Compensating plate — a genuine BMW part, number 26 12 1 229 539. The number stamped on the part is 26121229539; BMW's catalog files it under the short number 1229539. You will find it on our Drivetrain & Axle shelf, under Other Drive Shaft parts.
It fits every E46 body style (320i, 323i and 325i, 1999–2006), with the M52, M54 or M56 engines — and the European-market versions.
BMW draws it on 4 diagrams, among them Gearbox suspension (22_0049) and Drive Shaft-Cent.Bearing-Universal Joint (26_0129). It weighs about 5 g (under 0.1 lb).
We have not had one on the shelf yet. Request it and we will tell you when one comes off a car.
