How to know the car got LSD

[sincy]

bro.
2000-2001 e46 318ci coupe. got lsd mah??
o 328ci coupe only got lsd?
m power engine very expensive. i planning put rb26dett.

 

[turbology]

whah, my is 320 e30 manual, currently no time to check using the method u guys recommend maybe this weekend

One of the easiest way to test it, is to drive your car into mud. (rear wheel)
If one of the wheel just turn continuously, you have a open diff (non LSD)
you might not able to get out from the mud.

err may I ask, what is this LSD thing for? sorry

It has to start from open diff.
Open diff. allow two wheels in the same axle to turn in different speed. For example, when you do a U-turn, or making a curve.

But during a limited traction condition, example on the ice, open diff will transfer rotational force to the wheel that has the least traction. Which mean your wheels will just spin and slip. You stay as where you are. The wheel that have traction will not move. This is NOT good.

LSD, aka "limited slip", will slove the problem. When one of the wheel is slipping, the differential will "LOCK" it, and make BOTH WHEELS turn at same time at same speed.* Thus let get you out from a ice patch or mud hole.
There are many types of LSD (not going into detail).

Most of the LSDs are design to give you traction when need it. (Not engage when you doing U-turn or slow curve). Most people won't see the benefit of LSD.

Overall, LSD is good. But higher manufacturing cost (which mean you have to pay more to get it), and heavier has prevented car producer to put in every car.

*depend type of LSD.