This is the axle to buy if you want a high quality part that will last as long as the factory ones. People who have done this job know it's a hassle, so get the right part and do it once.

Great OE axle shaft at a lower price than the genuine BMW part and works well. The only minor thing is the axle nut that comes with this GKN axle shaft is different in size than the original BMW axle nut. Luckily, I have a spare one from an old CV boot kit which is the same size as the original. It saved me a few $ in getting a new axle nut socket for the GKN axle nut. Other than that it has been running for 5k miles without any issue.

Installed the GKN just over two years and around 17,000 miles ago and outer boot started leaking grease. FCP was great about taking it back; they mean it when they say lifetime warranty. Have put a new GKN axle in and will see how it does.

2001 325xit manual 147,000 miles Being a fairly competent mechanic, I usually opt for less expensive parts from FCP. Their lifetime warranty gave me the piece of mind that if I ever had any problems I could easily swap the failed component(s) at a minimal cost. This mindset has worked well over the past 7 years until my wife's 325xit developed a clicking noise from the from axles. A quick inspection revealed that the OEM axle boots had cracked/split. At the time FCP have several replacement options ranging from $170- over $600. I chose the least expensive option and quickly learned why those axles were so cheap! After the install I could feel a vibration under acceleration in 1st-3rd gear. Thinking this problem was a separate issue, I replaced the Guibo, driveshaft, and rear diff bushing. 7,000 miles later, the boots completely disintegrated which prompted me to replace them with a rebuilt set from A1Cardone (based on a few suggestions on a popular E46 forum). That set lasted about 13,000 before failing and the vibration upon acceleration problem still persisted. This time I opted for the GKN set and they made all the difference in the world! Not only did they correct the vibration problem, they made the car easier to maneuver while modulating the clutch due to I believe to be a huge decrease in drivetrain play (that I thought was caused by a failing transfercase. For anyone considering a less expensive product, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, and don't forget to order a pair of driveshaft seals 33-10-7-505-601/104 or 01025620B(order 3 if you've never replaced them before).

I didn't waste time with the aftermarket/rebuilt axles. It's been about 6000 and no issues. They're a little expensive, but these are the ones you will keep for a long time.

I didn't waste time with the aftermarket/rebuilt axles. It's been about 6000 and no issues. They're a little expensive, but these are the ones you will keep for a long time.

I didn't waste time with the aftermarket/rebuilt axles. It's been about 6000 and no issues. They're a little expensive, but these are the ones you will keep for a long time.

BMW axle shafts without the BMW name or "price". Still quite a bit more than lesser axles (I tried them) save yourself the time and headache and get these!