BMW X3 E83 front driveshaft breaks or clicks

The cause may be a torn driveshaft boot, which lets the grease in the joint fly out. The joint usually cannot be replaced separately, so the whole driveshaft is replaced. The axle nut needs a 36 mm 12-point socket, and it is worth replacing the reaction rod at the same time.

Worn engine mounts let the engine move too much under acceleration and braking, so the subframe hits the driveshaft boot and tears it. Always check the engine mounts when replacing a driveshaft. The mounts can also crack in the metal part near the mounting bolts even when the rubber looks intact.

The stated lengths are inaccurate because the inner end slides centimetres in the cup. The surest way is to lay the original and the new shaft side by side before installing. Part number 31607565313 is an X5 part and does not fit the X3.