Engine swap help needed, propshaft aghhhh ....

[SM AUTOS]

Just swapped a 325i engine & box into my 318i 2 door....

Everything has bolted up fine, apart from the propshaft. It seems as if it is too long, as the front rubber donut hits the back of the gearbox & doesn't even get near to the gearbox output flange.
There is a sliding splined joint on the prop but it seems to be seized solid. Is this the problem? If so I will remove the prop and try and unseize it.......but i'm starting to worry now that I need the 325i prop & that went with the doner car to the scrapyard

Can anyone offer any advise that has completed this swap? I don't know weather it is just me being a bit of a div

Thanks in advance guys.

[jaistanley]

Is it a 325i prop dude? The 4 pots and 6 pots have different length propshaft...

If you have the 325i prop you also need to un-seize the centre sliding joint, it soaks up changes in the length of the prop during cornering ( the rear beam moves and causes this). Unscrew the hexagonal part with water pump pliers a bit and give it a few raps with a lump hammer around it's diameter. That should do it easily. Don't split the prop till you've marked it's position relative, they are balanced so putting it back in the wrong place may cause vibration. I'd replace the centre bearing whilst you have the prop off.

Jai

[SM AUTOS]

Nope it's the 318i propshaft

Like a fool i took EVERYTHING of the 325i EXCEPT the prop as i thought they were the same.

I have now done on search on propshafts and it seems you can adjust the spline by undoing the large nut by the centre bearing, would there be enough adjustment to get it on?

If not looks like i'm after another 325i propshaft......

[Jhonno]

you need the 325i propshaft, adjustment is minimal

[DanThe]

I can bring you a 325i prop in the morning as I will be going straight through Telford on my way to Oswestry, exchange for your 318i prop + petrol money will do

[SM AUTOS]

Dan,

What can I say, your a star!

Please please please and thankyou!
Be more then willing to pay your petrol money and give you the 318i prop + some beer money....

You have just saved me a load of greif..

Cheers mate will pm you.

[DanThe]

See you tomorow about 11ish

[SM AUTOS]

cheers mate mucho appreciated

[SM AUTOS]

Right, propshaft sorted, a big thankyou to Dan for bringing it yesterday morning

Car now runs too, just a few final things to tidy up on her.

It's people like Dan that make the e30zone what it is, without him i'd still have a undrivable car...