Rear Drive shafts

[Wesley1874]

Hello. I am having a rear drive shaft changed on my 2007 X5. The one that was taken off, I'm told is a bit longer than the one delivered (810mm compared to 840mm). Does anybody know why there is a difference? Could it be to do with the fact it has a factoryfit towbar for some reason, various parts seem to be towing specific? Thanks

[X5Sport]

Different differential fitted to cars with 3.5T towing limit uplift from 2.7T. It has different length shafts.

[Wesley1874]

Sounds feasible..the first owner towed a horsebox. Maybe a couple of horses in a big horsebox is heavier than the caravan we tow. Thanks for that.

[Wesley1874]

Option 233, increased towing capacity from 2.7t to 3.5t, available with factory fit towbar.

Thanks for your help!

[Leslie]

I think I read on here the splines are also a different diameter into the diff so It still wouldn't fit even if the right length as The guy bought another diff but it wouldn't fit his car .