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Adding more power is only half the battle. The real difference comes from how effectively your car gets that power to the ground. That’s where the drivetrain steps in — a system of components working in harmony to convert engine force into forward motion. Whether you’re launching hard, cornering fast, or just want your build to feel more responsive and reliable, drivetrain upgrades can unlock performance that power mods alone can't deliver.
Think of the drivetrain as the muscular system of your car — responsible for taking the energy your engine produces and translating it into actual movement. It includes essential components like the clutch, flywheel, driveshaft, axles, transmission mounts, and differentials. Each plays a specific role in delivering power smoothly, efficiently, and predictably.
In factory form, these components are designed for comfort, longevity, and average driving conditions. But when you start increasing horsepower, hitting the track, or just driving with more intent, stock drivetrain parts quickly become the weakest link. That’s where targeted upgrades come in.
Factory open differentials are built for comfort and cost-efficiency, not spirited driving. When one wheel loses grip — like during hard acceleration or tight cornering — these diffs send power to the path of least resistance, often spinning just one wheel and killing momentum. A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) solves this by actively redistributing torque across both driven wheels, helping your car stay composed under pressure, whether launching in a straight line or powering out of a bend.
For BMW models such as the M140i, M240i, and 340i, the Genuine BMW M Performance LSD is a factory-developed solution that fits seamlessly with your car’s electronics and stability systems. It improves traction and mid-corner balance while retaining daily usability — all with BMW’s signature engineering and warranty confidence.
If you want an edge for more aggressive driving or track use, the Wavetrac ATB LSD is a top-tier choice. Its patented helical-gear design delivers torque even when one wheel is unloaded — something most clutch-type LSDs can’t do — giving you predictable grip in low-traction or uneven situations.
To protect your investment and ensure peak performance, pair your LSD with Motul Gear 300 LS 75W-90. This fully synthetic oil is formulated for high-load, high-heat environments and specifically designed for limited-slip differentials. It reduces wear, maintains viscosity under stress, and provides the smooth operation your drivetrain needs.
Trusted and Recommended by ML Performance:
The driveshaft is the unsung hero of your drivetrain — transferring power from the transmission to the differential. But when torque levels rise or high-speed demands increase, factory driveshafts can become a liability. The Febi Bilstein 182855 Driveshaft is a direct-fit OE replacement with precision-balanced internals and high-tolerance CV joints, ensuring smoother power transfer and long-term reliability under stress. Similarly, the Febi Bilstein 39888 Driveshaft features reinforced spline connections and upgraded sealing, making it ideal for higher-load applications where durability is key.
Supporting these components are your transmission and suspension mounts — often overlooked but essential for maintaining drivetrain alignment and stability. That’s where the KW Clubsport Camber-Adjustable Mounts come in. Built for motorsport-level use, they offer camber adjustability, solid mount construction, and high-grade uniball bearings, resulting in sharper steering feedback, improved geometry control, and reduced drivetrain movement during aggressive driving.
Together, these upgrades fortify your drivetrain’s backbone — helping your car respond with more precision, stability, and confidence whether on the road or the track.
2025’s Best in Performance Upgrades:
The clutch is the first line of contact between your engine and drivetrain — and once you add power, the stock unit can quickly fall short. A performance clutch kit, like the Xtreme Clutch KNI24004-1A or Sachs 3000 203 002, is designed to handle increased torque, resist heat, and deliver firmer engagement for confident power transfer under pressure.
To take things further, pairing your clutch with a lightweight flywheel, such as those from VAICO (V420992 or V107687), reduces rotational mass — resulting in faster revs, quicker shifts, and a more connected feel on throttle. While there’s a trade-off in terms of vibration, the sharper response and increased driver feedback make it a go-to upgrade for anyone chasing performance behind the wheel.
Together, these upgrades transform your car’s drivability — giving you more control, sharper engagement, and the durability to handle whatever power you throw down.
Our Top Performance Picks for 2025:
To truly unlock the full potential of your drivetrain and suspension setup, attention to detail matters — and that means addressing the components that often get overlooked: bushings and chassis bracing.
Factory rubber bushings prioritize comfort, but they come at the cost of precision. Under hard driving, they flex and deform, allowing unwanted movement in critical areas like the suspension and rear differential. That’s where the SuperPro SPF2148-12K Half Tapered Shock Bushings come in. Made from premium polyurethane, these bushings maintain shape under pressure, offering more consistent shock performance and sharper suspension response. They're also resistant to oil, heat, and wear — making them ideal for fast road or weekend track builds.
For BMW M3/M4 owners, the Powerflex Rear Diff Mount Bushings are a serious performance upgrade. These are designed to eliminate rear diff movement, which is a common issue under hard acceleration. With stiffer polyurethane construction and a motorsport-tested design, they improve traction delivery and reduce drivetrain slack — especially useful in high-torque setups.
Individually, these parts may seem like minor upgrades — but together, they bring a noticeable improvement in how the car behaves under load. Less flex, more precision, and a chassis that feels like it was built for the limits.
Standout Upgrades for Serious Builds:
Upgrading your drivetrain isn’t just for track cars or race builds. It’s for anyone who’s made the effort to increase power and wants to feel the full benefit. A strong drivetrain turns raw horsepower into usable, reliable, and controllable performance.
Whether it’s a limited slip diff that gets you out of corners faster, a clutch that holds the power without slipping, or bushings that reduce drivetrain slack — each component enhances how your car behaves under pressure.
So if you're chasing more than just dyno numbers — if you're chasing feel, feedback, and a real connection to the road — then the drivetrain is where it all comes together.
Explore drivetrain upgrades at ML Performance — from clutches to LSDs to mounts and more. Because real performance starts where the power meets the pavement.
