BMW Repair: wheal bearings I think?, wheel bearing replacement, drive shaft

Question
Hi Josh,
Ive just bought an old 320i touring from 1988, and there is a hell of alot of noise comming from the rear of the car as I ride.
The noise appears to be comming from the right hand side of the car, but I've recently replaced the right hand rear wheel bearing and no improvements were to be heard.
Is it possible that I've damaged the new bearing whilst fitting it? I don't see how this can be possible, as I have no play what so ever in any of the rear wheels.
Do you think this could be a drive shaft or cv problem?
Will wait on your reaction before I go replacing the rear end of the car( ha ha).
kind regards, Eddie Neilson.  

Answer
Eddie,
 Well In the US we didn't get the touring (station wagon) E30's, but I'm assuming it has the same rearend and suspension as the sedan/coupés.  

 Good job on the wheel bearing replacement, that would be my first guess as well.  So the noise is still there?  Is the noise the same as before you changed the bearing?  It could be a carrier bearing in the differential going bad.  It will sound much like a wheel bearing as well.

 It could be a set of loud gears in the differential too, I have know people to put in a new set of gears and complain that they make a whining noise, even though they are brand new.

 It probably wouldn't hurt to check the wheel bearing.  I know its a pain in the neck to replace/check, but you dont want that wheel locking up while driving.

 Good luck,
 Josh