The yoke on the new ones is slightly different, but you could just put your old yoke on the 650 diff.

 

Anyone tried this on a 2003 yet? I dont want to be the first...

 

works like a charm!!!no problems

 

So if I pick up a 650 front diff, swap out the yoke with the one in my 03 500i I will be in buisness... What about the servo motor to switch into 4X4... Just put power to it on a toggle switch?

 

NOOOOOOO. that part you dont need. I will be alot better without that anyway. All you need is the diff and componets inside,and the cable that controls the locking system. You will keep your manual 4x4 switch

 

but yes you could do that if you wannted to remove your 4x4 system. Also you will need the left axel. or cv joint top half

 

So I can retain my manual shift for 4X4... I am Diggin this!

Ok, 650 diff with internals, cv, and I am golden....

Still have to swap the yoke with the 500 diff?

 

yes.. that is a must because the set up is different. but you can replace it with your 500 diff yoke

 

For $750, I would just sell my 500I and go buy a new 650. Thats pretty ridiculous if you get down to it. Check the MSRP on both machines, and see what the difference is. You could take a bath on a trade in, and still come out looking better, because you'd have the locker and then engine in the long run.

 

No problem, Put a cat belt drive on the Kawi engine and I will buy one...