E46 driveshaft

Types of E46 Driveshaft

The E46 generation of the BMW 3 series was produced from 1997 to 2006. During this period, over 20 million units of the e46 were sold. The popularity of the e46 series was partly due to the use of lighter materials, which improved vehicle handling and performance. The E46 driveshaft is a vital part of the E46 series. It is responsible for transferring power from the E46 transmission to the E46 rear axle, which powers the rear wheels. This is a critical component of the rear-wheel drive in the E46 series. The E46 drive shaft consists of three main parts: the e46 carbon driveshaft, which is the most popular shafts among BMW tuning enthusiasts, e46 U-joint, and e46 driveshaft center support bearing.

• BMW E46 driveshaft: Most people call it the e46 driveshaft, but it is the first-choice shaft for e46 models. This driveshaft can also be used on some e39 and e38 models. The E46 M3 stock driveshaft is a two-piece shaft with a carbon fiber tube. The shaft is properly balanced to ensure even power delivery. This driveshaft can be modified for single or double join conversion.
• E46 M3 CSL carbon driveshaft: The E46 M3 CSL carbon driveshaft is the first choice for most BMW tuning enthusiasts. The E46 M3 CSL is a limited edition, and only a few units were produced. The car's carbon driveshaft is one of the main reasons for its outstanding acceleration and handling performance. The E46 M3 CSL carbon driveshaft is a one-piece shaft. It offers a 7 kg weight reduction compared to the E46 M3 M-tuned driveshaft. The E46 M3 CSL carbon shaft has a larger diameter than the standard M3 shafts. The inner carbon tubes of the E46 M3 CSL driveshaft are larger than the standard M3 driveshaft. The increase in diameter improves the power transfer efficiency of the shaft.
• E30, E32, E34, E38, E39, E46, E60, and E65 BMW Driveshafts: Most BMW e46 M3 replacement parts manufacturers also produce custom shafts for the e46 M3. Most of these shafts are based on the stock 4-bolt design. The shafts are manufactured to be compatible with the M3 e46 models. Manufacturers usually indicate the models the driveshaft is compatible with.

Specifications & Maintenance of E46 Driveshaft

Specifications of the E46 driveshaft are as follows:

• Length: The E46 driveshaft comes in different sizes. The standard one measures 81.5 inches (2070 mm) in length. It is suitable for most vehicles with a rear axle. The length gives the driveshaft enough space to flex. It accommodates the distance between the transmission output and the rear differential input.
• Diameter: The E46 driveshaft has a standard diameter of 3.15 inches (80 mm). The measurement is for the tubular section. The diameter affects the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A larger driveshaft increases the weight of the vehicle. It also increases the rotational inertia. As a result, the car requires more power to accelerate.
• Material: The E46 driveshaft is made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Steel is the most robust option. It can withstand high torque and power from the engine. Steel driveshafts are also heavier than other options. The extra weight may not be suitable for all applications. Aluminum is a lighter option compared to steel. It is resistant to corrosion. Aluminum driveshafts are durable and require less maintenance. Carbon fiber is the lightest material. It is suitable for high-performance and racing vehicles.
• Splines: The E46 driveshaft has a standard spline count of 12-13. The spline connects the shaft to the transmission and the differential. It allows for torque transfer and accommodates axial movement.
• Universal joints (U-joints): Each E46 driveshaft has four U-joints. They connect the driveshaft to the transmission and the differential. The U-joints allow the driveshaft to rotate smoothly. They also accommodate angular misalignment between the transmission and the differential.
• Balance weights: The standard E46 driveshaft has two balance weights. They are located on the tubular section. The balance weights reduce vibration. They also ensure the driveshaft runs smoothly at high speeds.

With proper maintenance, the E46 driveshaft can last for many years. Here are some maintenance tips:

• 1. Inspect the driveshaft regularly. Check for signs of damage, wear, or cracks. Make sure all the U-joints are in good condition.
• 2. Maintain proper lubrication of the U-joints. Use the recommended grease for the joints. Re-lubricate the joints every 5,000 miles (8,050 km).
• 3. Ensure the e46 m3 driveshaft is properly aligned. Misalignment can cause vibrations and damage to the shaft. Align the driveshaft as soon as possible.
• 4. Replace the U-joints when necessary. A worn-out U-joint can affect the performance of the driveshaft. Changing the U-joint can prevent further damage to the shaft.
• 5. Avoid overloading the vehicle. Excess load puts extra stress on the driveshaft. It can cause premature wear and tear.

How to choose e46 driveshaft

Wholesale buyers should consider several factors when sourcing E46 driveshafts to meet various customers' needs. These are as follows.

• Application

  Understand the specific car model and variant of the E46 driveshaft. The part should be compatible with the car model's design and engineering specifications. For example, the E46 330i has a different E46 driveshaft specification than the E46 316i model.

• Condition

  The E46 driveshaft can be sourced in different conditions. Buyers are advised to evaluate their target market's needs. Some markets may prefer brand new driveshafts, while others may settle for refurbished or remanufactured ones. In addition, the parts should be inspected for quality and reliability, ensuring they meet the original equipment manufacturer's standards.

• Length and Size

  The length and size of the E46 driveshaft should be appropriate for the specific variant of the E46 BMW. This includes considering the wheelbase and engine placement of the car model. A mismatched driveshaft length or size can lead to vibrations, increased wear, and potential driveline failure.

• Upgrade Options

  Some customers may consider performance upgrades to enhance their car's performance. To cater to this market segment, look for suppliers offering aftermarket carbon fiber or aluminum E46 M3 GTR driveshafts. The E46 M3 GTR carbon driveshaft is one of the most sought-after upgrades among car enthusiasts.

How to DIY and Replace e46 driveshaft

Replacing a BMW E46 driveshaft is a challenging DIY task that requires mechanical knowledge and experience. To replace an E46 driveshaft, follow these instructions:

Firstly, get the necessary tools for the job, such as a jack and stands, torx and socket wrench set, new driveshaft hardware, and e46 driveshaft carrier bearing. Before starting the process, ensure the car is parked on a level ground. Then, engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the front wheels.

Start by lifting the car and securely placing it on jack stands. Then, disconnect the battery's negative terminal. Once the carrier bearing is exposed, the next step is to remove the undercarriage shield. Depending on the model, one may need to remove the exhaust heat shield. Use a 12mm socket to remove the 4 bolts holding the carrier bearing to the driveshaft.

Proceed to remove the 6 bolts holding the bearing to the transmission. At this point, the e46 driveshaft support bracket should be loose. One can use a pry bar to remove it from the transmission. After removing the bolts, loosen the 2 nuts on the e46 driveshaft flex joint. One may need to remove the exhaust to get better access to the flex joint. Use a torx 55 bit to remove the 12 bolts holding the flex joint to the differential.

Loosening the flex joint bolts is often the most challenging part of this DIY project. One may need to remove the heat shield to get better access. Use a 14mm wrench to remove the 4 bolts holding the heat shield. Once the heat shield is out of the way, it's easier to access the flex joint. Once the flex joint is fully disconnected from the driveshaft, it should be free.

Now, one can proceed to remove the old driveshaft and install the new one. Since the new driveshaft doesn't come with a flex joint, install a new flex joint to the shaft. Line up the flex joint with the driveshaft and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the heat shield, and the undercarriage shield, and reconnect the battery. Lower the car and remove the wheel chocks.

Start the car and engage it in drive to ensure the new driveshaft works properly. For first-timers, it might take a few hours to complete the project. Those with more experience will complete the project in no time. It's advisable to consult a repair manual or online videos for step-by-step instructions.

Q&A

Q1: How can I know my driveshaft is e46?

A1: The normal symptoms of a failing or weak driveshaft e46 are loud noises (grinding, clunking, rattling, etc.), visual damages, and vibrations that get worse when accelerating. If any of these signs are present, do not hesitate to consult an expert to be sure.

Q2: How long does a BMW e46 driveshaft last?

A2: There is no specific time a driveshaft will last. It all depends on many factors like the severity of use, maintenance practices, quality of the e46 drive shaft repair parts, etc. However, a well-maintained driveshaft should last between 8,000 to 12,000 miles.

Q3: Can I use a non-BMW e46 driveshaft on my car?

A3: No, because the e46 driveshaft is designed specifically for BMW vehicles. Using a non-BMW e46 driveshaft may result in poor fitment, compatibility issues, and potentially damage to the car's drivetrain.

Q4: Is the e46 driveshaft the same as the propeller shaft?

A4: Yes, the e46 driveshaft is also known as the propeller shaft. It is a mechanical component used to transmit power from the engine to the wheels.