My quest for axles

[Derek A.]

So I need a new pair of axles for my 200K mile 535i. I have been to the local BMW salvage yard twice - everything they had was junk.

Bought two sets One remanufactured one set used - they were both wrong. One set was the smaller 525 and the other was a set of e32 axles.

Was prepared to order a set new from BMA - they don't have any in stock. Called all over the place - no one has new instock.

Car has been on jackstands for 10 days now - waiting for parts. Hope the salvage yeard I got the e32 ones from will send out the correct axles.

Anyone have a good source for CV parts ?

Derek.-

[Mr Project]

I have a pair from the 535i that got hit, but they also have 200k on them, and one of them got a torn boot from the accident, so I don't know what sort of condition it's in. They were fine beforehand.

I'm a little confused, though, after looking at them compared to the ones in my 525iT, they look the same. Are you sure the 525i has smaller axles?

[Derek A.]

Later 535i Automatic is the same as 525i. MAnual trans 535i, M5 and 540i share the same larger axles.

[BillionPa]

pelicanparts.com?

[Derek A.]

$700 for a pair of axles with shipping - if they have them in stock.

[Rigmaster]

$700 for a pair of axles with shipping - if they have them in stock.

I was also under the impression that all E34's had the same rear halfshafts.....but I'm too lazy to check realoem.com or ETK to confirm...


Anyway, maybe check the yellow pages (!!) for your town, or a large town nearby and see if you can find a local place that rebuilds axle shafts. There are at least 2 places locally that I know of, and they are typically very reasonable. If the CV's on your axles are OK, you can ask them to double-check, clean and relube them and replace the boots and it should be fairly cheap.



Bret.

[BillionPa]

that halfshafts are not the same, autos and manuals use different ones (manuals being thicker), and the 540 auto also uses the thicker ones. they arent all the same size though, since the differentials arent all the same size.

the 525s, and all the auto 530s and 535s use the same.
the 540 manual uses a different set.
ALL the other models use a different set (manuals and autos)

[BillionPa]

boot sets + new bolts and plates are $100 for the whole car by the way.