26 11 020 Replacing center mount gaiter

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. 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 And Rear Propeller Shaft

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 note:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Clamping Ring And Front Propeller Shaft

G04748990

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Installation note:

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

Grease: Castrol Optitemp HT LF1, BMW part number 83 23 0 417 754 (50g tube)

Fig 4: Identifying Gaiter And Groove

G04748991

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 fitted.