Hello all,
I'm a noob and have never owned a BMW before but my father is looking at a '85 318i. The questions i have are about manual transmission noise level and differential noise on this model.
I took the car for a drive and the trans almost sounded like a straightcut race trans. It was loud all the time, the level did not change with different loads (accel/decel) which makes me think it's just loud.
I'm not sure which stock differentials are available for this car and wonder if the LSD's/Torsen's make any strange engagment sounds when they are working.
The diff did not seem to have excessive lash or make any worn out gear sounds while driving but in tight turns under throttle did make a Torsen type sound. Did they put Torsens in these?
Any light you can shine onto my concerns on the condition of this drivetrain would be appreciated.
BTW, the engine and suspension seem quite sound.