26 11 100 Removing and installing three-hole flange

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:

23 0 020
33 5 040
33 5 070

IMPORTANT: The slide-in nut must be replaced by a new one.
The sunk nut already has a screw locking.
After the propeller shaft has been screwed into the rear axle final drive (sunk nut), a hardening time of at least 2 hours is absolutely necessary.
The hardening time may be extended at lower temperatures!
Failure to comply with these instructions may cause serious damage!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove PROPELLER SHAFT

Since the three-hole flange, the flexible disc and the propeller shaft are balanced as a single unit, the balance quality of the propeller shaft, flexible disc and three-hole flange may be compromised slightly when the three-hole flange is replaced.

IMPORTANT: Before removing propeller shaft:
The three-hole flange and the propeller shaft must be reassembled in the same position.
Mark three-hole flange (1), flexible disc (2) and propeller shaft (3) in one plane.

Installation note:

Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Fig 1: Locating Flange Mark, Flexible Disc And Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The sunk nut must be opened against direction of travel in clockwise direction.
If an attempt is made to open the sunk nut in direction of travel in clockwise direction, the sunk nut is automatically screwed in further and the insert collar of the 12-edge flange nut is severely damaged.
If the insert collar of the flange nut was damaged, the propeller shaft can no longer be secured using a new sunk nut and the rear axle differential must be replaced.

Fig 2: Removing Three-Hole Flange From Bevel Pinion Using Special Tool (23 0 020)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release insert nut against direction of travel in clockwise direction with special tool 33 5 040 and 33 5 070 .

Grip with special tool 23 0 020 .

Release three-hole flange (1) from bevel pinion.

Tightening torque 26 11 6AZ .

Remove retaining clip (1) and gasket (2).

Installation note:

Retaining clip and gasket must be replaced.

Fig 3: Identifying Retaining Clip And Gasket

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Remove insert nut (1).

Installation note:

Insert nut must be replaced.

Fig 4: Identifying Insert Nut

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Before installing three-hole flange:

Clean insert collar (1) on flange nut and gearing on bevel pinion (2).

Fill insert collar (1) with grease.

Grease: BMW Service Operating Fluids. See PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 5: Identifying Flange Nut Collar And Bevel Pinions

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IMPORTANT: Thread of flange hub must not be contaminated with grease.

Clean thread (1) of flange hub to remove adhesive residues.

Clean hub teeth (2), then coat with grease.

Grease: BMW Service Operating Fluids. See PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 6: Identifying Flange And Hub Teeth Thread

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Place flange nut (1) with gasket in insert collar of flange nut.

Install retaining clip (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Flange Nut And Retaining Clip

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IMPORTANT: The bi-hexagonal flange nut must not be used for bracing.
Failure to comply with this instruction may result in serious damage to the rear axle final drive.

IMPORTANT: Insert nut must be screwed into place within 5 minutes .
Tightening torque 26 11 6AZ .

Slide drive flange (1) to the limit position onto insert nut and secure.

Fig 8: Sliding Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.