GKN
SKU: GKN-304621

BMW Axle Shaft Assembly - GKN 31607505200

325xi, 330xi



Available
In Stock
Price each: $440.99
Core charges are assigned to parts that have reusable components by manufacturers to encourage the return of the used units. Once you return the old part you will be refunded for your core charge, details regarding the return will be emailed to you once you place the order. Note: The customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping.
QTY
Make sure this fits your car
To ensure fitment and browse only products that fit, please select a vehicle first.

Description

Details

SKU:
GKN-304621
FCP Euro ID:
182860
GTIN / UPC:
04019064147053
Made in:
Spain
Quality:
OE

OE Numbers

31607505200, 31607502732

MFG Numbers

304621

Product Information

926mm OEM replacement axle assembly

It's hard to think that your CV axle is actually a complicated piece of equipment. When you think about it, a CV axle needs to be able to adapt to a wide range of motion between suspension movements and steering inputs while still transmitting power to the wheel. Over thousands of miles, various road and weather conditions, and time axle boots can tear or simply stretch and wear. If a tear occurs in a boot, the grease will leak out allowing for water and dirt to get into the joint. If caught soon enough, you can reboot the axle. However, if it is ignored an axle replacement will be needed. This is usually indicated by drive train vibrations under acceleration and clicking coming from the CV joints.

GKN Loebro is an OEM supplier to BMW for axle shaft and CV assemblies. This completely new unit will restore drivetrain function to your E46 xi model.

CV Axle Assembly

The CV (Constant Velocity) axle assembly is responsible for transferring torque and rotational power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing for suspension movement and steering articulation. The CV axle consists of a shaft with joints at both ends: a CV joint that connects the axle to the transmission and another CV joint that connects the axle to the wheel hub. This design allows the axle to handle changes in angle and length as the vehicle moves, especially when turning or going over bumps.

CV Axle Assembly Failure Symptoms
  • Clicking or Popping Noises: One of the most common signs of a failing CV axle is a clicking or popping noise when turning the vehicle. This noise typically occurs when the CV joint is damaged or worn out, especially during sharp turns.
  • Vibration While Driving: A failing CV axle can cause noticeable vibrations while driving, especially at higher speeds. This vibration may indicate that the axle is bent, or damaged, or that the CV joints are worn out.
  • Grease Leaks: If the CV axle boot tears or cracks, grease can leak out. You may notice grease on the inside of the wheel or around the CV joint. This can lead to increased wear on the joint due to a lack of lubrication.

About GKN

We've all heard of so many horror stories of sub-par aftermarket axle shafts that just don't hold up to the quality standards of today's vehicles. Why do the OE axles last so long? Who makes them? GKN Driveline is the world’s leading supplier of automotive driveline systems and solutions and in most cases, you'll find them as the OE supplier on your European vehicle. As a global business serving the leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline products and systems – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.​ When you see the GKN option available while shopping for your next axle, be sure not to hesitate. Stay original, go with the OE GKN.

Fits These Cars

BMW 325xi

  • 2001 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2001 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2001 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2001 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 325xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Wagon 2.5L L6 M54 Gas

BMW 330xi

  • 2001 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2001 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2002 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2003 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2004 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Automatic AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas
  • 2005 BMW 330xi CV Axle Assembly (Front Right)
    Manual AWD Sedan 3.0L L6 M54 Gas

Product Reviews

17 Reviews

4.9
Average rating
Leave a review
Frank
on Tue, Mar 25 at 11:02PM
Cv Axles
Installed these back in december, the boots have surpassed every aftermarket axle that i tried (three different axles). No slop neither, fit great, though one axle was missing the lock ring for some reason, so i just used my old one.
Ashton A
on Mon, Jan 31 at 09:57AM
Only axle you should buy
These are a perfect fit and will outlast any parts store axle 10 times over. Its more expensive, but so worth it. Cheaper axles also often result in vibrations while driving and at idle in these cars. I drive a lowered xi and this has absolutely no problems. I do however recommend buying a 36mm nut (33411133785) so you don't have to buy a different socket for the 32mm nut it comes with.
Tim
on Sun, Dec 26 at 07:55PM
Axles are perfect fit—Boots SUCK
Axles are a great fit for ORM—no complaints, CV boots suck—only lasted 4 years, though lifetime replacement was no issue with FCP. Please change the manufacture of boots. In comparison, my 2004 Denali(with 230,000 miles) still has the original axles and BOOTS. GMC boots gave lasted 17 years and no tears, so the boots can be made to last
Passion Motowerks
on Wed, Oct 13 at 01:19PM
BMW Axle Shaft Assembly - GKN
Exact fitment
Walter
on Wed, Sep 15 at 09:22PM
Fits perfect
Upgrade in quality, plus lifetime warranty as usual from FCP. You might find it cheaper, but will they replace it for free!
Rich B
on Wed, Jul 14 at 01:05PM
GKN Axle
E46 xi's are known for front axle/CV issues. GNK is top quality. FCP's service is the best in the business!
Scott
on Tue, Dec 03 at 11:52AM
OE Replacement Axle- the old one was clicking with a broken boots after 15 years of service
This was a great replacement. The only concern is the different size nut that comes with the GKN axle 32 mm 12 pt vs the Febi and OEM nut size 36mm 12 point socket. even after staking the OEM nut it seems to be working its way back out slowly and re-tighting despite being torqued down..
R S
on Sun, Jun 16 at 10:50PM
Just Buy It
I had an axle replaced at a shop and on a road trip the next week it fell out leaving me stranded for 3 days. I had to have my old axle put back in. I ordered some replacements from rock auto and they felt like garbage so I didn't even bother. Fast forward two years and I NEEDED to replace the original axles. When I took the old ones out they came out in pieces. Install of these was easy, just make sure you have a 32mm 12pt socket on hand. I've driven these across the country twice now and they are holding up great. Worth the money for sure.
Bill B.
on Mon, Aug 27 at 05:09PM
Great Axle, Strange Axle Nut
This is a good quality new axle from GKN. The boots and joints are of a high quality and everything fit perfectly. Axle comes with a good quality and correct size c-clip. The only strange part is the axle nut. The stock axle nuts for the E46 need a 36mm, 12-point socket. The axle nut that came with the new axle use a 32mm, 12-point socket. Luckily I had the 32mm socket laying around from another car, but I wonder why GKN couldn't just include the original size nut? They're supposedly the OEM and this is the OE axle. Wasn't too big of a problem, but only because I got lucky this time. Hoping this review will help someone avoid getting stuck with no way to install their new axle. Finally, the Bentley manual says the axle nut needs to be torqued to 310 ft*lbs. Good luck with that. Most consumer grade torque wrenches only go to 250 ft*lbs. Remember to stake the nut once you've torqued it.
John
on Sun, Jan 07 at 12:55PM
OE quality
Replaced an Empire I Bought here. It lasted a few years but this should last much longer seeing as it's the same axle the factory installed. The Genuine BMW seal fit perfectly too. One less tho g to worry about.
Show more reviews (7 more)

Questions & Answers

Ask a question
Question Posted by Kacper
Which fluid will leak out when I take the old axle shaft out?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
A small amount of trans fluid.
Question Posted by a customer
Hi I received the axle shaft assembly and noticed the axle shaft nut is less than 36mm which is the current nut size holding the shaft. Did I receive the correct shaft nut? Did receive the correct Axle shaft assembly? My vehicle is 2005 BMW e46 330xi (6sp). Please advise! Best, Dre
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
It's not uncommon for included axle nuts to be smaller than the factory size. This is not an indicator of an incorrect axle shaft. Please send pictures of the axle to service@fcpeuro.com so we can assist you in identifying the axle and confirming what you have is correct.
Question Posted by Dexter
Does 'Front Right' mean/= Passenger side?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
Part positions are relative to generic seating position inside the vehicle. Since we have customers who have left hand drive and right hand drive cars we can't confirm driver side unless we know the driving position. The industry standard for part positions is always based off generic seating position inside the vehicle.
Question Posted by Greg
Does this axle contain the wheel hub nut and the locking clip for the differential?
Answer (Posted by FCP Euro Products Team)
The c clip and the axle nut are included.

FCP Euro Lifetime Replacement Guarantee

Every auto part you buy from FCP Euro is guaranteed for life, for as long as you own the vehicle. Our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee covers everything we sell, including wear-and-tear items like brake pads, gaskets, brake rotors, filters, and wiper blades!

Review our guarantee for complete details about the program.