I was looking at a BMW (320?) differential today and noticed that - from the engine end of the diff - when I turn the input (propshaft) flange counterclockwise, both output (axle) flanges turn together in the forward direction, and when I turn the input flange clockwise, both output flanges turn together in the reverse direction.

Isn't that backwards from US and British differentials? I think to get their output flanges to turn forward, you turn the input flange clockwise. I know it's that way with my Triumph Spitfire differentials.

you got the diff upside down?afaik they all go in the same direction

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Originally posted by theconrodkid
you got the diff upside down?afaik they all go in the same direction

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They do NOT all go in the same direction, so nobody has been silly here, although BMW do go in the "normal" direction. Honda however, have engines which run in the reverse direction to anybody else's, so their diff's are the opposite way around!!

according to my book of words the mounting lug on the side goes to the left side of the car,so looks like you had it upside down

i was going to say, the writing could well be on the bottom cos that where it will be visible when mounted!

Yep, I've been storing it upside down since I got it (it was abandoned by a former tenant who skipped without paying the back rent).

Found the vent, what I thought was a fill plug turned out to be a drain plug, even found the ring tooth and pinion tooth numbers stamped in the side . . . .

When right side up (vent on top, numbers down), it turns the same way as other differentials.

Live and learn.