E90 M3 6MT MFactory Dry Carbon Driveshaft Review

dragonsi · 10-06-2016, 12:51 PM

Initial Thoughts

This isn't the first product I purchased from MFactory. Before, I had purchased their helical LSD for my E90 6MT 330i along with their diff rebuild service for a 3.64 FD diff I had sourced from an AT 330i. I was very pleased with their customer service, quality of the product, and the gap they are filling in the automotive aftermarket, which is affordable high quality drivetrain components.

So when they announced they had developed a DRY carbon fiber driveshaft for our cars, I held my breath and was one of the first to try it out in North America.

Installation

I had the driveshaft installed at the same time I had TMS rear subframe bushings and Delrin diff bushings done. My installer Performance Eurowerks noted that it's good I paired the install with the bushings in the rear, because it was necessary for the diff to come out to install the driveshaft.

First 200 miles Impressions

Having had a Z32 300zx TT with an aluminum 1 pc driveshaft, I already knew what benefits could be had by lightening up the driveline.

Engine/throttle response is greatly improved. This resulted in feeling that the car moves through the rev range noticeably quicker now. Especially down low, it no longer feels like the engine is "winding" up, it pulls through the rev band much more effortlessly. The clutch also sticks less from what I believe is the driveline binding less now that the driveshaft is 1pc vs 2pc. I live in downtown Chicago, and the 6MT E90/2 is an awful city car, but this modification made the experience of driving in the city much better.

As far as NVH, I had the solid and delrin rear bushings done at the same time, so I can't accurately attribute how much NVH was added from just the driveshaft. I haven't ridden in other cars where the bushings were done, but based on the reviews I've read, I don't believe the driveshaft added much if any on top. Ideally, a well constructed CF driveshaft should actually reduce NVH.. The car is my daily driver, and it has not been compromised at all in that aspect. I've also driven the car up to 140 mph to make sure it wouldn't vibrate at high speeds, and the driveshaft performs flawlessly!

Pics below taken by my installer Performance Eurowerks

sterile stork · 10-06-2016, 03:23 PM

This is a beauty! I'm happy to hear about this market offering and your experience with it. Thanks for sharing.

MFL · 10-06-2016, 06:43 PM

Since it retains the factory guibo, I'm guessing that it doesn't change NVH much at all.

tony093 · 10-06-2016, 07:17 PM

how much did it cost you?

dragonsi · 10-06-2016, 07:19 PM

Also I forgot that I wanted to mention how it has had an effect on engine braking. Normally, going full throttle and coming completely off throttle - the engine brakes really hard. With the driveshaft installed, the engine brakes significantly less harder.

dragonsi · 10-06-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony093

how much did it cost you?

MSRP IS $1499.95 normally but I got it for less since I participated in testing.

pbonsalb · 10-06-2016, 08:29 PM

It should be fine since it retains the guibo like bmw does on the new m3. 1 piece shafts with no guibo often vibrate.

kamber · 10-06-2016, 08:40 PM

Sweet, definitely going to look into one of these. Did you happen to annotate the weight difference between the MFactory shaft and the OEM shaft?

FogCityM3 · 10-06-2016, 09:01 PM

Interesting feedback about the reduced engine braking, as I actually love this aspect of the car, which really encourages you to modulate the throttle and set up prior to and throttle steer through turns. Also feels like the F82, despite having a CF shaft, has a decent amount of engine braking as well. How much is it really reduced with the CF driveshaft?

Also interested in the weight savings.

dragonsi · 10-06-2016, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamber

Sweet, definitely going to look into one of these. Did you happen to annotate the weight difference between the MFactory shaft and the OEM shaft?

I believe it's ~11lbs, stock for a 6MT is ~25lbs. Much lighter

Quote:

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

Interesting feedback about the reduced engine braking, as I actually love this aspect of the car, which really encourages you to modulate the throttle and set up prior to and throttle steer through turns. Also feels like the F82, despite having a CF shaft, has a decent amount of engine braking as well. How much is it really reduced with the CF driveshaft?

Also interested in the weight savings.

I agree with you about the engine braking, it was an endearing trait but I can't say I really miss it. The difference in engine braking was noticeable right away, compared to how over the top it is from the factory. Of course though, this was only evident while driving spiritedly and doesn't really show up in regular driving.

squartus · 10-07-2016, 10:14 AM

Yea keeping the rubber guibo is nice, Im running DSS CF shaft since were first ones to make it for this car but.. It uses a thick alum adapter plate instead of anytype of rubber guibo. That paired with solid diff mounts did add NVH, wish would of had this option out back then.

On another note, very odd they removed rear diff for this. Replacing drive shaft does not require it. Once you pop out the rubber guibo you have plenty of room to move it in and out, did it on my back in my garage.

MFL · 10-07-2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squartus

Yea keeping the rubber guibo is nice, Im running DSS CF shaft since were first ones to make it for this car but.. It uses a thick alum adapter plate instead of anytype of rubber guibo. That paired with solid diff mounts did add NVH, wish would of had this option out back then.

On another note, very odd they removed rear diff for this. Replacing drive shaft does not require it. Once you pop out the rubber guibo you have plenty of room to move it in and out, did it on my back in my garage.

I was also wondering that, but stopped caring when I saw it mounted to a guibo. omg omg.

squartus · 10-07-2016, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFL

I was also wondering that, but stopped caring when I saw it mounted to a guibo. omg omg.

Yea im kicking myself right now, not having that rubber guibo makes a HUGE difference. I mean its solid etc but I get that hum over 80-90 MPH without it, wish I would of held out for this puppy.

Richbot · 10-07-2016, 11:08 AM

Good to hear somebody finally came to their senses and made one of these with the guibo intact

How many miles were on your original driveshaft and guibo?

bmwfst1 · 10-07-2016, 11:08 AM

Hi where did you buy the driveshaft from? Do they make one for dct cars?

FazerBoy · 10-07-2016, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFactory

Yes, we have one for the DCT also

We were just waiting for some more solid feedback before releasing them to market.

Hi, I am in the UK.

Can you please PM me a price shipped to London, UK for a 6MT?

Is this still in the testing stage or are you now happy to fully release it to the market? I wouldn't want any hassle being so far away from you...

Thanks

Jack

Patrón · 10-07-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFactory

Just waiting for a couple of other testers to provide their final feedback, and we can start putting these into production

are you by chance going to offer a group buy?

dragonsi · 10-07-2016, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richbot

Good to hear somebody finally came to their senses and made one of these with the guibo intact

How many miles were on your original driveshaft and guibo?

It was removed with 19K miles

bmwfst1 · 10-07-2016, 01:44 PM

Im in maryland and my driveshaft is making a metal clanking noise when i accelerate or decelerate and it is very annoying. Id be willing to buy one now and give my feedback after install. Is this possible?

Bx Tpr · 10-07-2016, 08:11 PM

Any testing done on a car with solid differential bushings?

Shredicus · 10-08-2016, 01:21 AM

Damn that's a nice piece of kit

sterile stork · 10-08-2016, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFactory

We do not have any more test sets available

Does that include DCT offerings? I have a low-mileage 13 that I'd be all for testing/procuring

10-06-2016, 12:51 PM	#1
dragonsi Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: IL iTrader: (2)	E90 M3 6MT MFactory Dry Carbon Driveshaft Review Initial Thoughts This isn't the first product I purchased from MFactory. Before, I had purchased their helical LSD for my E90 6MT 330i along with their diff rebuild service for a 3.64 FD diff I had sourced from an AT 330i. I was very pleased with their customer service, quality of the product, and the gap they are filling in the automotive aftermarket, which is affordable high quality drivetrain components. So when they announced they had developed a DRY carbon fiber driveshaft for our cars, I held my breath and was one of the first to try it out in North America. Installation I had the driveshaft installed at the same time I had TMS rear subframe bushings and Delrin diff bushings done. My installer Performance Eurowerks noted that it's good I paired the install with the bushings in the rear, because it was necessary for the diff to come out to install the driveshaft. First 200 miles Impressions Having had a Z32 300zx TT with an aluminum 1 pc driveshaft, I already knew what benefits could be had by lightening up the driveline. Engine/throttle response is greatly improved. This resulted in feeling that the car moves through the rev range noticeably quicker now. Especially down low, it no longer feels like the engine is "winding" up, it pulls through the rev band much more effortlessly. The clutch also sticks less from what I believe is the driveline binding less now that the driveshaft is 1pc vs 2pc. I live in downtown Chicago, and the 6MT E90/2 is an awful city car, but this modification made the experience of driving in the city much better. As far as NVH, I had the solid and delrin rear bushings done at the same time, so I can't accurately attribute how much NVH was added from just the driveshaft. I haven't ridden in other cars where the bushings were done, but based on the reviews I've read, I don't believe the driveshaft added much if any on top. Ideally, a well constructed CF driveshaft should actually reduce NVH.. The car is my daily driver, and it has not been compromised at all in that aspect. I've also driven the car up to 140 mph to make sure it wouldn't vibrate at high speeds, and the driveshaft performs flawlessly! Pics below taken by my installer Performance Eurowerks __________________ 2008 SS E90 M3 6MT. Alex@Alpine Stage 2 tune, RPI X pipe, HRE 540, MFactory Dry Carbon DS, Swift Springs, Ultimate Clutch Pedal, Do88 Engine Oil Cooler, TMS Subframe Bushings, TMS Delrin Diff Bushings Last edited by dragonsi; 10-06-2016 at 12:59 PM..
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10-06-2016, 03:23 PM	#2
sterile stork coupe la goon 395 Rep 1,640 Posts Drives: green, black, white Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: pdx iTrader: (26) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M Coupe [10.00] 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [10.00] 2010 BMW 535i xDriv ... [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 Coupe ( ... [0.00]	This is a beauty! I'm happy to hear about this market offering and your experience with it. Thanks for sharing.
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10-06-2016, 06:43 PM	#3
MFL Major 182 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [9.00]	Since it retains the factory guibo, I'm guessing that it doesn't change NVH much at all.
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10-06-2016, 07:17 PM	#4
tony093 Captain 142 Rep 781 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodbridge, NJ iTrader: (2)	how much did it cost you?
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10-06-2016, 07:19 PM	#5
dragonsi Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: IL iTrader: (2)	Also I forgot that I wanted to mention how it has had an effect on engine braking. Normally, going full throttle and coming completely off throttle - the engine brakes really hard. With the driveshaft installed, the engine brakes significantly less harder. __________________ 2008 SS E90 M3 6MT. Alex@Alpine Stage 2 tune, RPI X pipe, HRE 540, MFactory Dry Carbon DS, Swift Springs, Ultimate Clutch Pedal, Do88 Engine Oil Cooler, TMS Subframe Bushings, TMS Delrin Diff Bushings
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10-06-2016, 08:29 PM	#7
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 7679 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	It should be fine since it retains the guibo like bmw does on the new m3. 1 piece shafts with no guibo often vibrate.
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10-06-2016, 08:40 PM	#8
kamber E90 181 Rep 835 Posts Drives: '08 M3 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: NJ iTrader: (7)	Sweet, definitely going to look into one of these. Did you happen to annotate the weight difference between the MFactory shaft and the OEM shaft?
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10-06-2016, 09:01 PM	#9
FogCityM3 Colonel 519 Rep 2,395 Posts Drives: M3 (E90) & Porsche GT3 RS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Interesting feedback about the reduced engine braking, as I actually love this aspect of the car, which really encourages you to modulate the throttle and set up prior to and throttle steer through turns. Also feels like the F82, despite having a CF shaft, has a decent amount of engine braking as well. How much is it really reduced with the CF driveshaft? Also interested in the weight savings.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2016, 10:14 AM	#11
squartus Major 327 Rep 1,016 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Mississippi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E92 BMW M3 [10.00]	Yea keeping the rubber guibo is nice, Im running DSS CF shaft since were first ones to make it for this car but.. It uses a thick alum adapter plate instead of anytype of rubber guibo. That paired with solid diff mounts did add NVH, wish would of had this option out back then. On another note, very odd they removed rear diff for this. Replacing drive shaft does not require it. Once you pop out the rubber guibo you have plenty of room to move it in and out, did it on my back in my garage. __________________ 4.4L LC stroker/ESS VT2-625/Volk te37 sl's/AA exhaust/DSS Carbon Fiber driveshaft/ARH Headers.. etc
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10-07-2016, 11:08 AM	#14
Richbot Major General 2835 Rep 5,493 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E90 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: STL iTrader: (5)	Good to hear somebody finally came to their senses and made one of these with the guibo intact How many miles were on your original driveshaft and guibo? __________________ Last edited by Richbot; 10-07-2016 at 11:21 AM..
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10-07-2016, 11:08 AM	#15
bmwfst1 Pwrdbym 71 Rep 363 Posts Drives: red 2010 bmwm3 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: maryland iTrader: (0)	Hi where did you buy the driveshaft from? Do they make one for dct cars?
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10-07-2016, 01:44 PM	#19
bmwfst1 Pwrdbym 71 Rep 363 Posts Drives: red 2010 bmwm3 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: maryland iTrader: (0)	Im in maryland and my driveshaft is making a metal clanking noise when i accelerate or decelerate and it is very annoying. Id be willing to buy one now and give my feedback after install. Is this possible?
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10-07-2016, 08:11 PM	#20
Bx Tpr Captain 136 Rep 891 Posts Drives: 23 CSL Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (8)	Any testing done on a car with solid differential bushings?
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10-08-2016, 01:21 AM	#21
Shredicus Major 543 Rep 1,122 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (12)	Damn that's a nice piece of kit
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