I have a 2000 540iT with 91+K miles.

Found out this week that the awful sound I've been hearing is u-joint failure and requires the whole driveshaft to be replaced (the reasoning being, the other joints are worn too and replacing the joints would also mean balancing the driveshaft, therefore, it is more 'economical' to just replace the driveshaft with a new and balanced one).

Anyone else experienced this?
This is my 1st BMW. How common is this in these cars?

Common. They're NOT locally rebuildable. I have 3 good aftermarket sources, all wholesale to the trade only. PM me and I'll see what I can do for you. The Cap'n

Thanks for the offer.

The shop doing the work already ordered the driveshaft and is working on my car. I needed new rear brakes and rotars too and had a power steering fluid leak

Whats the sound? I have a 98 540i Sport. I want to keep my ears open for this...

Sounds like you're dragging a midget under your car, and everytime you accelerate he repeatedly whacks on your floor with a BFH ..................... The Cap'n

Been there - done that.

The factory u- joints are not servicable, the shaft is two piece with a center support bearning and there is a rubber glubo joint at the connection at the trans.

Some aftermarket sources replace the u-joints with serviceable zirk grease fittings.

Everything is replaced and balanced with a new/ remanufactured drive shaft.

Sounds like your center bearing support has gone bad...

I have purchased from these guys:

http://www.driveshafts.com/pages/bmw.html

DH

Well mine is much older than yours. I have a 1995 525I T Auto trans. I also have 160,000 + with no issues.

I had an e46 328i that had the center bearing take a crap so I know what thats like.

Mine sounded like a loose metal hubcap rattling loudly and sometime like something metallic getting plinked by a spinning fan but it only happened when I stepped on the throttle or brake.

Mine has an automatic transmission too. I think the 2000 was a 'new' re-engineered model. Guess your previous model was better

I bought it used with 27+K miles on it and I have had lots of annoyances with this car, despite its fun driveability and added utility. My brake lights keep blowing, I was getting phantom check fog lights messages for a long time, the radiator broke, the hatch release mechanism broke and it keeps throwing codes 028, 029 & 08 I've been told these are fuel trim issues) which results in the car suddenly turning itself off.

I have a '98 M3. My experience with BMW's is that the main mechanicals of the engine are very reliable and perform magnificently. It's the rest of the stuff that drives you insane. My car has had two tranny's and a $1K repair for the "sticky 5th" problem. EVERY BMW needs to have the entire cooling system replaced at about 75K miles due to plastic component failures and/or water pump failures. Window regulators, door locks. emissions components, SRS sensors, etc. , etc., all fail long before they should.

So, why buy them? Because they're like most other German cars, they have soul and the driving experience is unparalleled. You can buy a Lexus, Honda, Toyota, etc., you may find it rewarding, but for me, they're just not the same, though in exchange, you get a vehicle that's actually engineered for reliability.

Ya why buy one? Because they don't call them the ultimate driving machine for nothing. Since I bought this one. (one of many) I replaced the front struts, the -30 deg weather killed my starter. And I made the mistake of lifting the rear gate at -30 deg and the gate shocks lost their gas charge. Otherwise I drive it. Hard. I just did a 460 mile non stop drive Sunday and returned non stop on Monday. Drive it like you stole it! Oh BTW that was 460 miles on 16 gal of gas = 28.75 mpg at 75 to 85 MPH.

Gotta ask (it IS a Q for BMW owners, after all):
Why DO men like BMWs?

Why can't I have both durability and performance? Or is that an oxymoron?

Wish I wasn't addicted to performance cars

I shoulda gone with the 6-cyl or did you do something to increase the fuel economy? My 8-cyl doesn't do as well, but I do have a lead foot..

That 300hp V8 eats gas. I had a 94 525 and it probably got 10 mpg better than my 540i. However, I think I will take the V8

She's a go'er alright

Luckily since I changed companies in January, my commute is 2/3rds shorter

Ya the 8's suck it. The 2.5 6's are good for milage but light on off the line performance.

The 2.5 6 is a great motor though.