Do you need an LSD on the 135i?

carcar123454321 · 11-14-2022, 10:07 AM

So....I had a front wheel drive car, then went to AWD Subaru Legacy GT which I suped up and tracked a little, then had to sell a few years back. I wanted something fun and picked up a Solstice GXP (a manual of course ;-) for a good deal and I live in the south now with little to no snow.

I comes with an LSD from the factory. I've found I love RWD and I love the LSD. I feel like it really gives you a level of control and where you want the rear end...I like being in control (hence why I enjoy manuals too, even if they're "slower"). I also don't like "1 wheel drive" that many front and rear wheel drive cars give with an open diff (for traction not just on dry but wet, slippery, snow and even occasional gravel).

I'd really like something that seats more than 2 people and really like the 135i (got to drive one very briefly...I must say the Solstice is more fund handling-wise than a stock 135i, but that N55 is awesome (solstice LNF tuned isn't too bad either, just way cheaper build quality all the way around)).

One of the small things holding me back is no LSD on the 135i and, being on a tight budget, not excited about dishing out $2k or whatever to get one on the 135i (I think the manuals have to be cut apart somehow and you have to send it in?).

QUESTION: How much will I miss the LSD if I get a 135i? How bad is it and how much of a drastic improvement to add one?

Thanks all!

Eyeman · 11-14-2022, 11:17 AM

135s have electronic traction control unless you turn it off. IMO you'll be fine if you are not taking your car on the track especially if your car will not be modded for more HP. As you mentioned the much bigger issue is the stock suspension.

iminhell1 · 11-14-2022, 11:51 AM

Put one in. You will not regret it. The E-LSD is pathetic and not performance orientated in the least.

ShocknAwe · 11-14-2022, 02:12 PM

Yes it is needed even at stock power levels. Really helps in rain/snow too makes the car much more well rounded. To benefit from it fully the diff needs to be locked down with a bracket and you need a nonRFT specific suspension (read, anything but stock dampers).

A simple mechanical/torsen diff is what I'd recommend for lightly modified folks, keep the eLSD to simulate a clutched diff.

carcar123454321 · 11-14-2022, 04:33 PM

Thanks all. Great input. I'll probably at least do a Stage 1 tune as far as power.

I have heard the suspension can use some work as you guys noted...a lot of people seem to change out control arms, etc. sounds like. I assume good coilovers may help. It seemed a bit soft and a lot of body roll to me when I drove one briefly. The Solstice, though much cheaper, seems much more point and shoot...I realize it's much lower and it's lighter. It's very flickable.

Grainwashed · 11-15-2022, 11:32 AM

Whether it’s needed or not depends entirely on what you’re doing with it. If it’s just a fun daily, absolutely not. I’ve had zero problems putting down 450-ish whp with an open diff. I hardly ever get any issues from tc or e-diff shenanigans. I’m putting an lsd in my car because it’s going to be seeing some serious track use this spring/summer

11-14-2022, 10:07 AM	#1
carcar123454321 Private 15 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i, Solstice GXP, Subaru Leg Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	Do you need an LSD on the 135i? So....I had a front wheel drive car, then went to AWD Subaru Legacy GT which I suped up and tracked a little, then had to sell a few years back. I wanted something fun and picked up a Solstice GXP (a manual of course ;-) for a good deal and I live in the south now with little to no snow. I comes with an LSD from the factory. I've found I love RWD and I love the LSD. I feel like it really gives you a level of control and where you want the rear end...I like being in control (hence why I enjoy manuals too, even if they're "slower"). I also don't like "1 wheel drive" that many front and rear wheel drive cars give with an open diff (for traction not just on dry but wet, slippery, snow and even occasional gravel). I'd really like something that seats more than 2 people and really like the 135i (got to drive one very briefly...I must say the Solstice is more fund handling-wise than a stock 135i, but that N55 is awesome (solstice LNF tuned isn't too bad either, just way cheaper build quality all the way around)). One of the small things holding me back is no LSD on the 135i and, being on a tight budget, not excited about dishing out $2k or whatever to get one on the 135i (I think the manuals have to be cut apart somehow and you have to send it in?). QUESTION: How much will I miss the LSD if I get a 135i? How bad is it and how much of a drastic improvement to add one? Thanks all! Last edited by carcar123454321; 08-01-2023 at 11:09 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-14-2022, 11:17 AM	#2
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	135s have electronic traction control unless you turn it off. IMO you'll be fine if you are not taking your car on the track especially if your car will not be modded for more HP. As you mentioned the much bigger issue is the stock suspension. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2022, 11:51 AM	#3
iminhell1 C2H5OH 3915 Rep 2,144 Posts Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto Join Date: May 2015 Location: Darwin, MN iTrader: (1)	Put one in. You will not regret it. The E-LSD is pathetic and not performance orientated in the least.
	Appreciate 2 JPuehl101.00 jhurstx0.00 Quote

11-14-2022, 02:12 PM	#4
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3234 Rep 7,894 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Yes it is needed even at stock power levels. Really helps in rain/snow too makes the car much more well rounded. To benefit from it fully the diff needs to be locked down with a bracket and you need a nonRFT specific suspension (read, anything but stock dampers). A simple mechanical/torsen diff is what I'd recommend for lightly modified folks, keep the eLSD to simulate a clutched diff. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
	Appreciate 2 JPuehl101.00 jhurstx0.00 Quote

11-14-2022, 04:33 PM	#5
carcar123454321 Private 15 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i, Solstice GXP, Subaru Leg Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	Thanks all. Great input. I'll probably at least do a Stage 1 tune as far as power. I have heard the suspension can use some work as you guys noted...a lot of people seem to change out control arms, etc. sounds like. I assume good coilovers may help. It seemed a bit soft and a lot of body roll to me when I drove one briefly. The Solstice, though much cheaper, seems much more point and shoot...I realize it's much lower and it's lighter. It's very flickable.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2022, 11:32 AM	#6
Grainwashed Enlisted Member 5 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	Whether it’s needed or not depends entirely on what you’re doing with it. If it’s just a fun daily, absolutely not. I’ve had zero problems putting down 450-ish whp with an open diff. I hardly ever get any issues from tc or e-diff shenanigans. I’m putting an lsd in my car because it’s going to be seeing some serious track use this spring/summer
	Appreciate 0 Quote