I know this is a big delay, but for a variety of reasons it's taken a while to diagnose and finally fix the issue. I wanted to post so that anyone searching in the future might be helped.

So per some earlier suggestions, the front, passenger side axle was the culprit. My cents, I am suspicious of the fact that the passenger side axle is very close to the exhaust manifold and wonder if this extra heat cycling contributes to premature failures. Anyway, I found the axle at Pelican Parts, original manufacture (no BMW stamp) for much less than the same BMW part. One tidbit, that part came with the axle nut on it so I didn't need to order a new nut separately.

Car feels as new now.

Thanks for the help guys!

Eric

 

Mine was actually both front axles. Happy to know my experience with this situation helped.

 

Great that you have finally resolved your issue.

Now my half shafts after 11 years and 160K is finally taking a dump. Debating if I want to change them out since I have only put 7K on it in the past two years. I probably will find a cheap set maybe used put them on and sell it. Its hard for me to get rid of cars. The wife has been telling me for a year to get rid of it and I just don't want to.

 

I understand about not wanting to get rid of certain cars. Another option for you on the shafts: I got my axle from Pelican for a decent price, I thought, ~$300, but if I were doing it again, I found that Autozone offers rebuilt units for just over $100 and has a lifetime warranty. If you can do the work yourself, this could be an option to keep costs down (other than your unpaid time). I wouldn't let it go too long as the vibration will get bad and could start affecting more parts.

Take care,

Eric

 

was there any damage that needed to be dealt with after you replace the part?

 

I would assume not. It's just like changing out any other axle on other brand cars.