26 12 001 Replacing complete propeller shaft centre bearing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. 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 .

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 Front And Rear Propeller Shaft Marks

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull apart propeller shaft.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft Apart

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft With Clamping Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 DRIVESHAFT -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

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

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

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 6: Forcing Centre Mount Off Propeller Shaft Using Hydraulic Press

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.