are different propshaftparts interchangeable?

[liam012]

I am currently running a 320i prop in good nic as is the donut and mount and all the clips and bolts etc
i will need to change to a 325i prop for the conversion but all i have is the absolute bare front and rear prop halves with no clips mounts and donuts etc- will i need to buy new ones or will the current ones on the 320i swap over just fine?
thanks a million

[jmc330i]

I think the donuts are the same (sames part no. on the ETK), but the bolts are different sizes possibly due to the different output flange on the gearbox.

[Brianmoooore]

Don't think any of the bolts are different between 320 and 325; all M10 as far as I know. Only M30 and Some E36 orE34 stuff onwards has 12mm bolts.
Bigger potential problem is, if the two halves of the prop have been separated, it is important that the two halves are assembled with the same splines engaging with each other, as the prop is balanced as a whole, not the individual halves.

[jmc330i]

The bolts do have different part numbers on the ETK.

The ETK says 320i bolts are M10x50/8.8 and the 325i are M10x50/10.9 - what does the 8.9 & 10.9 bit mean?

[Widge]

I think that's either the length or the tensile strength......don't really know with the ETK

[liam012]

hyow will i kow before i run the car that i've lined the correct splines up? are there guide markers?

[jmc330i]

I think that's either the length or the tensile strength......don't really know with the ETK

So the bolts would fit, but it would be worth getting the 325i bolts because the 320i may not be long enough or strong enough??


I dont remember seeing any guide markers on my 325i prop, I think the suggestion is to mark it up before taking it apart.

[Templ8e30]

The 8.8/10/9 is tensile strength.

Some props have 2 white dots to mark alignment, some don't, if yours hasn't it'll be trial and error. The universal joints usually line up with each other though so that'd be a starting point.

You'll know if the splines aren't aligned when the vibration kicks in, it feels like the prop's going to tear itself off the car !.

Cheers,

Iain T