26 11 000 Removing and installing propeller shaft (cardan universal joint) completely

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) .

26 1 040

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove complete exhaust system, refer to 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (M54) .

Remove heat shield (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield

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Release threaded ring (1) several turns with special tool 26 1 040.

Installation:

Tighten threaded ring with special tool 26 1 040.

Fig 2: Tightening Threaded Ring With Special Tool
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Tightening torque: 10 N.m. .

Unfasten screws. Tightening torque: 48 N.m.

Fig 3: Unfastening Screws

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Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.
Grip heads of mounting screws of flexible disk on transmission flange and tighten down at nuts.

IMPORTANT: To avoid complaints of humming: Before removing propeller shaft, mark cardan universal joint to drive flange of final drive. Reinstall joint in this position.

Fig 4: Marking Cardan Universal Joint

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Unfasten screws.

Tightening torque, refer to 26 11 4AZ in PROPELLER SHAFT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Fig 5: Unfastening Screws

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Push rear propeller shaft (1) forwards.

Fig 6: Pushing Rear Propeller Shaft

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Grip propeller shaft and release nuts.

Fig 7: Identifying Center Bearing (1)

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Tightening torque: 21 N.m .

Bend propeller shaft downwards at center bearing (1).

Detach propeller shaft from transmission output flange and remove downwards.

Installation (Except E46 Compact And Z4):

Pull off cover tape from butylene tape on both sides.

Stick outer butylene tape (1) to center bearing (2).

Fig 8: Sticking Outer Butylene Tape (1) To Center Bearing (2)

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IMPORTANT: Except E46 Compact and Z4.

Remove butylene tape already attached to center bearing.
Clean adhesive area on center bearing and no body.
Then coat adhesive area on body with mineral oil.

This coating with oil is necessary to facility insertion of the sticky butylene tape in the propeller shaft tunnel.

This prevents the butylene tape from being deformed.

Installation:

Press center bearing (2) into transmission tunnel.

Fig 9: Pressing Center Bearing Into Transmission Tunnel

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Installation:

Check centering; if necessary, replace damaged centering, refer to 26 11 090 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CENTERING MOUNT FOR PROPELLER SHAFT .
Grease centering mount.

Fig 10: Checking Grease Centering Mount
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