E30 M3 driveshaft the only option?

[RefinedThinking]

Is the E30 M3 drive shaft my only option? I'm going to use the engine and transmission from a 95 M3. Just in theory it seems next to impossible to find a used E30 M3 driveshaft. Any suggestions?

[cabin]

Search function must be down again...

96-99 M3/328 drive shaft, as long as it has the 4-bole rear flange.

[e30e]

Maybe I'm wrong but doesn't the eta driveshaft work too?

[jrdeamicis]

The difference in total length of the M20+G260 and the M50+ZF combo would make me think that the stock ETA driveshaft would not have enough adjustment to accommodate the longer output flange and total length of the ZF320. This is purely based on my measurements of the two.

Use a 328 or Late model E36 M3 driveshaft. Both options need an E30 CSB installed on it.

[RefinedThinking]

Thanks guys. so 96-99 shaft is the way to go. Muuuuuch appreciated.

[rThor432]

Stock eta driveshaft works perfectly. I used my stock big-guibo shaft with both the ZF and G260 behind my S52-- same amount of adjustment on both. FYI. The eta shaft is the same length as the E30 M3 part. The only difference is that the splined part at the center bearing is opposite between the two.

[lbreevesii]

if you aren't on a tight budget, you can get a one piece from the driveshaft shop.

[jrdeamicis]

Stock eta driveshaft works perfectly. I used my stock big-guibo shaft with both the ZF and G260 behind my S52-- same amount of adjustment on both. FYI. The eta shaft is the same length as the E30 M3 part. The only difference is that the splined part at the center bearing is opposite between the two.

Thanks for this.

[M///BMW]

Search function must be down again...

96-99 M3/328 drive shaft, as long as it has the 4-bole rear flange.

From a manual car.

[rThor432]

Thanks for this.

You are welcome. If it helps one person, it's worth sharing.