Expert: Josh Fields - 9/23/2006

Question
What's up guys, I appreciate any knowledge you might be able to pass on.  I got this e28 about a year ago and haven't been able to drive it lately because it has a "clangy" driveshaft,particularly in lower gears.  It sounds very similar in all ways to this gent's problem with the '86 325:
http://experts.about.com/q/BMW-772/Driveshaft.htm?zIr=5#r

I took it to get checked out, and from riding in the car, the mechanic told me that he recognized it as the drive shaft making contact with something else (transmission maybe?), and that it would be too expensive for me to even mess with.  Could this mean a total replacement of driveshaft+transmission, or something simpler?  

I have other semi-reliable transport, but would love to put a little work into this excellent car if it wouldn't break me. Do you know if this is a common problem with the e28?  Thanks very much.  

Answer
Brooks,
 I am no expert with the E28, I am more familar with the E30.  Fortunately though, the E28 shared the same engine's as the E30 (except the 535), so it should be "similar".

 This driveshaft problem has happened to me twice, and it's usually because of the Universal Joints in the driveshaft.  Unfortunately these U-joints are not replaceable (to my knowledge), and total driveshaft replacement is necessary.

 You should be able to get a rebuilt driveshaft for $300US.
 
 Try Google.com, type in "e28 driveshaft" and a whole list of sellers will come up.  They should be able to help.

 Good luck,
 Josh