E28 axle replacement options - E34? E32?

[iamcreepingdeath]

I have been searching and searching and searching, but info has been very conflicting.

Do E34 axles bolt up? according to my research, I read that they are too long, another source say they are the same length, and maybe E34s came with two different types of axles with different mounting bolt circle diameter?

E32 axles? Same questions as above.

I want to put this to rest once and for all. I just put E32 740i trailing arms on my euro spec E28 520i, and I have disagreeing CV axles and trailing arm axle flanges.

For reference, I have measured the stock CV axle and bolt circle on the 520i:

Axle length from mounting face to mounting face (i.e. NOT including the dome-like protrusions on each end) = 17.75", or about 450mm.

Bolt circle diameter = 86mm

I am also led to believe US E28 axles have a larger bolt circle, but are they the same length?

I am hopefully going to the junkyard tomorrow to make measurements, and I will report back.

[steve 87 535is]

I was recently looking for the same info. As I swapped e32 (1/88 735i) trailing arms to my e23. I looked on Autozones page at their rebuilt CV axle specs. It says the e28 ones compressed length is about 18 inches. The e23 and e32 are about 19 inches. I think they're wrong.
I removed a slightly grinding CV axle from my e23 and it measures about 18 inches. Knowing I have e28, e23 and e32 axles laying around, I just found the best 18 inch one and used that.
I measured my e32 ones and they're all about 19 inches. Same flange diameters though.

Can't comment on the flange bolt diameters. Although since I have just acquired a 95 e34 525i, I think I've read that those axles are different (smaller in diameter?) than say a 535 or 540.
So, e34 535i axles may bolt up. e34 525i axles may not.

[iamcreepingdeath]

I was recently looking for the same info. As I swapped e32 (1/88 735i) trailing arms to my e23. I looked on Autozones page at their rebuilt CV axle specs. It says the e28 ones compressed length is about 18 inches. The e23 and e32 are about 19 inches. I think they're wrong.
I removed a slightly grinding CV axle from my e23 and it measures about 18 inches. Knowing I have e28, e23 and e32 axles laying around, I just found the best 18 inch one and used that.
I measured my e32 ones and they're all about 19 inches. Same flange diameters though.

Can't comment on the flange bolt diameters. Although since I have just acquired a 95 e34 525i, I think I've read that those axles are different (smaller in diameter?) than say a 535 or 540.
So, e34 535i axles may bolt up. e34 525i axles may not.

I just got back from the junkyard, and here is what I found:

E32 (1994 740i) axles are about 19-20" long (as installed in the car), bolt circle diameter is about 95mm

E34 (1994 530i) axles are about 18" long (as installed in the car) and the bolt circle diameter is 86mm, same as my euro E28.

Both axles appeared too long to use, but the E34 530i axles had the same bolt circle diameter as my euro E28.

I am still awaiting actual data (from anyone) on the bolt circle diameter on US E28 axles. All you need to do is use calipers and measure from approximately the center of one bolt to the center of the opposite bolt, as in the right of the image below:

[Aaron]

I'm running one e34 535i axle in my e28 right now. It was definitely longer, but I managed to squeeze it in there.

[davintosh]

Sorry; I didn't see this thread until just now. I have axles from all three models in the garage, but now it looks like you have your answer from the junkyard.

I don't know for sure, but it seems to me that the e32 trailing arm can be used on the e28, but you have to swap the drive flange to make it work. The RealOEM cross-reference shows the same flange used on the e28, e24 & e23. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=33411129859

[ppressle]

e34 axles are longer.
You can move the CVs from the e34 or e32 onto the right length e28 axles though.
Might want to regrease and reboot it while you are in there.

[iamcreepingdeath]

e34 axles are longer.
You can move the CVs from the e34 or e32 onto the right length e28 axles though.
Might want to regrease and reboot it while you are in there.

I am resurrecting my own thread from the dead!

I am now interested in what options there are to get shorter CV axles for an E28! E12 axles? Can I use E30 axles with E28 CV joints?