prop

[iil325i]

will a 320 prop fit a 325, and there is 2 types what year did they change

[Martinaston]

It changed with the facelift (around 87, depends on the model)
The centre bearing mount thats different.
320 and 325 are interchangable but the 320 may be smaller in diameter and did not come with the extra balance weight on the front.

[iil325i]

i think the bearing has gone on mine its starting to make a nice if i pull away fast, how easy is it to fit a new bearing then,

[Martinaston]

If its just a knock when you pull away it could be the diff bush or the rear axle mounts.
If it's knocking when you pull away hard AND vibrates at high speed i'd say its the rubber bush around the centre bearing.
If it's whining all the time then i'd say it's the centre bearing but that wouldn't make a knocking noise.

The Prop centre support could just need to be pre-loaded by pushing it forward slightly before tightening the bolts. (not fitted correctly last time it was off ?)

You can buy just the bearing or the whole bearing and support as one lump. (probably easier)

To get it off you have to remove the prop and splitt the two pieces (mark it before you do or you throw out the balance) and then pull the bearing off after cutting the support off the bearing (or just bash the whole thing off with a hammer).
The trick is to get the new one on without damaging it

[iil325i]

If it's knocking when you pull away hard AND vibrates at high speed i'd say its the rubber bush around the centre bearing.

The trick is to get the new one on without damaging it

yer its that 1 m8, it vibrates when you pull off then it goes then it comes back at high revs.

so i need a new bearing then, or will it be easyer just to change the bush
would i be able to do this my self in a day

if i drive it like a old granny will it be ok, iv got to go to reading which is about 200miles away do you think it will be ok

[Martinaston]

Does it vibrate at high rev's or at high speed ?

[Templ8e30]

The 320i and 325i props are not interchangeable. The 320i gearbox is shorter (38mm) and needs a longer prop. Unlike the different differential sizes this cannot be compensated for by moving the splined section because the front part contains the centre bearing which has to be in the correct position.

Also you cannot fit a different front or rear section to your prop as they are balanced as a pair. An un-matched pair will vibrate like hell.

Both props are the same diameter.

Cheers,

Iain T

[Martinaston]

Have you had a look at the flexible coupling between the prop and gearbox ?
If you abuse the car by continualy pulling away hard then they have a tendancy to pull themselves to pieces.