Something in the driveline is broken...

[KevRC4130]

So, I broke my car tonight. After some relatively spirited driving (though honestly nothing too crazy), my car began to make an awful grinding sound. The sound happens out of the rear end of the car, and vibrations/jerking can be felt inside the car.

The engine starts, runs, and revs fine. Initially, the car would move, but jerk/make noise violently. After a few quick attempts of this, the car flat out does not move with revving the engine, even in gear. Also, the transmission no longer holds the car in place if the car is shut off in gear.

When pushing the car, the violent jerking would happen (even when the engine is off), but again, now the car rolls relatively freely when pushed.

Any thoughts?

My gut reaction is that the drive shaft might have snapped. It seems weird that the engine runs and drives fine, the transmission seems to go into gear normally, and yet no power goes to the wheels. And likewise, it's weird that leaving it in gear no longer holds the wheels. Something between the out-shaft of the transmission and the wheels is fucked... Driveshaft? Differential?

Dare I ask what this'll cost me? Fuck...


Thanks!

[jlevie]

My suspicions would center around the half shafts or differential.

[accident]

if you put it in gear and get out of the car, do you see the driveshaft spinning?

[rares]

my suspicions would center around the half shafts or differential.

+1

[KevRC4130]

The car was towed to a local BMW shop and I can't really take a look at it any more, unfortunately.

Assuming it's the half shafts, how much would you guys estimate the shop to charge? What if it was the differential?

Thanks

[barry]

Replacing the shafts and rear bearings with new will run about 1500.00 including labor.
Do it yourself and save1300.00 with used shafts.