26 11 000 Removing and installing complete propeller shaft (constant-velocity joint)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. 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 . See EXHAUST SYSTEM - REPAIR .

Remove heat shields (1) and (2).

NOTE: Illustration similar.

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shields

G04742160

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Remove transmission cross-member . See 22 31 050 REPLACING CROSS-MEMBER FOR TRANSMISSION MOUNTING .

NOTE: N43, N46T only
Remove transmission support block.
Tightening torque 23 71 4AZ . See MANUAL TRANSMISSION - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Locating Transmission Support Block Nuts

G05476478

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Locating ZNS Bolts

G04748979

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts and replace.

Fig 4: Locating Bolts

G04748980

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 5: Removing Propeller Shaft

G04742291

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 6: Locating Constant-Velocity Joint

G04748982

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Grip propeller shaft at center bearing and release screws.

Tightening torque, 26 11 6AZ. See PROPELLER SHAFT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 7: Locating Centre Bearing Screws

G04748983

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bend propeller shaft downwards at center bearing.

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

Fig 8: Bending Propeller Shaft Downwards

G04748984

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 - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 9: Removing Constant-Velocity Joint

G04748985

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

Replace damaged centering mount.

Grease centering mount.

Fig 10: Identifying Centering Mount

G04748986

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The aluminum 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
Aluminum tubing
Bearing journal

Fig 11: Identifying Deformation Travel

G04748987

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.