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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M6, 2010 BMW 650i, 2009 BMW M6, 2009 BMW 650i, and 2008 BMW M6. 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 shield.

NOTE: M57 only.

Support transmission from underneath.
Remove transmission cross-member.

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 1: Locating ZNS Bolts And Nuts

G04748979

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts and replace.

Fig 2: Locating Support Side Bolt

G04748980

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Pressing Constant Velocity Joint Off Drive Flange

G04748981

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 4: Do Not Allow Propeller Shaft To Fall Into Joints

G04748982

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Grip propeller shaft at centre bearing and release screws.

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

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft Centre Bearing

G04748983

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 6: Removing Propeller Shaft From Transmission Output Flange

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 7: Withdraw Constant-Velocity Joint To Stop

G04748985

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

Replace damaged centering mount.

Grease centering mount.

Fig 8: Check 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 9: Identifying Propeller Shaft Deformation Travel (1), Aluminum Tubing (2), and Bearing Journal (3)

G04748987

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.