BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
Drivetrain components and spare parts for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46. Confirm fitment by selecting your make, model and engine before ordering.
Products for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
- Position: Rear right
- Flange diameter: 100 mm
- Total length: 668 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- ABS teeth: 48
- Position: Rear left, Rear right
- Flange diameter: 94 mm
- Total length: 625 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- ABS teeth: 48
- Position: Rear right
- Flange diameter: 94 mm
- Total length: 675 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- ABS teeth: 48
- Diameter: 30 mm
- Hole spacing c/c: 160 mm
- Bearing thickness: 35 mm
- Position: Rear
- Number of centre bearings: 1
- Number of joints: 2
- Total length: 1,415 mm
- Position: Rear left, Rear right
- Flange diameter: 100 mm
- Total length: 614 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- ABS teeth: 48
- Flange diameter: 94 mm
- Total length: 610 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- Position: Rear, Outer
- Inner splines: 24
- Outer diameter: 86 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- ABS teeth: 48
- Flange diameter: 100 mm
- Total length: 665 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- Flange diameter: 94 mm
- Total length: 675 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- Position: Rear left
- Total length: 620 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
- Flange diameter: 100 mm
- Total length: 610 mm
- Splines wheel side: 27
Drivetrain for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
The BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 is an iconic model that demands precision in every mechanical component to deliver its expected driving experience. The drivetrain is the heart of the car's dynamics, and at CVJoint24 you will find the parts required to keep power transmission in peak condition. With 9 specific items in our warehouse for this exact variant, we cover the most critical needs for your car. Whether you are restoring a well-kept classic or carrying out routine maintenance on your daily commuter, the right parts are essential for both safety and the lifespan of surrounding components in the system.
Our range for the 320 I E46 is carefully selected to match the technical specifications of this specific engine and chassis combination. We understand that a BMW owner values quality, which is why we only supply parts built to high standards. By focusing on specialist categories such as drive shafts and propeller shafts, we offer deeper expertise than generic car parts shops, ensuring you receive components that truly fit and perform over time.
How the drivetrain is engineered on the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
The E46 platform is renowned for its classic rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced weight distribution. Power from the silky-smooth six-cylinder engine in the 320 I travels through the gearbox to a propeller shaft for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 running along the underside of the car. This prop shaft is split into two sections and held in place by a centre bearing that minimises vibrations. From the propeller shaft, torque enters the rear differential, where it is distributed to the road wheels via two drive shafts.
This mechanical driveline must remain in perfect balance to prevent vibrations and premature wear on bearings and bushes. Every link in the chain, from the inner and outer CV joints to the prop shaft universal joints, plays a vital role. On the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46, precision in these components is especially critical because the communicative chassis transmits the slightest imbalance straight to the steering wheel or seat. Understanding this setup is the first step towards identifying when something is amiss in your BMW.
Common faults and symptoms
Symptoms of a failing drivetrain can vary, but they are usually obvious to the attentive driver. Vibrations through the chassis during acceleration, particularly between 50 and 80 km/h, frequently point to an unbalanced propeller shaft or a worn centre bearing. If you hear a rhythmic clicking sound during sharp turns or when pulling away, an outer CV joint on a drive shaft for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 is often failing due to grease loss or pure wear.
Another common issue on E46 models is the ABS warning light coming on or the ABS kicking in unintentionally at low speeds. This is frequently caused by a cracked or corroded ABS ring for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 on the rear axle. As the reluctor ring rusts, it expands and can eventually strike the ABS sensor or produce distorted wheel-speed signals. Spotting these signs early allows you to resolve the problem before it leads to costlier secondary damage to the gearbox or differential.
Common parts to replace on the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
For the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46, we see a clear pattern in the parts most frequently required to maintain reliability. We have structured our inventory to meet these demands effectively. Here are the most relevant categories for your vehicle:
- Drive shafts: We stock 4 different drive shaft variants to cover various model years and specifications.
- Propeller shafts: With 3 available products for prop shaft drivelines, we resolve issues with driveline vibrations and noises.
- ABS rings: We supply dedicated ABS reluctor rings that let you rectify the fault without replacing the entire driveshaft, saving both money and resources.
By selecting the right category below, you can go straight to the parts designed for your BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46:
- Drive shaft for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
- Propeller shaft for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
- ABS ring for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
How to find the right part for the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
Continue to the relevant product section for your BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46:
On a car with several potential driveline issues, it pays to begin in the right category immediately. Comparing the exact component sections for the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 makes it straightforward to distinguish between faults in a drive shaft, CV joint or propeller shaft, taking you straight to the page that best matches your symptoms and fitment needs.
- Drive shafts for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
- Propeller shafts for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
- ABS rings for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
The easiest and most reliable way to find the correct components for your car is to filter by make, model and engine variant. Because BMW introduced technical updates throughout the E46 production run, details such as driveshaft lengths and ABS ring tooth counts can vary. Selecting your exact specification filters down to the 9 products relevant to your vehicle configuration.
Once you have located the matching part, we recommend checking the technical specifications on the product page, such as dimensions, splines and connections. This quick check ensures you order the right item first time and avoid unnecessary returns. At All car makes, we put extensive work into keeping our database accurate, giving you complete peace of mind when buying spare parts online for your BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46.
Why shop with CVJoint24
As a Swedish driveline specialist shipping across the EU, we provide technical knowledge that general car parts retailers rarely match. We focus exclusively on the drivetrain, allowing us to maintain high component quality and deep stock of specific parts like drive shafts and propeller shafts. We want every customer to buy with confidence, providing precise fitment guidance across our entire catalogue.
Alongside technical expertise, we prioritise speed and availability. From our central warehouse in Helsingborg, Sweden, we dispatch fast across the EU to minimise the time your car spends off the road or in the garage. We combine specialist product knowledge with seamless e-commerce convenience, making us the natural choice for BMW owners who demand dependable driveline performance. The right part, delivered straight to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drivetrain Parts for BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46
How do I know if my BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 needs a new drive shaft?
The most common signs are clicking noises when turning, vibrations under acceleration, or visible damage to the CV boots where grease has leaked out. If the vibrations can be felt through the entire car, a worn drive shaft is often the culprit.
Do all E46 drive shafts fit my 320i?
No, there are differences depending on the gearbox and model year. Always select your car's exact make, model and engine variant in our search tool to ensure you get a drive shaft with the correct length and splines.
Why is the ABS warning light on in my BMW E46?
A very common fault on the BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 is that the ABS ring on the rear axle corrodes and cracks. This sends false signals to the sensor. We supply individual ABS rings so you do not have to replace the entire drive shaft.
What causes vibrations from the propeller shaft?
Vibrations are often caused by a worn centre bearing or universal joints that have started to seize in the propeller shaft. They can also occur if the balancing weights on the prop shaft have come off.
Do you offer a guaranteed fit for drivetrain parts?
Yes, when you select your BMW 3 Serie 320 I E46 by make, model and engine and choose a part listed for your vehicle, your purchase is covered by our fitment guarantee.
How quickly can my parts be delivered?
We aim for fast dispatch on all stocked items, helping you get your BMW back on the road as quickly as possible.