Difference between late 325e & 325i output shafts?

[Flyingbricke30]

Does anybody know if there is there any difference between 1988 325 / 325e ABS output shafts (33211225893) and the late model 325i ABS output shafts (33211226901) / 33211226900?

Thanks

[Flyingbricke30]

The output and drive flanges seem to be the same on both models as are the rear axle carries, so it would seem that the axle assembles should be interchangeable.

[reelizmpro]

I am also curious why there are different part numbers for a car that has the same engine family, diff, subframe and hubs. It's all interchangeable, so I don't see why the axles wouldn't be. Perhaps the shape of the splines are different? That's something to check out.

[Flyingbricke30]

I am also curious why there are different part numbers for a car that has the same engine family, diff, subframe and hubs. It's all interchangeable, so I don't see why the axles wouldn't be. Perhaps the shape of the splines are different? That's something to check out.

If the hubs are the same, wouldn't the splines have to be as well? Looks like the cv boots have different part numbers so maybe the cv joints are different? Even if the cv joints are different, they should work on either model (e,i) I would think.

[reelizmpro]

When I say the hubs are the same, I mean they fit in the bearings and appear identical. I can't say for sure that the splines are all the same shape or not. I have heard about people having to shave down the splines on certain aftermarket axles to get them to fit their hubs. The difference in the PN's could be squared vs pointed splines. Check RealOEM to see if they list different PN's for rear hub assemblies.

[Flyingbricke30]

When I say the hubs are the same, I mean they fit in the bearings and appear identical. I can't say for sure that the splines are all the same shape or not. I have heard about people having to shave down the splines on certain aftermarket axles to get them to fit their hubs. The difference in the PN's could be squared vs pointed splines. Check RealOEM to see if they list different PN's for rear hub assemblies.

ETK hub PN's are the same = same spline, I would imagine. I think that the spline problems you reference are related to damage (mushrooming) rather that different sized or spaced teeth.

[reelizmpro]

Nope, my buddy Colin bought some new aftermarket axles and had to file them down stating the shape was different. I will see if I can find the thread.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115229

There you go. Looks like the only sure bet is to have your old ones rebuilt.

[Flyingbricke30]

Nope, my buddy Colin bought some new aftermarket axles and had to file them down stating the shape was different. I will see if I can find the thread.

Ok, but isn't that an aftermarket QC issue rather than a model-based difference? Just got off the phone with Pelican and they couldn't figure out what the difference would be other than cv joint design. Wheel hub the same must mean spline the same, from their perspective.

[Flyingbricke30]

Nope, my buddy Colin bought some new aftermarket axles and had to file them down stating the shape was different. I will see if I can find the thread.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115229

There you go. Looks like the only sure bet is to have your old ones rebuilt.

thanks

[reelizmpro]

Could be... if they completely built the axles using their own parts vs rebuilding OEM units.