26 11 000 Removing and installing propeller shaft - version with rear constant-velocity joint -

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, 2005 BMW 330Ci, and 2004 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove complete exhaust system.

Remove heat shield (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws.

Tightening torque. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - TECHNICAL DATA - 330I, 330Ci, 330xi .

Installation:

Only tighten screw connection by way of nut. Replace nuts.

Fig 2: Removing Propeller Shaft Flange Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove constant-velocity joint from final drive.

Fig 3: Removing Constant-Velocity Joint From Final Drive

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not let propeller shaft fall into joints. In particular, on the constant velocity joint, the rubber sleeve gets squashed or the joint is damaged.

Fig 4: Identifying Constant Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Grip propeller shaft and release nuts. Tightening torque. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - TECHNICAL DATA - 330I, 330CI, 330XI .

Fig 5: Locating Propeller Shaft Center Mounting Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Pull off cover tape from butylene tape on both sides.

Stick butylene tape (1) to outside of center bearing (2).

Butylene tape

Fig 6: Sticking Butylene Tape To Outside Of Center Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Remove butylene tape already attached to center bearing. Clean adhesive area on center bearing and on body. Then coat adhesive area on body with mineral oil. This coating with oil is necessary to facilitate insertion of the sticky butylene tape in the propeller shaft tunnel. This prevents the butylene tape from being deformed.

Installation:

Press center bearing (2) into transmission tunnel.

Fig 7: Pressing Center Bearing Into Transmission Tunnel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Top up grease fill.
Grease

Withdraw constant-velocity joint (1) up to stop.

Degrease sealing surfaces on constant velocity joint and drive flange.

Replace gasket (2).

Fig 8: Replacing Gasket From Constant-Velocity Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Use new nuts.

Attach propeller shaft with pulled-apart constant-velocity joint to drive flange of final drive.

IMPORTANT: The constant-velocity joint must not be compressed during assembly because the grease fill can force away the sealing ring, leading to leakage from the constant-velocity joint.
By alternately tightening 2 opposing nuts, draw constant-velocity joint uniformly into drive flange.
Then tighten down the remaining nuts.
Tightening torque. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT - TECHNICAL DATA - 330I, 330Ci, 330xi .

Installation:

Check centering mount (4).

Replace damaged centering mount. See 26 11 090 Removing and installing/replacing centering mount for propeller shaft

Coat centering mount with Molykote Longterm 2 grease.

Fig 9: Sectional View Of Centering Mount

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.