Driveshaft difference between 2.8 and 3.0

[tommymiladinov]

Hello everyone!

I have a 1999 m52b28tu Z3 auto, and I'm considering a manual swap. Not willing to change the car, because it's nice spec.
However, I can't find information will a driveshaft from 3.0 fit? RealOem says that both 2.8 and 3.0 shafts are 1244mm, but they are with different part numbers - 26111229474 for the 2.8 and 26117511275 for the 3.0.
Are they interchangeable? What’s the difference between them? Any info will be helpful! Thanks.

 

[Zephyr]

Give me your last 7 vin digits and I will look in TIS.
their main difference is the final gear ratio (with the automatic being “shorter”) and you may want to keep the one you have as it is considered better for twisties and 60-120 but with a lower top speed.

 

[tommymiladinov]

LE86404, but that's not my question - my diff is 4.15, I will change the final drive. I'm talking about the driveshaft (cardan shaft) itself - look at the part numbers I've provided. They are different for 2.8 and 3.0 manual cars, the auto one is completely different - a lot shorter.

 

[Zephyr]

LE86404, but that's not my question - my diff is 4.15, I will change the final drive. I'm talking about the driveshaft (cardan shaft) itself - look at the part numbers I've provided. They are different for 2.8 and 3.0 manual cars, the auto one is completely different - a lot shorter.

Quite puzzled here as TIS gives this as specific to the 2.8 and not interchangeable.
Tried all combinations and always pops up as a Z3 2.8 specific.
Sorry can not risk an answer but it seems that they have some differences that are not listed.

 

[mwpe]

I am not sure but I suspect the difference is in the gearbox, the 3.0 litre M54B30 auto is a selectronic box whereas the 2.8 had the older type of auto box.

 

[Zephyr]

Ok. Did a check once again. All the other components are interchangeable, such as bearings, the bridge, sleeves, the lot.
the only thing that is not supposed to be is this part.
one note that TIS has is that this the 3.0 is a M54 application part (if thus helps in any way).

 

[Andyboy]

The Z3 3.0i propshaft/driveshaft is fatter (bigger diameter tube) on the rear section (centre bearing to diff) but otherwise the same, and they interchange.

You'll need a 2.8 or 3.0i auto 3.15 diff or the 3.07 from a 3.0 manual and they are the same TorSen LSD.

The 3.0i has bigger CV joints on the driveshafts (output shafts from diff to wheel) and the diff output shaft flanges are 94 mm compared to 86 mm 2.8 ones. You can fit 2.8 output flanges to a 3.0i diff though. They just pop out.

The gearbox is a ZF unit, a 310Z/320Z from many cars - E36 328i, 323i Convertible and Touring, E34 525i, E39 525i or 528i/530i, E46 328i and 330i.

The pedals are E36 and all Z3's so easy enough to find.

Bear in mind that 2.8/3.0i differentials are £££££. In the UK they are £800 minimum - but you have a 4.1 to sell so....

 

[DrWong]

The Z3 3.0i propshaft/driveshaft is fatter (bigger diameter tube) on the rear section (centre bearing to diff) but otherwise the same, and they interchange.

You'll need a 2.8 or 3.0i auto 3.15 diff or the 3.07 from a 3.0 manual and they are the same TorSen LSD.

The 3.0i has bigger CV joints on the driveshafts (output shafts from diff to wheel) and the diff output shaft flanges are 94 mm compared to 86 mm 2.8 ones. You can fit 2.8 output flanges to a 3.0i diff though. They just pop out.

The gearbox is a ZF unit, a 310Z/320Z from many cars - E36 328i, 323i Convertible and Touring, E34 525i, E39 525i or 528i/530i, E46 328i and 330i.

The pedals are E36 and all Z3's so easy enough to find.

Bear in mind that 2.8/3.0i differentials are £££££. In the UK they are £800 minimum - but you have a 4.1 to sell so....

Impressive knowledge there!

 

[Andyboy]

Hello everyone!

I have a 1999 m52b28tu Z3 auto, and I'm considering a manual swap. Not willing to change the car, because it's nice spec.
However, I can't find information will a driveshaft from 3.0 fit? RealOem says that both 2.8 and 3.0 shafts are 1244mm, but they are with different part numbers - 26111229474 for the 2.8 and 26117511275 for the 3.0.
Are they interchangeable? What’s the difference between them? Any info will be helpful! Thanks.

You're welcome, by the way.