DRIVESHAFT FIXED (How much?)

[MikeHsu]

I am looking at an ebay ad for a 1989 BMW 525i. He said everything is fine but the driveshaft needs to be fixed. It can drive though.

What exactly is the driveshaft, and how much would it cost to get this replaced or repaired?

[Hypr5]

A rebuilt driveshaft is about $700. (Parts cost)
Assuming it isn't just a guibo or a center bearing. (parts cost for both is ~$100)
figure labor is 4 to 5 hours on top of that.

[MikeHsu]

wow, that is pretty expensive.

Is this an easy job to do? Would I be able to do it myself?

[thejlevie]

I guess it depends on your skill level and tool collection. I don't find it a difficult repair. The exhaust has to come out and it can be removed in one piece after disconnecting it at the headers. The problem in most home shops is usually getting the car high enough up to get the exhaust out. Once you solve that the rest is pretty straight forward.

[MikeHsu]

so how much is a new drive shaft?

I think the driveshaft has to be replaced.

[Hypr5]

As I said before, a rebuilt one is abotu $700, and they can be found as low as $450, but you really have to look. A new one can be found anywhere from 900 - 1200. Again, there may be places that you can get that cheaper too. I'm actually removing the whole driveshaft tonight / this weekend so I can let you know how difficult of a job it is.

[MikeHsu]

As I said before, a rebuilt one is abotu $700, and they can be found as low as $450, but you really have to look. A new one can be found anywhere from 900 - 1200. Again, there may be places that you can get that cheaper too. I'm actually removing the whole driveshaft tonight / this weekend so I can let you know how difficult of a job it is.

That'd be great. thanks

[MikeHsu]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7944969235&category=33738

Is this a driveshaft?

[Gamite]

I think I got my driveshaft rebuilt and rebalanced for something like $280 CAD. I think. It wasn't that much. Go to a local mechanic shop that speclalizes in BMW's and ask them.

[Hypr5]

That certainly is a driveshaft - if your getting a 525 with an auto tranny, thats the one.

[MaloventEvil]

rebuilt and installed on my auto 535i for 1200$

[Darsus]

...Driveshaft? I have heard these big prices, but what does the job entail?

[thejlevie]

The universal joints on the driveshaft are not serviceable in the ordinary sense. When they go bad a rebuilder will replace the bearings and re-balance the driveshaft.

[MikeHsu]

Hey, Good news..

I will be a owner of a 1989 525i.

I just won the auction for the driveshaft on ebay.

I am picking up the car on Tuesday, and hopefully can get the driveshaft replaced that day.

I am guessing the installation will be roughly around 350$?

[m323pwr]

if you do the labor ur self, the driveshaft rebuild should not cost more then 350 bucks including balancing..its really straight forward. and get ready for the heavy ass exh i have had to pull my trans twice already. and replace two center support bearings.

and to anyone who has never done this.. be sure to mark the driveshaft and put it back together exxxxactly the way it came apart. or it will vibrate. trust me i had to find out the hard way. :buttrock

[Darsus]

The universal joints on the driveshaft are not serviceable in the ordinary sense. When they go bad a rebuilder will replace the bearings and re-balance the driveshaft.

Thanks for the info.

[Hypr5]

Hey man, just thought id update you on my progess.
I just pulled the driveshaft and it took 2.5 hrs with no special tools needed at all. Just some wrenches and a break bar + jacks / stands.

The job was really straight forward and the driveshaft isn't too heavy at all. I can give you step by step directions / tips if you need them. Hopefully that driveshaft you got from ebay fixes it perfectly.

Good luck :)