Shop

Description

BMW E36 Driveshaft Spacers 5mm Type 168 Small Case CV Joint Correction

With these 5 mm driveshaft spacers you correct the operating angle of the CV joints on a BMW E30 or E36 with the small Type 168 differential. The spacer goes between the driveshaft and the differential flange. This puts the CV joint back in a calmer part of its working range, so it is under less stress.

The E30 and E36 are popular bases for drift and circuit projects. A lowered car or extra negative camber at the rear puts the driveshafts at an angle, and it is exactly that angle that shortens the life of CV joints. This small modification helps to limit that problem.

Key benefits of these driveshaft spacers

• More favourable operating angle of the CV joints after lowering
• Less load on the driveshafts with more rear camber
• Made of 5 mm S355 steel
• Laser-cut for an accurate shape
• Zinc-plated as the last production step, so protected against rust
• Supplied as a pair, for left and right
• Bolts do not need replacing with one spacer per side

Suitable for

BMW 3 Series with a Type 168 (small case) differential

• BMW 3 Series E30
• BMW 3 Series E36

If your car has the large Type 188 differential, you need the other version. Not sure which case is fitted under your BMW? Just ask us.

Technical specifications

• Item number: 0256-168
• Differential: BMW Type 168 (small case)
• Position: between driveshaft and differential flange
• Material: S355 steel
• Thickness: 5 mm
• Production: laser-cut and zinc-plated
• Contents: 1 pair
• Weight: 0.20 kg

Installation and delivery

To determine how much correction you need, disconnect the driveshaft from the differential flange. Then measure the gap between the two parts. Do this with the car on its wheels, because only then do you see the real distance under load.

If you use one spacer per side, you can keep the existing bolts. If you stack more than one spacer, you need longer bolts. Clean the flanges thoroughly, tighten the bolts to the specified torque and check them after a first test drive.

You will find more parts for the rear axle and the differential in the differential and drivetrain category. For cars with the large case we have the axle spacers for the Type 188 differential.

A few millimetres of spacing in the right place can make the difference between a CV joint that fails and one that lasts the season.

When fitting, also check the condition of the CV joint boots and the differential mount bushes. A torn boot or sagging bushes cause extra play and make the correction less effective. So it is smart to check those parts at the same time, now that the shafts are off anyway.

Why choose these driveshaft spacers?

A lowered E36 that does a lot of drift sessions or trackdays wears out CV joints faster than a standard car. These driveshaft spacers tackle the excessive operating angle without you having to replace expensive parts. They are simple in design, zinc-plated and made for the small Type 168 differential.

Frequently asked questions

Do these spacers fit the Type 188 differential?

No, this set is made for the Type 168 (small case). There is a separate version for the Type 188.

How thick are the driveshaft spacers?

The driveshaft spacers are 5 mm thick and made of laser-cut S355 steel.

How many do I get?

You get one pair, so one spacer for the left and one for the right driveshaft.

Do I need new bolts?

Not with one spacer per side. If you use more per side, longer bolts are needed.

Which models do they fit?

The BMW 3 Series E30 and E36 with the Type 168 differential.

Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.