26 11 020 Replacing centre mount gaiter

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335i, 2008 BMW 328i, 2008 BMW 323i, 2007 BMW 335i, and 2007 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

Fig 1: Identifying Gaiter, Groove, Front Propeller Shaft And Rear Propeller Shaft

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Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft Apart

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Installation:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Clamping Ring And Front Propeller Shaft

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Release gaiter (1) with screwdriver from groove (2) and pull off over longitudinal splines.

Installation:

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

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Apply an even coating of grease to longitudinal splines on shaft.

Grease, refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids .

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

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