26 11 000 Removing And Installing Complete Propeller Shaft (Constant-Velocity Joint)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear underbody protection.
Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM .

Remove heat shields (1) and (2).

NOTE:

Illustration similar.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shields

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

M57/N47/M57T2/N54/N43/N46T only.

Remove TRANSMISSION CROSS-MEMBER .

NOTE:

N43, N46T only

Remove transmission support block.

Tightening torque: 23 71 4AZ . See TRANSMISSION MOUNTS for specs.

Fig 2: Identifying Transmission Support Block Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:

The flexible disc connection (1) on the front at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal.
During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.
Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Fig 3: Refitting Propeller Shaft

Release screws.

Installation:

ZNS bolts and nuts must be replaced.

Replace self-locking nuts.

IMPORTANT:

Only M57:

The bolt without washer may only be tightened by means of the nut.

The bolt with rolled-on washer which has ribbed teeth facing the support side must be tightened by means of the bolt.

Observe different tightening torques.

Tightening torque: 26 11 1AZ . See PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE for specs.

Fig 4: Locating ZNS Bolts And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts and replace.

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using a screwdriver, press constant velocity joint off drive flange at disassembly grooves.

Fig 6: Pressing Constant Velocity Joint Off Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Do not let propeller shaft fall into joints.

Joints and rubber sleeve can be damaged on constant-velocity joint.

Fig 7: Locating Constant Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Grip propeller shaft at centre bearing and release screws.

Tightening torque: 26 11 6AZ . See PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE for specs.

Fig 8: Locating Propeller Shaft At Centre Bearing And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bend propeller shaft downwards at centre bearing.

Remove propeller shaft from transmission output flange and detach constant-velocity joint from rear axle differential.

Fig 9: Identifying Bend Propeller Shaft Downwards At Centre Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Withdraw constant-velocity joint (1) up to stop. Fit shims.

Attach propeller shaft with pulled-apart constant-velocity joint to drive flange of rear differential.

Alternately tighten 2 opposing screws to draw constant-velocity joint evenly into the input flange.

Replace ZNS bolts.

Tightening torque: 26 11 4AZ . See PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE for specs.

Fig 10: Identifying Constant-Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

REPLACE DAMAGED CENTERING MOUNT .

Grease centering mount.

May be lubricated with any high temperature resistant, long-term grease (available locally).

Fig 11: Identifying Centering Mount

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The aluminium propeller shaft contains a crash element.

Check the crash element before installing the propeller shaft.

Replace the propeller shaft if the crash element has been pushed together.

Deformation travel approx. 100 mm
Aluminium tubing
Bearing journal

Propeller shafts: refer to PROPELLER SHAFT IN GENERAL E60 / E61 .

Fig 12: Identifying Aluminium Tubing And Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.