E30 Driveline ?

[jim leach <jjleach@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am seeking information and guidance from the
collective wisdom here.  I have a vibration in the
drivetrain of my '87 325 which the Bentley manual
indicates is most probably caused by the center
support bearing or the flexible coupling.

I haven't determined the culprit yet.  Is it a better
idea to replace both of these items while I have the
exhaust removed or just the guilty item?  I can see
how the flexible coupling would be a wearout item.  Is
the support bearing also a routine failure item?

This is my first experience with a BMW.  Over the past
30 years I have maintained and repaired a variety of
GM, Datsun and Toyotas.  I have never seen a flexible
coupling used on a driveshaft before.  What is the
advantage to/reason for this design?  If the coupling
does need to be replaced, is it adviseable to replace
the centering guide as well?

TIA for you asistance.

Jim Leach
O'side, Ca.

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