Wavetrac ATB lockable differential for BMW (215 axle)
Transmission r = 2.81 → BMW E9X 335i / E39 540i / E52 Z8
(Bolted Ring Gear)
Simply put, Wavetrac is the only gear-based differential on the market that does not lose all traction when one axle is under load . Axles become under load during aggressive driving, track cornering, very slippery surfaces or when driving over curbs – and this happens more often than most people realise.
How does Wavetrac improve performance?
We won't go into torque distribution ratios or the theory of ATB locks here. Let's focus on the practical implications.
Conventional gear lock (OEM, Quaife, MF, OBX, Truetrac, Torsen, etc.)
You’re on track day and while cornering, the inside rear wheel hits a curb and momentarily loses traction. This is normal in track driving. The problem is that during these brief moments, no traction is being transferred to the other wheel – no power is going to the wheel that is holding on. Sprocket locks require load on both axles to work.
As a result:
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the draw is momentarily interrupted
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power is transmitted unevenly
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The exit from the curve is unpredictable.
Same situation with Wavetrac
Wavetrac's patented cam device prevents loss of traction when the inside wheel is lightened. The mechanism creates a load inside the differential to compensate for the lost traction and directs torque to the holding wheel.
Result:
Additional benefits
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Patented carbon fiber bias plate for pinions
In other gear locks, the pinions rotate within the frame, causing friction and locking efficiency to change over time. In Wavetrac, performance remains consistent thanks to carbon fiber bias plates.
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Patented Wave Profile construction
Eliminates the near-zero-load pull-out that plagues all other ATB-type gear locks.
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ARP bolts throughout
Excellent strength and reliability even in tough use.
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9310 steel gears
Machined or forged steel frame in use.
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Designed and manufactured in the USA
WAVETRAC: Smooth is Fast – Smooth is speed.
Ideal for street and track riding
Wavetrac is ideal for high-performance street cars that are also used on the track. It is highly durable, yet unobtrusive in normal driving , and does not interfere with stability control or traction control systems.
On the track and in fast street driving:
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both wheels drive efficiently
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no understeer or “pushing” caused by traditional clutch locks
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neutral and controlled driving behavior
Wavetrac outperforms other gear locks because it does not lose traction when one axle becomes light – a situation that is common in hard driving.
Smooth power transfer at the limits of grip
One of the most underrated advantages of Wavetrac is its extremely smooth and predictable power delivery at the limits of traction . The patented design provides smooth power transfer exactly when you need it most:
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in the middle of a curve at the limit of grip
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when balancing a car with gas
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when entering a corner a little too hard and quickly re-applying the gas
Although these situations are partly driver-specific, the difference is clearly felt behind the wheel .
Wavetrac makes you faster because it gives you the confidence to ride harder.
Smoothness is speed.
Fit
This Wavetrac differential fits a BMW 215 axle with a bolt-on OEM ring gear:
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BMW E9X 335i
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BMW E39 540i
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BMW E52 Z8
Mediation: r = 2.81
Bolted Ring Gear