Rogue Engineering Performance E36 Differential Cover

How to Extend the Life from your Differential
In the infancy of Rogue Engineering, we spent 12 months developing our own extra capacity, finned differential cover for the E36 chassis.  Hundereds of covers later, we continue to offer this product to enthusiasts around the world today.

Rapid Prototype Machine

1/2 Scale Prototype

Full Size Model Test Fitting

Completed Cover

The benefit of this expanded capacity cover is to extend the life of the LSD clutch packs.  These clutch packs will overheat when driven at the limit.  Our cover helps reduce the temperature in a number of ways:

1. Increase fluid capacity from 1.5 quarts to 3 quarts.

2. Extended "fins" catch airflow to cool the cover itself, as it heats up from the increase in fluid temperature.  

What happens when you use a stock differential at the track, even at a simple driver school?  With a single 30 minute track session, a driver with average ability can increase the temperatures in a stock differential, causing the fluid to start seeping out of the vent hole.  By doubling the capacity of the amount of differential fluid, as well as adding much needed cooling fins, the differential is allowed to function properly, within the factory specified temperature parameters.

The cooling fins stick below the actual differential, allowing for additional cooling.  For increased cooling surface area, the fins are connected at the bottom, similar to the factory E39 M5 and E46 M3 differential covers.  The extended area of the differential cover extends 2.25" lower the stock cover.

How Effective Is the Cover?
During a particular BMW CCA race, one of the users of our cover noticed that his differential fluid temperatures drop more than 55ºF with the use of the cover.  By reducing this temperatures, he was able to maintain an acceptable temperature level for the remainder of the season (requiring no differential rebuilds). 

The cover comes complete with BMW factory differential mounting bushings and new Grade 12.9 Zinc plated hardware.  The temperature sensor port comes pre-tapped and comes with a plug for those who choose not to run a temperature sensor.  Below is a list of helpful parts for choosing a the correct sending unit for your application:

Vendor	Part Number	Description	Max Temp
VDO	323 423	Sending Unit, M10 x 1	300F/150C
VDO	323 090	Sending Unit, M10 x 1	400F/200C
Autometer	2265	Metric Adapter, 1/8" NPT to M10 x 1	-

Rogue Engineering Differential Cover Features:

• 100% produced in the US (casting, machining, heat treating, silicone bath)

• Factory bushings installed

• Increases fluid capacity additional 1.5 quarts (total of 3 quarts)

• Oil temp sending port tapped (plug supplied)

• Grade 12.9 Zinc Plated Hardware and factory gasket included

• Reinforcement bridge connecting the cooling fins for increased strength (like the E46 M3, E39 M5, and E60 M5 factory covers)

• Lowest point of the differential only 2.25 inches

• Reinforce walls (compared to similar covers) for increased strength

• Used by PTG on the E46 racecars

Optional fittings are available, at additional cost, for adding an feed and return lines to a remotely located cooler.

IMPORTANT NOTE!  The installation of non-factory style bushings (ie. Delrin, Aluminum, etc.) will void any warranty from Rogue Engineering!

The Rogue Engineering Performance Differential Cover is proudly manufactured and machined in the USA.

Fits all E36 6-cylinder from 1992-99, including all M3s.  Does not fit 96-99 Euro M3s. 

For E36/7 and E36/8 vehicles (Z3s), Sports Cars Plus, LLC produces a reinforcement kit that allows for the installation of an E36 twin bushing cover.  Find them at Sports Cars Plus, LLC.