Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2010 BMW 328xi, 2009 BMW 328xi, and 2008 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT

Mark position of nut with respect to shaft with punch marks (arrow).

Lever out lockplate (1) with a suitable tool.

Fig 1: Locating Lockplate

G04745222

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not place special tool on threaded holes of drive flange.

Secure drive flange with special tool 23 0 020 against turning and release nut (1).

Fig 2: Securing Drive Flange Using Special Tool 23 0 020

G04745223

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Mount special tool only with longer screws (M10x30) on drive flange.

Pull drive flange off drive shaft with special tool 33 1 150.

Fig 3: Pulling Drive Flange Of Drive Shaft Using Special Tool 33 1 150

G04745224

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever shaft seal (1) out of front differential with a suitable screwdriver (2).

Fig 4: Removing Shaft Seal Of Front Differential Using Suitable Screwdriver

G04745225

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Drive in shaft seal with special tool 31 5 130 as far as it will go.

Coat sealing lips of new shaft seal (1) with front differential oil.

Fig 5: Installing Shaft Seal Using Special Tool 31 5 130

G04745226

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not tighten nut beyond punch marks. Otherwise the clamping sleeve will be damaged.

Clean drive flange and attach.

Tighten down nut until punch marks on nut and shaft are aligned.

Install new lockplate (1).

Fig 6: Locating Lockplate

G04745222

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.