: : : After discovering the secret to removal and achieving victory in droping the old unit, I had the new 3.15 installed in a matter of minutes. Moments later, still with a large grin upon my face, I attempted to re-install the half-shafts to the new diff. and abruptly wiped away my thrill of victory - THEY DON'T FIT. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed.

: : : Finally, to my request: Has anyone out there put a 3.15 into a 540iA non-sport? If so, how did you overcome this obstacle? I vaguely remember a post with someone mentioning swapping the hubs on the diff. I think this would be a big project, as it would clearly require at least a partial, if not complete, disassembly of the diff.

: : : It appears that I will have to buy new half-shafts with CV joints. I could really use some help with some recommendations from someone who has encountered and dealt with this issue. I will call Pacific BMW tomorrow and have them compare the part #'s of all of the related components for the Sport and the non-sport.

: : : JIMMY, I know you had a 3.15 added to your non-sport, do you know what they did about this?

: : : I am embarassed to say that I should have known better. The increase in gearing will create greater stress, through the increase of actual torque, and therefore require a stronger shaft. I should have asked. I guess it is possible that two types of hubs are available on that diff and I got the wrong one. I sure am hoping!!

: : : Thanks in advance for your assistance.

: : I'll putting one in this coming weekend and your experience would help greately. I also would like to know where did you get this fancy socket to remove half shafts bolts.

: : Thank you in advance.

: : Cheers

: :
: : Stepan "The Terrible".