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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front muffler (N45/N46/N46T/N45T)
Remove complete Exhaust System
Remove Front and Rear underbody protection
Remove heat shields

IMPORTANT:

To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:

The flexible disc connection (1) on the front at the propeller shaft must be marked in one plane with the flexible disc (2) and the three-bolt flange (3) before removal.
During installation the three-bolt flange (3) must be forced back together again with the flexible disc (2) in the same position.
Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Fig 1: Refitting Propeller Shaft

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Release screws.

Installation:

Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.
Grip mounting bolts of flexible disk at nuts and tighten down by way of bolts.

Fig 2: Flexible Disk Mounting Bolts
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Tighten down screws/bolts to specified torque.

Secure special tool angle of rotation 00 9 120 with magnet 00 9 130 to underbody and continue bolting according to angle of rotation, for tightening torque refer to 26 11 1AZ in 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE (1AZ-3AZ) .

Fig 3: Special Tools (00 9 120) And (00 9 130)

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IMPORTANT: To avoid complaints of humming:

Before removing propeller shaft, mark cardan universal joint to drive flange of rear differential.

Reinstall joint in accordance with marking.

NOTE: Illustration similar

Fig 4: Mark On Universal Joint To Drive Flange

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Release screws.

Installation:

Replace ZNS bolts.

NOTE: Illustration similar

Fig 5: Mounting Bolts

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Tighten down screws/bolts to specified torque.

Secure special tool angle of rotation 00 9 120 with magnet 00 9 130 to underbody and continue bolting according to angle of rotation.

For tightening torque refer to 26 11 4AZ in 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE (4AZ-9AZ) .

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120) And (00 9 130)

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Grip propeller shaft at center mount and release screws.

For tightening torque refer to 26 11 6AZ in 26 11 PROPELLER SHAFT COMPLETE (4AZ-9AZ) .

Detach propeller shaft from transmission output flange and remove towards bottom.

Fig 7: Propeller Shaft Bolts

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Installation:

Check centering mount.

If necessary, replace damaged Centering Mount.

Grease centering mount.

Grease: BMW Service Operating Fluids.

Fig 8: Centering Mount
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