Attached is an interesting post from another site. Can't vouch for it's accuracy.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...ere-maybe-a-problem-with-part-number-matching
Short Version: Using FCP Euro's application guide I bought and installed SKF hub/bearing assembly and the bearing seized before reaching any substantial torque. SKF has a very recent design change (a few weeks I believe) for this hub. I am looking to see someone else has installed an SKF front hub that they bought in the last few weeks on a E36.
Details:
Using my suppliers web application I searched for BMW part #31226757024 ('97 328is) and ordered the SKF brand over the GMB. When it arrived it had the SKF part number BR930349 which is usually an irrelevant detail... unless it doesn't fit. After installing the hub/bearing assembly, I was unable to tighten the nut without the bearing seizing. Unfortunately I had to remove the new assembly which resulted in a ruined $100+ bearing. After getting the bearing off the stub axle it was clear that the dust shield (BMW part# 31206777788) was contacting the back of the new sealed hub. It actually press fit the bearings seal into the dust shield so when I removed the hub, the bearings built-in dust shield stayed behind embedded in the dhust shield. On the original hub there was an inner channel to receive the dust shield.
Research:
Using the SKF parts info website (skfpartsinfo) I did a part search based on my VIN and found that BR930161 is the correct SKF number and there was no cross reference or supersession detail for the part number BR930349 which I was sold. I called FCP to explain that it doesn't fit and they made some calls and said that it does and that they have sold many of these and I am the first person to report an issue. I'm posting this because I believe that it was/is possible that BR930349 may have fit and was recently changed and now doesn't fit but it shouldn't matter, according to SKF, part BR930161 IS THE CORRECT PART. To back up the theory that BR930349 may have fit at one time, I did see another post on bimmer classifieds from June where someone was selling BR930349 and his/her example did have the channel in the back to receive the dust shield. Also, I spoke with Max at oembimmerparts and he said that there was a very recent "last few weeks" change to the SKF BR930349 outer bearing where the outer dust cover is now removed (ball bearings are exposed). So my guess is that SKF may have also enclosed "sealed" the back at the same time.
Lessons:
My car sat on jack stands for 7 days while the retailer, the distributors and everyone in between decided that there couldn't be a problem with their system and that it must be the customer that is wrong. So the takeaways are as follows: If anyone is installing the E36 SFK front hub as of November 12, 2013 they should be either using BR930161 or verifying that there is a channel in the back of whatever hub they receive and they should verify the SKF part number against their VIN at skfpartsinfo website. If you find that the channel is now covered with a pressed fit seal you have a few choices; you can remove the BMW dust shield (BMW calls it a Dust Protection Collar) from the stub axle and rely on the built-in seal or you can request that you receive BR930161 rather than BR930349 or you can use another brand although I prefer SKF. For those who choose to remove the rear dust shield (BMW part# 31206777788), that dust cover closes a 12mm gap between the brake shield and stub axle. Removing it will expose the tone ring and the ABS sensor to direct road debris and high pressure water. Once the dirt builds up in the base of the brake shield, it will hold water and accelerate corrosion.
I also want to state for the record that SKF (Meaghan) and oembimmerparts (Max) were very helpful while FCP Euro was very persistent in trying to find the cause of the problem and stood by their guarantee on fitment and I will definitely use them again as I believe this must be a database glitch somewhere. If I get answers I'll post an update.
