Yes it is the bolt right next to and below and to the right of the driveshaft output plate that broke. (when looking from front to rear) I don't recall if it was a hex or allen head. At first I thought I could do the easy out trick but after thinking about it.... the bolt #17, according to this diagragm,
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...66&hg=33&fg=30
is not threaded all the way to the head. So if I try to drive the bolt the rest of the way through and out the back (which is open) it may get jammed up if it broke on the part of the bolt thats not threaded and if I try to back it out the way it came in and don't have the hole lined up with the bushing correctly it will jam too. Sooo..... it looks like I'm about to learn how to remove the diff in this car. Thats probably the best way at this point, I just don't look forward to dealing with the torx head bolts that attach the axles to the diff. Should I try to wrench them out by hand or hit them with an impact wrench? I damn sure don't want to strip them. Looks like if I remove the sway bar I should have enough room to manuver it out of there without dropping the gas tank.
DC Cobra What do you mean by a solid diff mount? Is that a type of differential or is it just a solid mounting point because it does look like there is some sort of rubber bushing that the bolt passes through now. (or should I say did) I would imagine its pressed in there and can be replaced if needed. At some point in the near future I will give Reg a call to see what he suggests. Hey Jay, I'll let him know he owes you a call and if this doesn't work I may have to pay you a visit with "car in tow".
Thanks guys I'll keep you posted.