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Home >> BMW >> 2005 >> 525i Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 117 (Axle Shafts (Front & Rear) - Repair) >> Removal & Installation >> Front Differential (M54) >> Removal & Installation

Removal & Installation

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Necessary preliminary tasks:  

IMPORTANT: After installation: 
  • Replacement only: fill with front differential oil
  • Check front differential oil level, correct if necessary
  • Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment using appropriate scan tool
G00405662Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  1. Remove cover for fuel injectors.
  2. Remove upper section of suction filter housing with mass air flow sensor.
    G00405663Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  3. Assemble special tool 00 0 200 with special tools 00 0 201 / 00 0 202 / 00 0 204 / 00 0 208 and fit.
  4. Attach special tool 11 0 020 as shown in illustration to special tool 00 0 200.
    G00405664Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  5. Secure special tool 11 0 020 to front and rear engine suspension eyes.
    IMPORTANT: Make sure no lines or cables on rear side of engine are damaged by chain.
    The supports (1) of special tool remove 00 0 208 must make contact with the screws on the side walls.
    G00405665Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  6. Tighten down screws (1 and 2).
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  7. Release top nut from left and right engine mounts.
    G00405667Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  8. Raise engine with special tool 00 0 200 approx. 5 mm.
  9. Remove reinforcement plate: 
    IMPORTANT: Read and follow manufacturer's operating instructions for vehicle hoist.
    Do not exceed approved load-carrying capacity and load distribution of vehicle hoist.
    Weight compensation may be necessary due to the loading situation of the vehicle.
    This also applies in the event of considerable removal of parts or conversions on the vehicle.
    WARNING: Risk of damage! Before driving onto a vehicle hoist, make sure there is sufficient ground clearance between the vehicle hoist and the vehicle. The vehicle may only be raised with the vehicle hoist at the four jacking points. All four jacking points (1) must be available! Never raise the vehicle without the jacking points (1)! Align support plates (2) of lifting platform arms to jacking points (1) in such a way that no adjoining components are taped and thereby damaged. Align the rubber block (2) with the jacking points (1) in such a way that no adjoining components are taped and thereby damaged. Never raise the vehicle without rubber blocks (or rigid foam blocks)! There is a major risk of damage to the vehicle underbody!
    G00405668Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    IMPORTANT: Driving without reinforcement plate is not permitted! 
    Release screws (1). Release screws (2). Remove reinforcement plate. Installation:  Replace screws and nuts. Tightening torque: Jointing torque: 56 Nm Torque angle: 90°
    NOTE: Replace screws & nuts
  10. Remove front splash guard.
  11. Remove front 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT .
  12. Unfasten steering spindle from steering gear. This is described in 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING POWER STEERING GEAR
    G00405669Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Output shaft is not pressed out of drive flange. Output shaft (1) and swivel bearing (2) remain together as a single unit during removal and installation.
  13. Remove left and right swivel bearings (this procedure is part of "Removal" of output shafts).
  14. Remove output shafts. Refer to AXLE SHAFTS (FRONT) .
    G00405670Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  15. As shown in illustration, support front axle carrier with special tool 00 2 030 in conjunction with special tool 31 2 220 and a block of wood.
  16. Detach front axle carrier from engine carrier.
    G00405671Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  17. Lowering front axle:
    • Replace original screws in succession with screws of E38 front axle carrier (part number 9 900 223).
    • Screw in replaced screws (1) approx. 20 mm (axle lowers).
  18. Installation: Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with the appropriate Helicoil thread inserts. Front axle alignment is not required.
  19. Tightening torque for front axle carrier: Thread: M12 10.9 Jointing torque: 50 Nm Torque angle: 90°
    G00405672Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  20. Remove left engine mount.
  21. Pull off vent hose.
    G00405673Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  22. Release screws (1) and remove front differential. Tightening torque: 55 Nm Carefully feed out front differential towards bottom.
    IMPORTANT: If an assembly ring is already fitted, it must be removed. Carry out this task before inserting new sealing ring with assembly ring.
    G00405674Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  23. Installation: Insert new sealing ring (1) in groove and apply antiseize agent.
    G00405675Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  24. Installation: Push on assembly ring (1) up to sealing ring.
    G00405676Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  25. Installation: The assembly ring (1) ensures that the sealing ring (2) is not damaged when the front differential is installed at the engine oil sump. When the front differential is installed at the engine oil sump, the assembly ring (1) is pushed over the sealing ring (2) and remains fitted.