33 11 080 Replacing left/right drive flange on rear differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

WARNING: Risk of burning! Exhaust system may be very hot!

IMPORTANT: When replacing the drive flange, you must also replace the shaft seal. See REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR LEFT/RIGHT DRIVE FLANGE .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back. See REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT or REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .

Drive out drive flange (1) with special tools 13 5 251 and 13 5 253 .

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.

Fig 1: Removing Drive Flange Using Special Tools (13 5 251) And (13 5 253)

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 .

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace shaft seal. See REPLACING SHAFT SEAL FOR LEFT/RIGHT DRIVE FLANGE .

After installation:

Check OIL LEVEL IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL