Will Early E30 Trailing Arms Fit onto 87 325is??

[SpencerM3]

Hey guys,

My 87 325is is currently suffering from a bad rear wheel bearing. I had planned on just replacing the bearings, but a buddy of mine has a pair of trailing arms w/ refresh bearings and urethane bushings for sale off his parts car.

Problem is, his car is an 85 325e. I checked the ETK and they changed the Part Number for the trailing arms in 9/85,

Pre 9/85 P/N - 33 32 1 126 333 (334) "88mm"
Post 9/85 P/N - 33 32 1 137641 (642) "91mm"

The 88mm and 91mm measurements are listed in the notes section of the ETK but I have no clue what they refer to. That is my biggest worry, that his car might be a pre 9/85 and something wont line up in the middle of swapping arms.

Does anyone know if there are any major differences in these arms that would prevent them from working on an 87 325is?

Any help would be appreciated!

[trent]

I think the early cars had smaller rear wheel bearings, so it might not work unless you changed the axles too.

But going down in bearing size suxor

[AdamF 88iS]

I think the early cars had smaller rear wheel bearings, so it might not work unless you changed the axles too.

But going down in bearing size suxor

Truth. '84 and '85 cars are a different bearing.

[SpencerM3]

Thanks guys.

I just verified that in the ETK as well. Looks like the early cars have a 72mm bearing, and the later cars have a 75mm bearing.

I doubt this should be a problem since the car is a daily driver, and won't see anything more than the occasional auto-x.

I'll have to check on the half shalf part numbers as well to verify if i would need to change them as well.

Thanks again.