26 11 000 Removing and installing complete propeller shaft (constant-velocity joint) (M6): Notes

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Necessary preliminary work:

Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM

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: Marking Flexible Disc/Propeller Shaft Alignment Before Removal
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws.

Installation note:

Replace ZNS bolts and self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 26 11 1AZ .

Fig 2: Locating ZNS Bolts

G04748979

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: To avoid buzzing sound after refitting the propeller shaft:
Mark the installation position.

Release screws.

Replace bolts and shims (1).

Fig 3: Locating Propeller Shaft Bolts And Shims And Installation Position Marking

G09922124

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With a screwdriver, press constant-velocity joint (at the disassembly grooves) off input flange.

Fig 4: Pressing Constant-Velocity Joint Off Input Flange

G04742291

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not let propeller shaft fall into joints.
Joints and rubber sleeve on constant-velocity joint can be damaged.

Fig 5: Locating Rubber Sleeve On Constant Velocity Joint

G04755780

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove panel (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Screws And Panel

G09922127

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Hold down propeller shaft on center mount and release screws (1).

Tightening torque 26 11 5AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Propeller Shaft Screws

G09922128

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bend propeller shaft downwards on center bearing.

Remove propeller shaft from transmission output flange and remove constant-velocity joint from rear axle differential.

Fig 8: Bending Propeller Shaft Downwards At Center Bearing

G04755782

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Pull out constant velocity joint (1), up to limit position.

Install shim.

With constant velocity joint pulled apart, attach propeller shaft to drive flange of rear axle final drive.

Alternately tighten 2 opposing screws to draw constant-velocity joint evenly into the input flange.

Replace ZNS bolts and shims.

Tightening torque 26 11 8AZ .

Fig 9: Pulling Constant Velocity Joint

G04755783

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Check centering mount (4).

REPLACE DAMAGED CENTERING MOUNT .

Grease centering mount.

Grease: refer to BMW-SPECIFIED GREASE

Fig 10: Identifying Propeller Shaft Centering Mount

G04755784

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.