Cheap BMW i5 CV Joints

Yes, the BMW i5 does have CV joints, but only on the driveshaft outputs at the wheels rather than on a traditional gearbox output shaft. Because the i5 is rear-wheel drive in its base eDrive40 form and all-wheel drive in the M60 xDrive variant, CV joints are present on all versions to transfer drive from the electric motor(s) to the wheels. The xDrive M60 will have additional front CV joints that the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 does not, so always confirm which drivetrain you have before asking a breaker for a quote.

The BMW i5 (G60) launched in the UK in 2023 and is the first generation of the i5 nameplate, so at the time of writing all i5s share the same generation. Because the model is still relatively new and no facelift has occurred yet, year-of-manufacture differences are unlikely to affect CV joint fitment, but you should still confirm the exact build date and drivetrain variant with the breaker against your registration to be certain.

These two variants use different drivetrain layouts – the eDrive40 is rear-wheel drive with a single motor, while the M60 xDrive is all-wheel drive with dual motors – so the front and rear CV joint assemblies are unlikely to be the same part. The M60's higher power output and the addition of a front axle drive unit mean its driveshaft and joint specifications may differ even where geometry looks similar. Always quote your exact model designation and registration to the breaker rather than assuming cross-variant fitment.

Trim level on its own – for example whether your car is an M Sport or a standard specification i5 – does not change the CV joint specification, as these are determined by the drivetrain layout (eDrive40 rear-wheel drive or M60 xDrive all-wheel drive) and the axle side required. You may find cosmetic differences between cars from different spec levels, but the CV joint itself is a running-gear component unaffected by trim. Simply confirm your drivetrain variant, the NS (nearside/left) or OS (offside/right) side needed, and your registration with the breaker.

Yes, side is important – NS (nearside, left) and OS (offside, right) driveshaft lengths and joint assemblies can differ on the same axle, so always specify which side you need when contacting a breaker. On the rear axle in particular, driveshaft geometry on electric vehicles can vary left to right depending on where the motor and reduction unit are positioned. Quote the side clearly alongside your registration to avoid receiving the wrong part.

The i5 shares its G60 body platform with the combustion-engined 5 Series (also G60), but the electric drivetrain uses different motor units, reduction gearboxes, and driveshaft specifications to those found on petrol or diesel variants, so the CV joints are unlikely to be interchangeable. Do not assume platform sharing means parts compatibility for drivetrain components of this type. A good breaker will be able to check part numbers against your registration and advise you whether a donor car's CV joint is a genuine match.