Drive Flange (Left Or Right Of Final Drive)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 120 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW M3, and 2005 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: When replacing the drive flange, you must also replace the shaft seal!

Necessary preliminary tasks: Remove output shaft from rear differential and tie back

Knock out drive flange or press out with two suitable tools (only on differential without dust cover).

Fig 1: Driving Out Drive Flange

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Install retaining ring (1).

Installation: Only if the retaining ring was fitted in the rear differential: twist retaining ring until both ends settle into the groove. Clean shaft seal race on drive flange thoroughly. Coat drive flange at contact face of shaft seal with approved rear differential oil. See OPERATING FLUIDS - REAR AXLE .

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace shaft seal.

Correct gearbox oil level/change differential oil.