26 11 020 Replacing center mount gaiter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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: Identifying Front And Rear Propeller Shaft With Groove And Gaiter

G04748988

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull propeller shaft apart.

Fig 2: Pulling Propeller Shaft

G04748989

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Front Propeller Shaft With Clamping Ring

G04748990

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.

See PROPELLER SHAFT - OPERATING FLUIDS

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

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

G04748991

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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