Help with locating correct axles for 2003 540i manual

[jdobro22]

Hello everyone, im in the process of returning my 3rd pair of incorrect axles. my first order was from rockauto...they sent me some garbage that wasnt even the correct length and there was no way it would bolt up to my diff. triple checked my receipt and yes it was listed as 540i/6 axles. ok so ECS tuning it is, GSP axles for 540i manual. this time the length was correct but the bolt holes were misaligned and spaced slightly too far apart. so i went to autozone and ordered the axles in store (free 2 day shipping to store at my local autozone). this time i ordered the automatic version that was for the 3.15 diffs. since i have an msport that comes with 3.15 diff instead of the 2.81 that the non-msport 540i diffs came with, i though i had it figured out. i just went to go pick up the package today and they sent me the exact same axles i ordered from ECS with the same exact dimensions and bolt pattern. i still have the axles from ECS and i compared the two side by side and no difference...it was even GSP brand in a Duralast box. am i not getting something here or am i going insane??? as always any help is appreciated and if anyone knows where i can find the correct axles please let me know.

[Iamthebull]

There are two two different output flange sizes if I remember right based on VIN. Diffsonline lists two: https://diffsonline.com/bmw-e39-540-...l#.XQrU74hKiUk

"If you have the S204A option on your vehicle, you have the 102mm option. You can also tell by the bolts that connect to the axle from the output shafts. The 94mm flanges will use M10 bolts and the 102mm flanges use M12 bolts."

[Iamthebull]

I was going to say though. It's a common misconception, but if you have a manual, you have a 2.81 open diff. The M-Sport does have a few different things, the diff is not one of them though.

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http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3..._drive_output/

[jdobro22]

I was going to say though. It's a common misconception, but if you have a manual, you have a 2.81 open diff. The M-Sport does have a few different things, the diff is not one of them though.

- - - Updated - - -

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3..._drive_output/

I did a bit more research and yeah i guess youre right. now im confused as to why the axles i ordered from ecs tuning and autozone are the same...they really shouldnt be unless one of the vendors sent the wrong item right? since the axles are too large for my diff im assuming i have the 94mm flanges. im really not sure what to do now i guess i have to try ordering from autozone again..this time the manual option -_-. would you maybe know if the touring axles are any different than the sedan?

[edjack]

Why not try ordering by BMW part number? www.realoem.com

[jdobro22]

Why not try ordering by BMW part number? www.realoem.com

I tried looking up by part number all i got was remanufactured oem axles that were $300-500 per side. Not really in the mood to pay that much

[CPHES]

What’s bad about your current ones? Repack the joints, and put new boots on if they are otherwise ok