Kashmir,
Yes those were oem size setup on the 4.8is e53. What about your diff broke ?
As for 8 hrs, given the have to drop the subframe to remove the diff, front axles, and the bolts are hard to reach that doesn't sound too bad.

J

__________________
2003 E39 530i
1992 MX5
2005 E53 x5 4.8is (sold)
1990 K75S (sold)