1989 E30 318i Driveshaft question

[ahmedc]

Hi Guys,

I've got a 1989 e30 318i auto which I'm looking to swap to a manual with a getrag 240 gearbox. I've got a question regarding the drive shaft.

I've been eyeing out an e30 320i manual driveshaft that connects to the transmission however was just wondering whether I can use the other half of the drive shaft that already comes with the auto which connects to the differential?

So basically looking at using the 320i manual drive shaft (connects to the trans) with the 318i auto driveshaft. (to the dif)?

Thanks.

[TobyB]

Yes, you can- the length from the center support to the diff is determined by the body, not the engine.

However, driveshafts are balanced as an assembled unit, so you run the very real risk of assembling a
driveshaft that needs to be rebalanced. I'd take the whole donor shaft unless it was a LOT more money.

t