What driveshaft w/ ZF 5speed?

[mcclaskz]

I searched get over it. I am about to stick my S50 with the ZF 5 speed in an E30 and use a 3.25 lsd out of a 525is. What driveshaft do I use? I have gotten conflicting information from 3 different sources(2 of them very well known). Locally I was told to use the driveshaft from an 87 325e that uses the big flex disc and has 3.12 inches betweed the holes. Help. I am planning on running the Spec E30 suspension and Spec E30 wheel/tire setup of 15x7 and 205/50/15 in this street/track car.

[FredK]

The late eS driveshaft will work, but it uses 10mm dia bolts whereas the output flange of the ZF has 12mm holes. You might have to use some metal sleeves.

Or, you can use a non CV E36 M3 driveshaft (found on S52 cars, usually), E36 328i driveshaft, or E30 M3 driveshaft and not have the bolt issues. On the E36 shafts though you will have to run a strange combo of dust covers or reverse the E30 center bearing.

[BigD]

Sorry why do you have to reverse the E30 center bearing?

[FredK]

Ah, because the spline and u joint are on the opposite side on E36 driveshafts.

I thought reversing the bearing might misalign the driveshaft by a few degrees, so I just ran an E30 rear dust cover butted against the rear of the bearing, and the regular E30/E36 concave dust cover in front where the snap ring goes.

[BigD]

Ah, because the spline and u joint are on the opposite side on E36 driveshafts.

I thought reversing the bearing might misalign the driveshaft by a few degrees, so I just ran an E30 rear dust cover butted against the rear of the bearing, and the regular E30/E36 concave dust cover in front where the snap ring goes.

Sorry for being so thick but I still don't follow... My 98 M3 driveshaft fit with no issues. Granted BMA guys sent me an 88+ bearing for my 87 car I put it on long ago and it's such a pain to swap again I just used it, plus it looks a lot beefier than the -87 unit. Just had to get a bit creative with the mount.

Is the dust cover supposed to rub on something if you don't reverse the bearing? I had a bit of difficulty getting the center bolts in but I thought it's just because of my thicker mount... I haven't tried rotating the wheels to see if the driveshaft rubs. If it does I guess I'll just take it down and bash it until it doesn't.

[matt]

You don't really reverse it. The front of the CSB still points to the front of the car, you just put it on the splines that point forward, instead of back, I think.

I just did this last night, you'd think I'd remember.

[BigD]

You don't really reverse it. The front of the CSB still points to the front of the car, you just put it on the splines that point forward, instead of back, I think.

I just did this last night, you'd think I'd remember.

Great, mindfuck me a little more why don't ya. :P How does a spline "point"?

[FredK]

Haha I've done it both ways. BigD what you have pictured is how I did it the first time. E36 dust cover pointing towards the front of the car, snap ring side towards the back.

The second time I have the bearing with the snap ring side pointing toward the front of the car, which is the stock orientation the E30, IIRC. Again, it's been a little while since I've had to think about it.

[BigD]

Oh... I think I just had what alcoholics refer to as a moment of clarity - you guys are talking about the little cover that goes over the bearing gap itself, and sits on the driveshaft spline. I thought you were talking about the huge tin tub that bolts up underneath the driveshaft.

nmind, I'm an idiot, carry on

[mcclaskz]

Yeah, so clear as mud to me as well. Basically a 96+ 328 or M3 driveshaft. Do the 328s go for any cheaper(realizing they are the same part)? Thanks for your help. I am also confused as to what to do with the brake booster. My idea for the whole project is to have a great street car that is halfway towards a Spec E30 car so that I could sell the S50 and go racin' or keep it and take it on the track a few times a year.

[matt]

You've got it. Any e36 driveshaft with the right front flange and the right rear flange will fit.

I am using an e36 325is DS with my 250 and I know some people who have used the 328i driveshaft with ZF transmissions.

[mcclaskz]

Just to beat a dead horse, why won't my 95 M3 driveshaft work? Is this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-D...QQcmdZViewItem okay for my swap? Thanks.

[matt]

Looks like that'll work fine.

[mcclaskz]

Thanks for the help. I just bought a 3.25 lsd and am ready to swap!

[DaN]

I used a later e36 m3 driveshaft with the 4 bolt flange at the rear. I was going to swap the center bearing off my e30 d/s but its a bitch to do with no puller and without ruining it. So i modified the e36 CSB to work on the e30, it was pretty easy, I could post pics if anyone wants them. I cut and welded the supports, trimmed the ends, and drilled new holes. It works fine for me with no vibration.