X3 Driveshaft replacement

[6MTZHPX3]

Hi all,


Some info about the car. She is a 6 speed manual M-Sport package X3 with ~180,000 miles. Recently did an entire cooling system refresh and mounted new tires before the driveshaft issue.


After researching on this forum, as well as bimmerfest, e46fanatics, etc. I went with new unit from Driveshaft Specialists of San Antonio. They recommended a SGF manufactured guibo, which I was able to source. The unit came with a new CSB pre-installed. I triple checked that I installed it correctly and preloaded the CSB according to the Bentley manual. It is a relatively simple DIY. This did not solve the problem, and I have a strong vibration at 45mph and above, and no vibration or noise below that speed.


DS of SA sells Powertrain Industries units, who were bought by Dorman in 2021. Since then, it looks like PI quality has taken a nose dive. I will not be getting a replacement driveshaft from them and I will be returning it to DS of SA.


I found a driveshaft specialist a bit far away in NH (there is no one local to me), and he is not able to repair the original driveshaft by rebuilding. He did offer to manufacture a completely new shaft. The main culprit is the rear differential U joint, which has completely rusted and fallen apart from heavily salted New England roads.


The culprit could be the rear CV joints/axles. However, I have no clicking, grinding, or popping under turning or acceleration, and the rubber boots are completely intact.


What aftermarket shafts have we used other than Driveshaft Specialists? Wondering if Drive Shaft Store of California uses Powertrain Industries units...


Another option is to purchase a unit from Rock Auto: USA Standard Gear or WJB / Inmotion Parts look like quality options.


What do we think?