Newbie Question from New Owner - LSD on stock 525i manual?

[repenttokyo]

Hi everyone,

I just purchased a 1991 525i 5 speed, Calypso Red. I love the car and I am second owner. Luckily, the original owner was a maintenance freak! I used this board a lot to research the e34 before I made my decision, so for that I thank you.

I performed a search, but I couldn't find an answer to my question: Does my car come with an LSD stock? And what is the rear gear ratio of my car?

Thanks!

[Fetch]

I know this post won't be too helpful, sorry lol, but here's what I've got for you & a bump:
See if you can see a tag on the diff, I know I'm not being very helpful, but there is a 'different' tag for LSD...

or, Jack both rear tires off the ground, spin one tire by hand, if the other tire spins in the opposite direction, you don't have LSD. If the tires spin the same direction, you do have LSD.

[steve0suprem0]

99.9% sure no 525 had LSD

[repenttokyo]

fair enough, thanks guys.

[colo525i]

My 92 525 has the LSD, the lift one wheel up definitely works, just block the front wheels so the car doesn't go rolling away. Don't know what the standard diff looks like, but i do know LSD was a pricey option as listed on the window sticker.

[repenttokyo]

is there any way to decode from the vin number whether it was selected as an option or not?

[Fetch]

No, but you can play with this if you'd like:

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

[colo525i]

Don't think so, even with my VIN into real oem, it lists both the LSD and the standard diff. From looking at the diagrams the housings don't look different either. I am pretty sure it was not a common option. Another (more fun) test is to put one wheel on pavement, one on dirt, and then let loose with the throttle. If it just spins, no LSD, if it tire on the pavement grabs traction and goes, you have an LSD

[Fetch]

Another (more fun) test is to put one wheel on pavement, one on dirt, and then let loose with the throttle. If it just spins, no LSD, if it tire on the pavement grabs traction and goes, you have an LSD

haha, I forgot about that test, and it is more fun!, just make sure your ASC is off if you've got it

[fujioko]

I also have LSD on my 92 525i. It appears the origional owner optioned the car with all the right stuff. Black with black leather, 5 speed, LSD and heated seats.