26 12 001 Replacing complete propeller shaft center bearing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 7 500
33 1 020

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove propeller shaft . See 26 11 000 COMPLETELY REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (INSERTED - REAR FLEXIBLE DISC) (WITHOUT VIBRATION ABSORBER) or 26 11 000 REMOVING AND REFITTING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT (PUSH-FIT - FLEXIBLE JOINT AT REAR) (WITH VIBRATION ABSORBER) .

NOTE: The propeller shaft is balanced.
The front and rear propeller shafts must be reassembled in the same position.

Detach gaiter (1) from groove (2).

Mark front propeller shaft (3) and rear propeller shaft (4) in one plane.

Installation note:

Make sure gaiter (1) is securely fitted in groove (2).

Fig 1: Locating Propeller Shaft Marks (Front And Rear)

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Pull apart propeller shaft.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

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Installation note:

If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) into front propeller shaft (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft And Clamping Ring

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Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation note:

Apply a coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids. See PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Push gaiter (1) during installation into groove (2) and make sure it is firmly fitted.

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

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Observe markings and force front propeller shaft onto longitudinal splines (markings must be flush).

Install special tool 00 7 500 between center mount (1) and universal joint (2).

Fig 5: Installing Special Tool (00 7 500) Between Center Mount And Universal Joint

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Using a hydraulic press, force center mount (1) off propeller shaft (2).

Fig 6: Pressing Center Mount Of Propeller Shaft Using Hydraulic Press

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Force new center mount (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point in direction of travel towards front propeller shaft. Drive center mount to limit position with special tool 33 1 020.

Fig 7: Driving Center Mount Using Special Tool (23 1 160)

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