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Home >> BMW >> 1998 >> 323i Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Rear Suspension >> Front/Rear Drive Axle - Repair (2WD & 4WD) >> Removal & Installation >> Removing And Installing/Replacing Front Differential (M54) >> Removal:

Removing And Installing/Replacing Front Differential (M54): Removal:

  1. Assemble special tools 00 0 200 with special tools 00 0 201 / 00 0 202 / 00 0 204 / 00 0 208 and attach.
    G00596519Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  2. Secure special tool 00 0 200 to front engine suspension eye.
    NOTE: Contact faces (1) of special tool 00 0 208 must rest on screw connection of both side walls.
  3. Tighten down screws (1 and 2).
    G00596520Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  4. Release nut at top on right engine mount.
    G00596521Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  5. Release nut at bottom on left engine mount.
  6. Raise engine approx. 10 mm with special tool 00 0 200.
    G00596522Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove engine underguard at front, middle and rear.
  8. Remove front propeller shaft. 26 20 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT (325XI) 
  9. Remove control arm from front axle support. 
    NOTE: Output shaft is not pressed out of drive flange.

    Swivel bearing (1), output shaft (2) and control arm (3) remain together as a single unit during removal and installation.

    G00596523Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  10. Remove swivel bearing on left and right. 
  11. Remove output shafts. 
  12. Unfasten steering spindle from steering gear. This operation is described in REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .

    As shown in illustration, support front axle support (1) with special tool 00 2 030 in conjunction with special tool 31 2 220 and a block of wood (2).

    G00596524Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  13. Detach front axle support from engine carrier.

    Tightening torque and installation instructions for front axle support. 

  14. Detach vent hose.
    G00596525Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  15. Release screws (1) and remove front axle differential.
    G00596526Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

    Tightening torque, 31 50 7AZ. 

  16. Carefully feed out front axle differential towards bottom.