87 325is issue...

I think you will find it is the guibo. When that goes it can cause a large offset in the driveline. It might also be one of the U joints, but not likely the center joint as that would just cause the floor of the car to shake. I'm sure it will be obvious when you start poking around...

While I usually suspect the center bearing carrier *first*. It doesn't much matter. Whenever you replace one of these, it usually makes sense to replace both. They're both cheap and easy. They are also much more likely culprits than anything having to do with either the U joint or the half shafts.

BTW, unless the E30 is different from the E28, if it has an automatic transmission, it will have no guibo.

-- C.R. Krieger (Been there; done that)

P.S.: If you're not familiar with the term, 'guibo' is the flexible rubber disk (also referred to as a 'flex disk') at the rear end of the transmission that links the driveshaft to the output flange.

Well, my suspicions (and all of yours) were correct. The guibo had basically self destructed on me. Looks like I'll be going back to the BMW dealership tomorrow to get a guibo ($70) and most likely a center carrier bearing ($??). Can't see replacing one without the other and I missed the cutoff for getting it the Bavarian Autosport for delivery tomorrow...

The center carrier bearing is ~$35 or so, IIRC. Frankly, both together are probably less to repair than what you were suspecting. Glad we could be of assistance.

BTW, if you're doing much dealershhip service, you really ought to be in BMW CCA. Very few dealers do not offer at least a 10-15% club discount on everything.

-- C.R. Krieger (Been there; done that)

Huh? How'd you do *that*? ISTR it's all one piece and the bearing is bonded to the rubber web of the carrier. I can believe you got a good deal on the whole thing, since I paid about the same amount for my last one. I'm a little stunned at the dealer price unless it includes installation.

You've got the wrong dealer. Get thee over to MyE28.com and find Brian Da Parts Pimp. Parts guy at BMW of Chattanooga who can and will get you anything BMW has anywhere worldwide - at the best possible price.

-- C.R. Krieger (Been there; done that)

If it had included installation, they'd have had the job! The actual bearing sits in a cup that's bonded to the rubber. It's held in by a lock ring.

I'll be doing that as I'm in need of a few parts that I'd rather get new if possible. Thanks!!!