Does e30 driveshafts need balancing?

[Batz]

Hey, I got a different t driveshaft for my car. It was from an 325i. It looks like it has balancing weights welded on it. I disconnected the two parts from each other but didnt mark it or anything. Wondering if I need to get it balanced or I can just put it in however I want and it doesn't matter. thanks.

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[AndrewBird]

It will matter. You can only put it back together correct 2 ways though. The yokes on each end just need to line up. You might look closely though and see if there are any center punch marks or anything that show how it should line up.

[Batz]

I took a look a while ago and didn't see anything.. so I'm not sure. Interesting how bmw didnt make any markings if it's actually important..

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[AndrewBird]

Generally you would mark it before pulling it off the car. There isn't a need to mark it if it's in the car.

[Batz]

I know but when I bought it, it was already off the car. Not much I could do there..

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[AndrewBird]

Right. The guy who pulled it should have marked it.

[Batz]

Don't think he cared much.. point is I'm stuck and need to know if there's a way I can align it myself property or I need to take it to a driveline place.. (which I don't really want to spend money on)
Any help is appreciated.

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[jeffnhiscars]

If you line up the yokes there's a 50/50 chance it will be balanced. Worse case you flip one end 180 degrees and it should be fine as long as it hasn't thrown a weight. Otherwise just pay a shop to balance it...if you can find a good one

Ps it doesn't have to be on the car to mark it...just has to be (or should have been) before you pull it apart

[Batz]

alright, yes i think i figured it out, thanks everyone.

[dsphil]

There are 2 white dot marks on each half shaft. check to see if it is still there.