Half shaft compatibility

[E30Gus]

I've been scouring junk yards for some half shafts (mine are worn) and I can't find a clear answer on compatibility of years and models. Yes I've searched. I have a 2/86 ES which lists a different PN in RealOEM than the 325i and 318. However the same year (90) 325i and 318 have the same PN. So what is the difference between early and later half shafts and can I use the later model 325i/318i shafts in my car?
I would think that unless the splines in the hub are different, I could use either. The diff, trailing arm, subframe parts are all the same so there shouldn't be a length difference...right?

Titty Sprinkles

[drumad]

the abs rings are the only difference iirc

they are removable if you need to replace or remove them

[LEANE30]

they are all interchangable, however if your car has abs and you install a half shaft without the toothed ring, your abs system will not operate properly.

*edit: the rear subframe bushings, but not the subframe itself on ix models are unique among the e30 parts as well as their rear brakes/hubs (of the parts associated that you listed above.)

[Holland]

the abs rings are the only difference iirc

they are removable if you need to replace or remove them

they are all interchangable, however if your car has abs and you install a half shaft without the toothed ring, your abs system will not operate properly.

*edit: the rear subframe bushings, but not the subframe itself on ix models are unique among the e30 parts as well as their rear brakes/hubs (of the parts associated that you listed above.)

These are wrong. There are differences and you will be sorry if you don't pay attention. Up to 85 are the small non abs shafts, these are only compatible in the same year cars. The area where the ABS ring would be is instead more narrow and tapers. Later axles WILL NOT fit if your car came with these. 86 IIRC have small ABS axles, again year specific. 87 and up have the larger ABS axles. These are the ones to go for but remember that these require the same year and up trailing arms to work. I'm not sure but these may work on an 86.

EDIT: IX models are IX specific.

[drumad]

Boom I lose. Touche.

[E30Gus]

Thanks for the info...ehum Holland:p
I think I'll just get the ones I'm looking at and take my chances unless I find something of the same year soon. If they don't fit then I will have them for sale.:neutral:

[E30Gus]

Well I finally got some from the bone yard. The shafts from the yard were from an 86 but were considerably different then the originals in my car. The ABS ring was the same size, length was the same but the outside CV joint was a lot larger in diameter. The splines that the CV joints are attached with are very different as well.
Anyway I cleaned the new ones and re-packed them and added new boots. Now my car is absolutely as smooth as it ever was. I suggest that if your car has over 350k on it and they have never been replaced to go ahead and do it.