Removing the flexible disc for the rear prop shaft

WARNING: Hot surfaces.
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Mechanical effects.
Paint damage.

Mask those working areas at risk with yellow plastic adhesive tape.
Remove and install heavy or bulky components with the aid of another person/other persons.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
In order to guarantee the quality of the Driver Assistance functions in vehicles with concealed radar sensors, the component may be repainted only in compliance with the following instructions.
No stickers or films (transparent or colored) may be affixed in the transmission areas of the radar sensors.
If there are no radar sensors fitted, the component may be painted.
The following features can be used to identify whether radar sensors are installed on the vehicle:
Radar sensors are installed at the rear if the triangular warning light is present on the exterior mirror (in the mirror glass or on the mirror frame).
Radar sensors are installed at the front and rear if the triangular warning light is present on the exterior mirror (in the mirror glass or on the mirror frame) in conjunction with optional equipment S5ATA or S5AUA.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR COVERING .
Refer to REMOVING THE LOADING EDGE TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH LEDS FROM THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to PARTIALLY REMOVING THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM PANEL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE WATER CHANNEL LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE TAIL LIGHT ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to REMOVING REAR BUMPER TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH REAR SIDE TRIM STRIPS .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH EXHAUST COVERS .
Refer to PARTIALLY REMOVING THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS .
Refer to REMOVING REAR BUMPER PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING CENTER STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT SHIELDS .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
To protect universal joints, tie back prop shaft in area of central mount.

Loosen screws (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles with narrow universal joint:
Use special tool 2 464 898 and a suitable tool (1) to protect the prop shaft (2) on the central universal joint from twisting.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles with wide universal joint:
Secure the juncture shaft on the center universal joint with a suitable tool (2) to protect it from twisting.

Do not remove the screws (1) completely until the screws on the three-hole flange have been loosened.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Mark the installation position of the three-hole flange (1), the flexible joint disk (2) and the prop shaft (3) in a plane (arrows).
The marking makes it possible to install the three-hole flange and the prop shaft in the same position. This ensures that the three-hole flange for the rear axle differential is balanced with the prop shaft again after installation.
Release the prop shaft (3) on the three-hole flange (1) and at the central mount.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Release screws (arrows) and remove flexible disc from the prop shaft.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.