Specifics for running a 325i driveshaft on an 86 325eS

[Jand3rson]

OK, here's the situation. The driveshaft on my 86 325eS needs to be replaced (which I knew when I bought the car). Here's the prices on a replacement!

Remanufactured (from Driveline Service of Portland) - $435
Brand-new OEM replacement driveshaft from BMW - $659

To hell with that. I'm just going to buy a low mileage used driveshaft from a 325i and swap it in. The issue is that the 86 325eS uses a different driveshaft than all other E30's. There are differences in the size of the output flange, as well as the flexdisc (I think) and other parts.

What I need to know is what parts SPECIFICALLY need to be swapped in order to run a later model 325i driveshaft. James Crivellone stated that he is running an 89 325i driveshaft with an 86 tranny and 89 output flange. If he or someone else could please elaborate on this, I would greatly appreciate it. You guys are always awesome about coming through and getting me the info I need when I'm stuck, so help me out with this one!

[reelizmpro]

Shit, a reman driveshaft should be more like $350. Anyway, it depends on when your 86 was produced. Early 86's have the smaller flange and later 86's have the larger style. Sorry, I don't remember the exact date. You should be able to use a 325i shaft if you have the larger flange...if not, then swap the flange.

[Sean]

Shit, a reman driveshaft should be more like $350. Anyway, it depends on when your 86 was produced. Early 86's have the smaller flange and later 86's have the larger style. Sorry, I don't remember the exact date. You should be able to use a 325i shaft if you have the larger flange...if not, then swap the flange.

Actually, the 325i shaft uses a smaller flange, since that driveshaft also uses the small flex disc.

[Jand3rson]

I've just picked up a 325i driveshaft from Alex Schipkov, as well as a 325i tranny output flange.
Also ordering a new CSB, new flexdisc, and a new rear tranny seal next week.

Jordan is going to help me install it all at the end of the month, so it's all disco.

[alex]

I've just picked up a 325i driveshaft from Alex Schipkov, as well as a 325i tranny output flange.
Also ordering a new CSB, new flexdisc, and a new rear tranny seal next week.

Jordan is going to help me install it all at the end of the month, so it's all disco.

I have new CSB, and all three tranny seals, let me know if you need them. I'll give you EAP price minus 5% with no additional shipping. You probably won't need input if you aren't pulling the tranny.

IIRC CSB might be different for early cars. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Beej '86 325es]

Re: Specifics for running a 325i driveshaft on an 86 325eS

Remanufactured (from Driveline Service of Portland) - $435
Brand-new OEM replacement driveshaft from BMW - $659

Actually, that "new" OEM one from BMW is remanufactured. A real new one is actually over a grand. I had to have mine replaced about 6 months ago. I considered a 325i driveshaft swap as well, but did not have the time to research.

[Bimmerfanatik]

Re: Specifics for running a 325i driveshaft on an 86 325eS

Remanufactured (from Driveline Service of Portland) - $435
Brand-new OEM replacement driveshaft from BMW - $659

Actually, that "new" OEM one from BMW is remanufactured. A real new one is actually over a grand. I had to have mine replaced about 6 months ago. I considered a 325i driveshaft swap as well, but did not have the time to research.

So my 86 es driveshaft is different from my 85 e driveshaft? Sunofa. Glad I sold it to DEADZONER. If I order/buy a new flex disc and CSB from somewhere, will they send me the right part? What's the difference?

[benDASHDASH]

Ummm... I put an '86es driveshaft into my '87ic. No issues. Some '86s have the older driveshafts and some have the newer ones. I think the cutoff date is 4/86.

[Jand3rson]

Well, Jordan and I found out that what I got from Alex was a CSB for a late-model car, which means it has a smaller mounting plate for where it mounts to the underside of the car. No fault is placed on either party, the 86 325eS is a weird car. As ghetto and not-smart as it sounds, we had to figure out a way to mount it in there, as I was 3 hours from home, and had to work the next day. Needless to say, it's only been about 2 weeks since we put it in, and I'm now gettin vibration when taking off from a stop, and another from the bottom of 2nd up through the rev range. The CSB most likely isn't centered in the tunnel, and the vibration is probably already tearing up the new CSB.

In a nutshell, I'm going to have to pull the whole driveshaft and do the job over again, with the correct CSB. At least I know how to do it now, and it's not like it's a terribly hard job. But a word to the wise, make sure you'ce got the right CSB.

[Bimmerfanatik]

Well, Jordan and I found out that what I got from Alex was a CSB for a late-model car, which means it has a smaller mounting plate for where it mounts to the underside of the car. No fault is placed on either party, the 86 325eS is a weird car. As ghetto and not-smart as it sounds, we had to figure out a way to mount it in there, as I was 3 hours from home, and had to work the next day. Needless to say, it's only been about 2 weeks since we put it in, and I'm now gettin vibration when taking off from a stop, and another from the bottom of 2nd up through the rev range. The CSB most likely isn't centered in the tunnel, and the vibration is probably already tearing up the new CSB.

In a nutshell, I'm going to have to pull the whole driveshaft and do the job over again, with the correct CSB. At least I know how to do it now, and it's not like it's a terribly hard job. But a word to the wise, make sure you'ce got the right CSB.

Damn, that sucks. So is the ES CSB unique from those before and after it?

[Jand3rson]

Well, Jordan and I found out that what I got from Alex was a CSB for a late-model car, which means it has a smaller mounting plate for where it mounts to the underside of the car. No fault is placed on either party, the 86 325eS is a weird car. As ghetto and not-smart as it sounds, we had to figure out a way to mount it in there, as I was 3 hours from home, and had to work the next day. Needless to say, it's only been about 2 weeks since we put it in, and I'm now gettin vibration when taking off from a stop, and another from the bottom of 2nd up through the rev range. The CSB most likely isn't centered in the tunnel, and the vibration is probably already tearing up the new CSB.

In a nutshell, I'm going to have to pull the whole driveshaft and do the job over again, with the correct CSB. At least I know how to do it now, and it's not like it's a terribly hard job. But a word to the wise, make sure you'ce got the right CSB.

Damn, that sucks. So is the ES CSB unique from those before and after it?

No, it just uses the early-model CSB with the larger mounting plate, for 84-87.

[Bimmerfanatik]

No, it just uses the early-model CSB with the larger mounting plate, for 84-87.

Does this apply to the rest of the driveshaft?

[Jand3rson]

No, it just uses the early-model CSB with the larger mounting plate, for 84-87.

Does this apply to the rest of the driveshaft?

I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure that the bearing itself is the same for all driveshafts, it's just the mounting plate that's different.

[Bimmerfanatik]

No, it just uses the early-model CSB with the larger mounting plate, for 84-87.

Does this apply to the rest of the driveshaft?

I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure that the bearing itself is the same for all driveshafts, it's just the mounting plate that's different.

I'm drawing a blank. Is the mounting plate a seperate piece? When you buy a CSB from somewhere, does it come with it?

[Jand3rson]

No, it just uses the early-model CSB with the larger mounting plate, for 84-87.

Does this apply to the rest of the driveshaft?

I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure that the bearing itself is the same for all driveshafts, it's just the mounting plate that's different.

I'm drawing a blank. Is the mounting plate a seperate piece? When you buy a CSB from somewhere, does it come with it?

Yeah, it's all once peice. What I'm referring to when I say "mounting plate" is the base of the CSB, where it mounts to the underside of the car itself.



Sorry if I confused you.