Which driveshaft will fit my e30?

[mother_russia]

Hey guys..
So I'm kindaaa stuck at the moment. I've done some re-search, looked around, and STILL can't figure out which driveshaft I need..
I'm doing a auto to manual conversion, and the last thing I need right now is the driveshaft. I found a guy that has them both, but doesn't know which one I need.

My car's a 1990 325i, but the motor and tranny came out of a 1988 325i. So, with that being said, which driveshaft would I need?

Thanks in advance!

Daniel.

[reelizmpro]

For the 325e/i there are 2 main differences. 1) do you have the small or large flange transmission? 2) early or late center support bearing for the driveshaft. Both items can be swapped so it's not a deal breaker but definitely more work. Going out on a limb, I'd say chances are you have a small flange trans and definitely need a late center support bearing. You can easily identify the small flange because the shaft diameter where it meets the transmission will get smaller. The large flange shaft diameter stays the same.

[mother_russia]

For the 325e/i there are 2 main differences. 1) do you have the small or large flange transmission? 2) early or late center support bearing for the driveshaft. Both items can be swapped so it's not a deal breaker but definitely more work. Going out on a limb, I'd say chances are you have a small flange trans and definitely need a late center support bearing. You can easily identify the small flange because the shaft diameter where it meets the transmission will get smaller. The large flange shaft diameter stays the same.

so the early models have the large flange, and the late models have the smaller flanges?

[reelizmpro]

The large flange E30's are typically 86-87 325e's and some if not all 325iC? I believe. Just depends on specific production dates but like I said, things can be swapped so you have to visually check to see what flange your trans has then get the right driveshaft for it.

[mother_russia]

The large flange E30's are typically 86-87 325e's and some if not all 325iC? I believe. Just depends on specific production dates but like I said, things can be swapped so you have to visually check to see what flange your trans has then get the right driveshaft for it.

So if I were looking at it right now, where on the tranny would I look to see which one I need?

[mother_russia]

Actually, the engine is off of a 1987..
Early models are from 84-87, and the late models are 88-91, right?
With all this said, I guess ill need the bigger one?

[reelizmpro]

Not likely.

[mother_russia]

ooh. so a friend just helped me out.
he showed me this picture, and said that this is off of a small flange.
so if my flange measures longer than this, then its the large flange driveshaft?

[MR 325]

The 87 325i and the 90 325i both came with the small flange driveshaft.

You can use ANY small flange driveshaft from a manual 6 cylinder E30. If the driveshaft is from an early model car you'll need to install the late model center support bearing though.

[mother_russia]

The 87 325i and the 90 325i both came with the small flange driveshaft.

You can use ANY small flange driveshaft from a manual 6 cylinder E30. If the driveshaft is from an early model car you'll need to install the late model center support bearing though.

thats exactly what I mean. I want it to be the exact part so that I don't have to go looking for the late model support bearing.
I wanna find the exact driveshaft that I need.

[MR 325]

Then you need an 88+ 5 speed 6 cylinder driveshaft.