26 12 001 Replacing complete propeller shaft center bearing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required

NOTE: For special tools, refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 325i, 325Ci, 325xi (M54/E46) .

00 7 500
23 1 160
26 1 040

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove propeller shaft, refer to 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY .

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

Mark front propeller shaft (1) and rear propeller shaft (2) in one plane.

Fig 1: Marking Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft In One Plane

G03164675

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft Apart

G03164676

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove snap ring (1).

Fig 3: Removing Snap Ring

G03164677

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Installing Special Tool 00 7 500 Between Center Bearing And Universal Joint

G03164678

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 5: Using Hydraulic Press, Force Center Bearing Off Propeller Shaft

G03164679

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Force new center bearing (1) onto propeller shaft. Collar (2) must point to universal joint (3). Drive center mount firmly home with special tool 23 1 160.

Fig 6: Forcing New Center Bearing Onto Propeller Shaft

G03164680

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install new snap ring (1), with plate to bearing.

Fig 7: Installing Snap Ring With Plate To Bearing

G03164681

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw threaded ring (1) off propeller shaft; if necessary, use special tool 26 1 040 to provide assistance.

Fig 8: Identifying Screw Threaded Ring Off Propeller Shaft

G03164682

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, insert new clamping ring (1) in threaded ring (2).

Fig 9: Inserting New Clamping Ring In Threaded Ring

G03164683

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Force threaded ring (1) onto shaft (2).

Grease longitudinal splines of shaft (2) uniformly.

Observe markings and force rear propeller shaft (3) onto shaft (2) (markings must be flush).

Screw down threaded ring (1) with propeller shaft (3) until hand-tight.

Fig 10: Identifying Screw Ring With Propeller Shaft

G03164684

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.