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In Reply to: 5 speed drive shaft question.... posted by Don76 on August 20, 2000 at 21:00:05:
I did this conversion a few years ago, and learned several things. First, if you get a tranny with a three bolt output flange, keep it. The later 320i-style six bolt guibo is stronger than the 2002 eight bolt type. Simply use the three-bolt front flange from a 320i driveshaft when you have yoour 2002 shaft shortened.
Second, have the driveshaft shop machine your driveshaft to accept replaceable u-joints. The stock 2002 driveshaft has the u-joints staked in. This is obviously a ridiculous design from a maintenance standpoint. Most shops can press out the 2002 u-joints and machine the shaft to accept commonly available, replaceable, greasable u-joints. Then your expensive modified driveshaft should last the life of the car.
Third, when you install the transmission, make sure it is lined up vertically and horizontally such that the guibo is absolutely unstressed. You can install the front section of the driveshaft temporarily to check this. It should spin freely without "bending" the guibo. This will eliminate any driveline vibration. I used a crossmember from Top End performance, and it bolted in and fit great. It also uses the stronger 320i trans mount. All in all, this was a very worthwhile swap, and I now approach 30mpg on the freeway at 70mph in 5th. (I have a 3:64 diff and a stock engine with the exception of a Tii exhaust manifold and a Weber 32/36 carb.) Good luck!
Colin
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