abs cv shaft differences?

[Toms73NovaSS]

Are there a difference in cv shafts for the different years (with ABS)?

I thought that all the cv shafts were interchangeable for the 325's however, to my surprise there are two different part #s listed for the 325's 84-86 and 87-90.

I have a set of axles from an 87 and I put them next to my 86 and I can't see any differences....

[SpecM]

-they are the same, ABS or not

[Toms73NovaSS]

-they are the same, ABS or not

Then why different part #s and the suppliers even differentiate between the years?

[netcsk]

Probably the difference between ABS shafts and non ABS shafts. ABS started in 86.

[Toms73NovaSS]

Probably the difference between ABS shafts and non ABS shafts. ABS started in 86.

Nope both ABS shafts...

[Toms73NovaSS]

OK, here is what I found, partly the hard way. The outer cv joint outer diameter is smaller on the eta cars.

I ordered a set of inner and outer boots and when i went to install them the outers were too large in diameter. When i ordered I put in the info on my car however, boots numbers I crossref (of course after the fact), and the part would not fit.

So if you were to use the whole shaft and swapped it I might not have even noticed a difference, however, when you have to do cv boots there is a difference.

[EN318isPDX]

I put some used CV axles out of a 89 325is on my 86 325e. Had no issues they went in easy! I replaced my 318is's cv axles with new ones and what a bitch they were to get into the sleeve...