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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. 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

Using a suitable screwdriver and a hammer (acting as a rest), force drive flange (1) off rear differential.

Installation:

Replaced deformed or damaged dust plates.

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.

Fig 1: Forcing Drive Flange Off Rear Differential

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

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 . See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace shaft seal .

After installation:

Check rear differential oil level , correct if necessary. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS . See 00 11... CHECKING/TOPPING UP OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL ..