33 11 091 Replacing drive flange on left or right of rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of burning on the exhaust system!

IMPORTANT: When replacing the drive flange, you must also replace the SHAFT SEAL !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT and REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .

Drive out drive flange.

Installation:

Insert drive flange and rotate until spline on flange meshes with teeth on differential bevel gear.

Press drive flange in further until circlip locates with an audible click.

IMPORTANT: High installation forces indicate that the spline teeth on the drive flange/differential bevel gear are damaged/deformed!
Check spline teeth, replaced damaged parts.

Fig 1: Removing Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install retaining ring (1).

Installation:

Clean shaft seal race on drive flange thoroughly.

Coat drive flange at contact face of shaft seal with approved rear differential oil.

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace SHAFT SEAL .

After installation:

Correct gearbox oil level/change differential oil. See CHECKING/TOPPING UP OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL and OIL CHANGE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL INCL. USED OIL DISPOSAL .