Steering universal joint replacement

[Bmachine]

I had an aluminum lemforder one for my 86 635 and it fit perfectly.

What is the motivation for replacing the stock one? If there is no obvious play, is there a reason not to reuse the original one?

 

[JFENG]

Classic symptom is notchy steering during rotation. As it gets worse the return to center will get weaker until the steering stays turned unless you manually return to center

I've had it happen on a number of BMW cars, including my late E60 sedan.

 

[bavbob]

Mine developed some play.