So I my 2006 E90 325xi has been making some noise from the rear end. Originally I noticed the pinion bearings were very loud. Some how managed to find those even though BMW does not have a part number (BMW wants you to spend $1,600 on a reman diff instead). Got that fixed and everything buttoned back up only to discover that the rear wheel bearing was bad too.
I pulled the rear wheel carrier only to find it was cracked. This was quite a shock as this is my wifes car, we have owned it since new, it has never been in an accident, and only has 53K miles of easy commute driving. I ordered a replacement carrier from an auto recycler, we confirmed part numbers and they sent one out. I received it and realized it was different than the one on my car. The one they sent was from a 2008 xi so this time they sent me one from a 2006 E90 xi, same year as mine. Still no dice, the wheel sensor from my car is longer and thinner than the wheel sensor that fits this carreir, also my brake backing plate is 2" larger in diameter and my E-brake mounts in a different location, casting are different etc.
Does anyone have any clue what is going on here. I called the dealer she bought the car from and they have no idea. I have tried to call other places, but no answers. My car was built 01/2006 does anyone know why there is apparently no other wheel carrier that fits my car?
