sake of costs, it was left off its diesel brother despite pushing out over 500ftlbs of torque.
Birds will happily retrofit the part for a reasonable sum of £2000 (inc VAT) working on an exchange basis and takes around three hours to complete. Slough is literally ten mins away from the garage so plan ahead for a short shopping expedition and you’ll be fine.
Now the 3.0l biturbo D3 was hardly a slouch to begin with but after living with the conversion for almost a week I’m really surprised that it wasn’t fitted as standard because the difference is instantly noticeable.
Because the power is constantly being distributed ‘organically’ between the driven wheels the rear feels more alert and on its toes to the point where is now accelerates with a LOT more authority especially in less than ideal road conditions which’d normally trigger the dreaded traction control light.
I wouldn’t suggest the outlay if you only ever drive along motorways as that’d just be overkill but if, like me, your daily commute includes five or six miles of sweeping country lanes then I couldn’t recommend it enough as it’s given my car a whole new lease of life!!!

ade and liz flint
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 7229
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 11:33 pm
Location: Pembrokeshire

Post by ade and liz flint » Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:05 pm

Another thumbs up here for the Birds Quaife diff. Ridiculous it wasn't standard on a 400hp, 550Nm rwd car. Transformational.

Shopping, though ? :lol:
Current:
23MY Porsche Macan GTS in Papaya
23MY Cupra Born V3 77kW in Aurora

Previously loved:
ALPINA: E91 B3SBiturbo #127, E92 B3SBiturbo #285, E90 D3Biturbo #097, E85 Roadster S #168 & variety of 'beige' 4 and 6-cyl BMW lumps.
PORSCHE: Macan S, Cayman 981 S, Cayman 981 GTS

Metrics
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 2270
Joined: Fri May 29, 2015 1:33 pm
Location: Berks

Post by Metrics » Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:11 pm

Nice one RufTt12. Guessing from that you're keeping the D3 for a while longer?

Enjoy!
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet

RufRt12
A
A
Posts: 89
Joined: Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:56 am

Post by RufRt12 » Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:20 pm

Metrics wrote:Nice one RufTt12. Guessing from that you're keeping the D3 for a while longer?

Enjoy!
Yeah, i was toying with the idea of buying the unregistered blue B3s that's been ping-ponged between my local dealership in Harold Wood and Nottingham but, in the end, I thought I'd just make the most of what I've got by tarting it up and put the 'savings' towards having another Mercedes G wagon back on my drive in the new year instead as I seriously miss my old G55.

Avtar
ALPIN
ALPIN
Posts: 675
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 5:29 pm
Location: Chertsey, Surrey

Post by Avtar » Mon Nov 05, 2018 12:16 pm

I went to Birds to have it fitted to my 2015 D5 after owning the car for a couple of weeks, what a difference!
Alpina B4 Convertible 2016
Alpina B3S Saloon 2003 (Rolling Restoration)
BMW E46 330ci Convertible
Alpina B3 3.3 Coupe 2003 (SOLD)
Alpina D5 BiTurbo (SOLD)
Alpina B3 S BiTurbo (SOLD)

simon13
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 3385
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey

Post by simon13 » Mon Nov 05, 2018 10:33 pm

I've got a birds quaife on my E46 and although its "only" got 300bhp. It certainly helps and allows some excellent skidding with the traction off and light isn't activiated anywhere near as much in bad weather

Oh the days of E30 and E34s no traction just an LSD to keep you in a "straight" line
Image

Simon Rose
AL
AL
Posts: 140
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2018 2:38 am
Location: ILFORD
Contact:

LSD

Post by Simon Rose » Mon Nov 12, 2018 2:30 am

I loved reading your post re. LSD and am very excited to get one for my D3, does anyone know if it affects the warrenty?
Simon Rose Msc Bsc Hons MCOptom
Alpina F31 D3 Bi Turbo Touring #218, build 01/06/2016
Mediterranean Blue/Oyster Dakota Leather, black trim, Registered April 2018
Alpina E85 Roadster S #19 Silver /Black Leather/ Lux Registered 2004, Press launch Car.
Porsche 911 996 Targa Silver/Black leather, manual, registered 2002.
BMW f800r, Motorsport Red, white and blue, registered 2019.

RufRt12
A
A
Posts: 89
Joined: Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:56 am

Re: LSD

Post by RufRt12 » Mon Nov 12, 2018 5:45 am

Simon Rose wrote:I loved reading your post re. LSD and am very excited to get one for my D3, does anyone know if it affects the warrenty?
My car’s just outside of its warranty period so it makes no difference to me however, at the time of fitting, Kevin Bird mentioned that they’re using approved parts so, technically, the answer to your question is NO.

On a more serious note: is it really wise to have your address plastered all over the internet like that?

Gary Lott
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2015 6:34 pm

Post by Gary Lott » Mon Nov 12, 2018 1:14 pm

The assumption that fitting an aftermarket LSD and it not compromise the warranty is only partially correct. If a car is within manufacturers warranty and has a Birds or similar LSD fitted and there was a failure of a component related to the after market fitting of the LSD, then the warranty will definitely be invalidated in relation to that failure.

If however, a completely unrelated failure occurs, e.g. the Pro Media, then you would be covered, so beware is all I would say. Also, ensure that the after market suppliers carry out the necessary soft ware upgrade that allows the car to recognize that it is now fitted with LSD.

Yes, the complete one off Blue Hera B3S saloon is in the showroom, so if anyone is interested in the car, don't hesitate to contact me.

RufRt12
A
A
Posts: 89
Joined: Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:56 am

Post by RufRt12 » Mon Nov 12, 2018 3:03 pm

Gary Lott wrote:
Yes, the complete one off Blue Hera B3S saloon is in the showroom, so if anyone is interested in the car, don't hesitate to contact me.
I Gary, it’s always nice to see you take an active roll on this forum as I believe it adds an element of ‘faith’ to the brand.

With regards to LSD conversions (specifically the ones carried out by Birds BMW) is there a way that a technician would be able to tell if one had been fitted without an extensive road test?

If I was to ask really nicely would you kindly supply your demonstrator B4s to the cars at the Alpina event at my local dealership? I had recently experienced an early F30 B3 which I fear wasn’t the best kept example on the road so my initial impression of a petrol powered 3 series Alpina wasn’t a good one which is why I decided not to bother making the switch from my D3.
Obviously I wouldn’t expect you to roadtest the blue B3s without a firm commitment to buy but, like most things in life, I’m willing to change my mind and (for me) a good idea of what I’m potentially missing out on would go a long way in doing so.

ade and liz flint
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 7229
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2010 11:33 pm
Location: Pembrokeshire

Post by ade and liz flint » Mon Nov 12, 2018 5:13 pm

RufRt12 wrote:With regards to LSD conversions (specifically the ones carried out by Birds BMW) is there a way that a technician would be able to tell if one had been fitted without an extensive road test?

From a visual inspection, the Quaife LSD isn't apparent as it is fitted inside the car's original differential casing.

To see if a car has an LSD fitted, the entire rear end is lifted and a wheel turned by hand: the opposite wheel will turn if an LSD is fitted. A road test would be highly unlikely to determine if an LSD is installed unless the same car driven before and after fitting LSD on same road/conditions etc. Or if it was driven as if one's pants were on fire: not sensible on UK roads.
Current:
23MY Porsche Macan GTS in Papaya
23MY Cupra Born V3 77kW in Aurora

Previously loved:
ALPINA: E91 B3SBiturbo #127, E92 B3SBiturbo #285, E90 D3Biturbo #097, E85 Roadster S #168 & variety of 'beige' 4 and 6-cyl BMW lumps.
PORSCHE: Macan S, Cayman 981 S, Cayman 981 GTS

simon13
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 3385
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey

Post by simon13 » Mon Nov 12, 2018 9:57 pm

ade and liz flint wrote:
RufRt12 wrote:With regards to LSD conversions (specifically the ones carried out by Birds BMW) is there a way that a technician would be able to tell if one had been fitted without an extensive road test?

From a visual inspection, the Quaife LSD isn't apparent as it is fitted inside the car's original differential casing.

To see if a car has an LSD fitted, the entire rear end is lifted and a wheel turned by hand: the opposite wheel will turn if an LSD is fitted. A road test would be highly unlikely to determine if an LSD is installed unless the same car driven before and after fitting LSD on same road/conditions etc. Or if it was driven as if one's pants were on fire: not sensible on UK roads.
Also with a quaife diff fitted when the rear of the car is in the air and the wheels spun they act like an open diff when unloaded and the wheels spin in the opposite direction!
Image

Post Reply