Need to replace front driveshaft - Why do I need to swap output flange

Folks,

2005 X3 2.5
Been chasing down used front driveshaft and not finding really good deals on.
Also no one can rebuild them, so I decided to buy new DS from Tischer BMW

RealOEM says following and my dealer confirms it.
01 DRIVE SHAFT ASSY FRONT L=718MM 1 12/2005 26207526677 $719.79 +core
only in conjunction with
-- Output flange, front 1 12/2005 27107537664 $188.11

Why do I need to purchase new output flange?

Thanks

dont buy it from the dealership, save yourself some money and buy one. Try this place: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/26207526677/

May I ask how this happened? I have never heard of someone needing a new output shaft

Well I am just going by RealOEM and what Dealer said when I called them.
I am the one that diagnosed bad U joint and while searching for driveshaft replacement I found the little blurb about needing the output shaft

So you are saying if it's OK, then don't bother spending 160 for new one?

Originally Posted by croat

Well I am just going by RealOEM and what Dealer said when I called them.
I am the one that diagnosed bad U joint and while searching for driveshaft replacement I found the little blurb about needing the output shaft

So you are saying if it's OK, then don't bother spending 160 for new one?

I'd get a second opinion before you drop $700 on a new driveshaft

The U joint on driveshaft side that goes to transfer case is shot. No need to get 2nd opinion on that. The question here was about having to buy new output flange with new driveshaft, as per blurb from RealOEM.

I am not going to waste money on new flange as it seems to be ok.

Update. New driveshaft came in. Replaced it in 15 mins. Didn't need any output flanges. Just an FYI for everybody

U-Joint on old DS was completely shot and had it been driven little bit more, it would probably fall apart completely