M3 Tranny drive shaft question.

[bonbonb]

I am doing a 95 M3 swap into a 95ti, I have done my research, everyone said I need M3 drive shaft when using M3 tranny. So I got them but found out the drive shaft is 6 bolts on the diff end. My ti diff is a 4 bolts configuration. I don't want to keep throw money out to buy different drive shafts just to try. Anyone know which drive shaft part number I need to do my job?

[m3outtanowhere]

just have it machined to fit or get an m3 rearend(still need machine work)

[96cali]

M3 rear end/diff won't fit at all. M coupe/roadster will. I think in either case you need a custom driveshaft due to the wheelbase difference.

[Carstereopro]

no, just an E36 325 5 speed with 4-bolt output flange will work.

You could sell the 6-bolt drive shaft for decent money, people want them because they are stronger, and you usually can't just buy the 6 bolt input flange for the rear end.

I run the M3 6-bolt with the 6 bolt flange mated to an M Roadster rear end.

[PhotoMotion]

Carstereopro:
How did you get a 6-bolt input flange with the diff to fit into the subframe of your ti? I tried it with an e30 diff and the flange would not clear the subframe, it hit the top of the opening and was pinched there.

OP: Bottom line, measure the distance you need, and use it as a sanity check against anything you are thinking you need. So far 75% of the information I've seen on the web regarding driveshafts is INCORRECT. I've tried 4 different shafts on my setup, and so far no joy. Really damned frustrating.

Measure measure measure, and make sure to take into account the differences in 6 bolt and 4 bolt systems. The 6 bolt shaft has the compression at the back and the middle portions are bolted together and do not compress. The 4 bolt flange has the compression in the middle, so you can't just weld two ends together without thinking about it.

At this rate I'm just going to have a custom shaft made and say f-it!

[chrisbec]

A drive shaft from an e36 328i will fit the transmission output shaft\differential input flange and the length will be correct. The 328i was equipped with the ZF transmission same as the M3.
I used a 93 e36 325is drive shaft and it was the correct length for my car. It only required a slight adjustment in the length at the spline. This was done by loosening the compression nut on the spline and adjusting the length on installation. I'm using a Getrag transmission so it was a direct fit for me, no problems.

Below is a link to an e30 forum thread on this subject:
http://www.e3024v.com/board/index.php?action=printpage;topic=14.0

[PhotoMotion]

Chris,
I originally thought the 328 shaft would fit, but according to my measurements I need a shaft that is 1476mm long. According to realoem, the 328 shaft is 1492mm. 16mm may be bridged by the compression shaft I suppose, but I wonder if it wouldn't be too long.

[BMW_Hatchback]

Sell your setup and get a 4 bolt setup. I have the M3 5 speed 4 bolt setup and it works fine with a little adjustment where they meet

[chrisbec]

Chris,
I originally thought the 328 shaft would fit, but according to my measurements I need a shaft that is 1476mm long. According to realoem, the 328 shaft is 1492mm. 16mm may be bridged by the compression shaft I suppose, but I wonder if it wouldn't be too long.

Just for comparison sake, according to RealOEM the dirve shaft that I am using is
01 DRIVE SHAFT ASSY FIVE SPEED GEARBOX L=1512MM 26111227445

16mm is around 5/8 of an inch (you are not really talking all that much of a difference in length). There is room for adjustment at the splined section just forward of the carrier bearing. Mine went in just fine (with a little adjustment). The drive shaft that I'm using is 1512 MM and there was room for that adjustment with my set-up.