BMW Driveshaft - Powertrain 26117502959

The all-wheel-drive BMW E46 325xi and 330xi are the perfect daily drivers for those still looking for that older BMW magic. Thanks to its universally loved size and feel, many of the E46s still on the road have significant mileage on their odometers. Among the many components that wear out with age, the drive shaft’s center support bearing is a common culprit of unwanted drivetrain clunks. However, there are a few other places it can wear out, so your best bet is to replace the entire shaft for worry and clunk-free driving.

BMW E46 325xi/330xi Driveshaft Failure Symptoms

• Clunk under acceleration from the center of the chassis

• Shuddering during acceleration

• Intense vibration at certain RPMs

The drive shaft connects the transmission to the differential, transferring engine torque to the rear wheels to make the car move. A smaller drive shaft sends power to the front wheels via the transfer case in BMW's all-wheel-drive xi-models. However, the shaft connecting to the rear wheels is the typical replacement for RWD and AWD models.

The engine sends intense torsional forces through the E46's drive shaft as you drive along. At the center of the shaft, there’s a center support bearing to absorb some of the drivetrain’s vibrational harshness and to support the shaft. Its positioning puts it under the same stresses as the drive shaft, and that causes it to wear out before anything else, leading to a clunky, vibrating mess. In other cases, the u-joints at the front of the shaft will wear and lead to essentially the same symptoms as a worn center support bearing.  

BMW E46 325xi/330xi Driveshaft Replacement

A brand new genuine BMW 330xi drive shaft is over $1500, and that’s the price of an E46 in some cases. The other, more affordable option is a rebuilt unit from Powertrain. Fitted with new u-joints and a new center support bearing, the Powertrain 26117502959 drive shaft is a direct replacement for the 325xi and 33xi BMW E46 models at half the cost of a new unit. 

Rebuilt units are very popular and have nearly the same quality as a new shaft but for much less out of your pocket. The only other component you should replace when installing the new-to-you shaft is a new giubo, also known as a drive shaft flex joint or flex disc.