225,000 mile 540iT Propeller shaft issue

540fan · 11-20-2023, 10:43 AM

My 540iT with 225,000 miles with a full refresh including new engine, transmission, etc… has developed a rotating noise from a stop under heavy acceleration. I can feel the vibration bottom of the driver’s seat and it lasts about 6 clunks and then goes away. Under normal acceleration or high speed acceleration, it doesn’t happen.

I’m thinking it’s the center bearing starting to go bad. Shaft is original to the car. The rubber “weird” named disc was replaced a few years ago. The CV joint at the rear by the differential is starting to sling small amounts of CV grease.

I’m thinking of ordering a new propeller shaft (BMW speak) or driveshaft for us ‘Mercian’s…. but wanted to know if anyone has rebuilt and just replaced the center bearing and rear CV joint. Probably a few hundred dollars over a new replacement from FCP. I’ll do the work myself but just wanted to know if anyone has:

1. Experienced this noises before?
2. Replaced or rebuilt the propeller shaft?

It’s a BMW so I have already put more into it Thant it’s worth so the extra dollars are not a show stopper but was wondering what others have done in this case.

Thanks in advance!

Chihuahua · 11-20-2023, 12:39 PM

Yes, had very similar symptoms in my E30 many years ago. I resolved them by replacing the driveshaft with a new guibo as well (the weird rubber thingy

.

Good luck.

e61it · 11-20-2023, 11:49 PM

Also replaced the guibo but not the driveshaft on my 540it. It was a sweet ride.

540fan · 12-03-2023, 01:54 PM

New Propeller Shaft, i.e. Driveshaft arrive from on Bimmerworld and installed and problem was eliminated. Rather easy install taking 3 three no rush hours working with my QuickJacks and creeper on the garage floor. Did not encounter any of the usual BMW headaches.

Here is the source of the noise and rotating knocking. 221,000 miles and it’s in good shape other than the center carrier bearing. I could probably rebuild it but these shafts seam pretty easy to get. If anyone is around the Charlotte, NC area and wants it, it’s free if you pick up.

Thanks for the feedback.

11-20-2023, 10:43 AM	#1
540fan Enlisted Member 33 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW M4 F82, BMW 540iT E39 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	225,000 mile 540iT Propeller shaft issue My 540iT with 225,000 miles with a full refresh including new engine, transmission, etc… has developed a rotating noise from a stop under heavy acceleration. I can feel the vibration bottom of the driver’s seat and it lasts about 6 clunks and then goes away. Under normal acceleration or high speed acceleration, it doesn’t happen. I’m thinking it’s the center bearing starting to go bad. Shaft is original to the car. The rubber “weird” named disc was replaced a few years ago. The CV joint at the rear by the differential is starting to sling small amounts of CV grease. I’m thinking of ordering a new propeller shaft (BMW speak) or driveshaft for us ‘Mercian’s…. but wanted to know if anyone has rebuilt and just replaced the center bearing and rear CV joint. Probably a few hundred dollars over a new replacement from FCP. I’ll do the work myself but just wanted to know if anyone has: 1. Experienced this noises before? 2. Replaced or rebuilt the propeller shaft? It’s a BMW so I have already put more into it Thant it’s worth so the extra dollars are not a show stopper but was wondering what others have done in this case. Thanks in advance! Attached Images
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11-20-2023, 12:39 PM	#2
Chihuahua Brigadier General 4460 Rep 3,360 Posts Drives: E30 329iS, E65 Alpina B7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Yes, had very similar symptoms in my E30 many years ago. I resolved them by replacing the driveshaft with a new guibo as well (the weird rubber thingy. Good luck.
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11-20-2023, 11:49 PM	#3
e61it Second Lieutenant 116 Rep 206 Posts Drives: bmw 545it Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: pnw iTrader: (0)	Also replaced the guibo but not the driveshaft on my 540it. It was a sweet ride.
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12-03-2023, 01:54 PM	#4
540fan Enlisted Member 33 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW M4 F82, BMW 540iT E39 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	New Propeller Shaft, i.e. Driveshaft arrive from on Bimmerworld and installed and problem was eliminated. Rather easy install taking 3 three no rush hours working with my QuickJacks and creeper on the garage floor. Did not encounter any of the usual BMW headaches. Here is the source of the noise and rotating knocking. 221,000 miles and it’s in good shape other than the center carrier bearing. I could probably rebuild it but these shafts seam pretty easy to get. If anyone is around the Charlotte, NC area and wants it, it’s free if you pick up. Thanks for the feedback. Attached Images
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