A not so common driveshaft question.

[Jalves619]

I'm collecting all of the parts I need for my 24v swap and came to one area of confusion. I'm planning on using my s50 and 5spd ZF trans, which alone are not so abnormal, but I'm also planning on putting in a 3.23LSD from an Mcoupe. The main issue I see is that the MCoupe diff is 6 bolt while the standard e30 is 4. Real OEM lists the 96+ 328is at 1492mm with a 4 bolt diff flange and swivel joints. The 95 M3 is 1496mm w/ a 6 bolt flange and CV joints. Is there any reason that I couldn't use my 95M3 Driveshaft with an e30 CSB? Is there enough room in the slip joints to allow that extra 4mm?

Sparknotes

1. S50 w/ ZF 5spd
2. MCoupe 3.23 LSD 6bolt flange
3. 95 M3 Driveshaft w/e30 CSB?

[328ijunkie]

Yes. Any 95-99 M3 6bolt DS will work..

[Jalves619]

Well fuck, for any of you looking to use an MCoupe diff please disregard the info in my original post. While the diff flange does indeed have 6 bolt holes they are not evenly spaced, as can be seen in this cell phone photo. It looks like I'll be trying to source a 328 driveshaft after all.

[giantkeeper]

I was gonna say - I am running an S54 M coupe diff and it's 4 bolt. My ds came from a manual 98 328...

Remember to swap output shafts from the e30 diff to the Mcoupe diff if you haven't already. Easiest task you'll do during the whole build.

[Jalves619]

Yep I had the diff next to the driveshaft finally, and spent a few moments uttering obscenities. Can't believe I didn't notice it before.

[giantkeeper]

That 3.23 is going to be nice!!!

[Wanganstyle]

Well fuck, for any of you looking to use an MCoupe diff please disregard the info in my original post. While the diff flange does indeed have 6 bolt holes they are not evenly spaced, as can be seen in this cell phone photo. It looks like I'll be trying to source a 328 driveshaft after all.

hahah ya.

they confuse you on purpose. 4 bolt pattern but 6 holes drilled lol

Z3/z3m is diff stuff is funny; the output flanges became paired external torx 6 bolts in a Y shape pattern instead of 10mm allens. these 4 bolt driveshaft flanges are pressed on instead of slide on-