[Ryan a]

anyone changed the rear end in their car?

thinking of putting in a 3.9:1 in my 335i coupe, maybe even a 4.1:1

what do yall think

[Nyulak]

Overkill for a high-torque car. If I change the rear-end ratio, I will go with a taller gear. With a 4.11, you will have to use second gear, since the wheels won't get traction in first. If you were running huge slicks with a spool, you may have a reason for going that route, but if you plan on mods similar to most, lighter wheels, PROceed, and exhaust, you will find that you will lose traction with one wheel only receiving power.

I recently had an LSD installed and find acceleration in the straights to be improved. Around curves, it's really quite phenomenal. I see no need whatsoever in going with a shorter rear-end.

[bnj]

I don't see any reason for that either. You have enough traction issues with the stock ratio. And the traction issues would just get worse making that change.

[PresaMat]

I agree with what is posted above... If anything i would want taller gears. 1st is practically useless with procede.

[ksfrogman]

Yes, I would think traction would be a problem without the LSD. However, an E46 M3 owner had switched to 4:11 gearing and his car cooks.

[PresaMat]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

Yes, I would think traction would be a problem without the LSD. However, an E46 M3 owner had switched to 4:11 gearing and his car cooks.

Yeah a M3 is a better candidate for a 4:11 its lower torque and a higher revver. In the 335 we get through first gear so quick a 4:11 would be very hard to control without slicks.

Mat

[Nyulak]

and I don't think you'd want to run slicks in the rain, because you won't be going anywhere but sideways.

[bnj]

Originally Posted by PresaMat

Yeah a M3 is a better candidate for a 4:11 its lower torque and a higher revver. In the 335 we get through first gear so quick a 4:11 would be very hard to control without slicks.

Mat

+1, 335i puts far more power to the ground than M3 from the launch up to some 4500rpm.