26 11 020 Replacing center mount gaiter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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: Aligning Front And Rear Propeller Shaft

G06204798

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

G06204799

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 3: Inserting Clamping Ring Into Front Propeller Shaft

G06204800

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation:

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

Grease, refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - 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.

Fig 4: Pushing Gaiter During Installation Into Groove

G06204801

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.