BMW Driveshafts for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

The ECS Tuning Center Support Bearing Brace is engineered to improve drivetrain performance and longevity. The factory center support bearing features internal an internal rubber bushing to reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) transmission to the cabin. Unfortunately, this material choice falls short when it comes to performance applications. Under extreme load conditions, this bushing is prone to flexing, resulting in driveshaft misalignment. To address the shortcomings of the factory rubber center support carrier design, ECS engineers developed a set of precision-fit, split polyurethane bushings that secure tightly around the existing driveshaft bearing. Constructed from 30A durometer polyurethane, this material eliminates bushing deflection while maintaining minimal noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). By eliminating deflection, this innovative solution not only improves durability but also ensures a significantly longer service life than the OEM center support bearing—making it an excellent upgrade for aging BMW chassis.

The polyurethane bushings are surrounded by a robust 6061-T6 billet aluminum bracket designed with strength and reliability in-mind. This bracket features a split design for hassle-free installation, eliminating the need to remove the driveshaft assembly entirely. To install the ECS Center Support Carrier, simply cut around your existing bearing, remove the factory brace, and clamp on your new bushings and bracket. This user-friendly approach saves time and simplifies maintenance or upgrades. Two stainless steel socket head screws are used to fasten the two-piece bracket, offering corrosion resistance and secure clamping under high torque and stress. This combination of materials and design ensures dependable performance and long-lasting durability, even in demanding applications.

Features & Benefits:

Performance-Designed Bushing Upgrade: 30A durometer polyurethane is used to eliminate bushing deflection while maintaining a smooth, quiet ride. Improved Longevity: Polyurethane construction offers a longer lifespan than factory rubber, ideal for enthusiasts looking to eliminate future CSB-related problems. Billet Aluminum Bracket: The upgraded bushings are encased in a 6061-T6 billet aluminum bracket for enhanced durability and improved performance. Easy Installation: Both the bushings and the bracket feature a two-piece split design, allowing for seamless installation without driveshaft removal. Reduce Deflection, Increase Rigidity: Designed with performance in mind, this upgrade eliminates excessive driveshaft movement for improved alignment and efficiency. Kit Includes:

ECS Driveshaft Center Support Bushings ECS Driveshaft Center Support Carrier (2) Stainless Steel Hex Head Screws (2) Flange Nuts (26117574872) Medium Strength Threadlocker (0.5ml) Installation Instructions:

ECS has provided a detailed, start-to-finish installation guide to aid in the process of installing your new Driveshaft Center Support Carrier.

Stock rubber flex discs allow for a slight amount of give, especially under heavy acceleration and, depending on the amount of force applied, could potentially tear or split. This slight flex/give can prevent instantaneous transfer of force to the wheels, making accelerations unpredictable, or even lead to your vehicle being stuck on the side of the track. To combat this, IRP's Performance Flex Disc was developed. Made of CNC machined aluminum, this flex disc won't actually flex, and the polyurethane bushings will only provide a enough give to dampen some vibrations and prevent damaging the transmission. This is perfect for high torque applications such a drag cars and dedicated track cars that want immediate response and long term reliability.

96mm Diameter

Fits the following BMWs:
2008+ E82 BMW 128i
5/1986-1991 E30 BMW 325e 325es M3 - Manual Transmission 
1987-1991 E30 BMW 325ix - Between Transmission & Transfer Case
1996-1998 E36 BMW 328i 328is 328ic - Manual Transmission only 
1999-2005 E46 BMW 323i 323ci 325i 325ci - Automatic & SMG Transmissions only 
1999-2005 E46 BMW 328i 328ci 330i 330ci - Manual, Auto, and SMG
2006+ E90 BMW 325i 328i 330i - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
2006+ E91 BMW 328i - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
2007+ E92 BMW 328i - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
2007+ E93 BMW 328 - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
1982-1983 E28 BMW 528e - Manual Transmission
5/1986-1988 E28 BMW 528e - Manual Transmission
1982-1988 E28 BMW 533i 535i 535is M5 - Manual Transmission 
1991-1995 E34 BMW 525i - Automatic Transmission
1989-6/1992 E34 BMW 525i - Manual Transmission
1993-1995 E34 BMW 530i - Manual or Automatic Transmission
1989-1993 E34 BMW 535i - Manual Transmission
2001-2003 E39 BMW 525i - Automatic Transmission
1997-2003 E39 BMW 528i 530i - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
1980-1989 E24 BMW 633csi 635csi M6 - Manual Transmission
2000-2006 E53 BMW X5 3.0i - for Rear Driveshaft
2000-2003 E53 BMW X5 4.4i X5 4.6is - for Rear Driveshaft
2007-2013 E70 BMW X5 3.0si X5 4.8i X5 xDrive30i X5 xDrive48i - for Rear Driveshaft 
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 2.3 Z3 2.5i - Automatic Transmission 
1997-2002 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8 Z3 3.0i - Manual or Automatic Transmission 
2003-2008 Z4 BMW Z4 2.5i - Automatic or SMG Transmission
2003-2008 Z4 BMW Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si