Dorman Driveshaft???

[cpandrewschmidt]

Any reason this wouldn't be a good driveshaft for a 325 manual replacement?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7535092&cc=1011665&jsn=360

Thanks! Not finding much online about them.

[TobyB]

Huh. I think lugnuts when I see that name.

I'd be tempted if I couldn't find one in the junkyard, but

Dorman-engineered from 100% new materials

makes me think

Fabrique au Chine

which makes less than ecstatic,
because I'm old enough to remember
when things weren't...

t

[cpandrewschmidt]

Agree I don't want cheap parts. Website says made in USA. Of course I suppose can only take that on its face

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-83296-936-341.aspx?year=1987&make=BMW&model=325e&parttype=Drive%2520Shaft&origin=YMM

Not sure I guess.....

[TobyB]

Well, if it says US- made, for $300 I can't get a stock driveshaft rebuilt.
I'd try it, if I couldn't find a good one in the junkyard or for $100 off R3V...

Dorman's parts are not bad- I've used wheel studs, bolts, etc from them
for years, and never had anything that made me stop and go 'huh???'

fwiw,

t

[cpandrewschmidt]

Thought I'd update this. Went ahead and ordered the Dorman DS. Not installed yet (should be this weekend)

Here are some pictures of it. Has grease fittings on both joints. Came with the center support bearing installed as well. Seems sturdy.

[Cephas]

Looks like a good find. Way better than the 1k they are asking for new from BMW!

[LJ851]

It looks like the driveshaft was machined for ujoint retaining clips, now you can replace the ujoints yourself when they wear out next time and not replace the whole shaft.

[TobyB]

Well, cool- see how it does at high speed.....

t

[cpandrewschmidt]

Well, the CSB bracket doesn't line up. Going to have to swap out for a new one. Good thing I had it on hand.

[TobyB]

Hmmm, as in, they don't know the difference between the early and late csb's?

t

[cpandrewschmidt]

could be. the bracket holes were about .5" too wide. Could also be my car. My 5 speed is from an '87 where my car is a '91. So, maybe i need the early drive shaft, just with a late CSB to bolt up? Not sure. Eitherway new CSB going on tonight.

[varg]

Yeah, early CSB has a different bracket than the late one for some reason. No idea what possessed them to change that but maybe they had a good reason to.

[cpandrewschmidt]

yep, new CSB in with driveshaft. Drives smooth. Hopefully it holds up. All in all seems like a good product for the price. I'll report back if any issues.

Andrew

[TobyB]

The CSB goes with the body- fortunately, they left the driveshaft the same,
and just changed the way the bracket mounts to the body.
So a late car needs a late CSB, an early car an early one.

Give it a run up to 90 and feel the tunnel- if it's not thrumming or vibrating unusually,
it's good.

Good find!

t

[nebraska_e28]

A few years late to the party.
@cpandrewschmidt how did this driveshaft hold up?