Genuine BMW 325i Drive Shaft

BMW 325i Drive Shaft Parts Questions & Answers

• Rear Drive Shaft
  26-10-7-551-199
  Q: How to remove the rear and front driveshaft on a BMW 325i?

  A: To remove the rear driveshaft, block the front wheels and raise the rear of the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the exhaust system and heat shield, and if necessary, unbolt the exhaust system mounting bracket. Make alignment marks between the shaft, transmission flange, and rubber coupling. Loosen and remove the nuts and bolts securing the coupling to the transmission. Make alignment marks between the driveshaft and differential flange, then unscrew the bolts securing the driveshaft to the rear differential. With the assistance of an assistant, support the driveshaft and unscrew the center support bearing bracket retaining bolts. Lower the center of the shaft and disengage it from the transmission and rear differential. Remove the shaft from underneath the vehicle. Inspect the rubber coupling, support bearing shaft, and universal joints. Inspect the transmission flange locating pin and driveshaft bushing for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts. Rotate the support bearing to check for smooth turning and replace if difficult or gritty. Apply moly-based lubricant grease to the transmission pin and shaft bushing, then maneuver the shaft into position. Align the marks made prior to removal and engage the shaft bushing with the transmission and rear differential unit flanges. Install the bearing support bracket retaining bolts, tighten the rear coupling bolts, and install new retaining nuts. Tighten the support bracket bolts. Install the exhaust system. To remove the front driveshaft on AWD models, block the rear wheels and raise the front of the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the engine splash shield and front subframe reinforcement panel if equipped. Make match-marks on the front differential flange and the front of the driveshaft, as well as the rear of the driveshaft and the flange at the transfer case. Remove the bolts securing the driveshaft front yoke to the differential flange, then remove the bolts securing the driveshaft rear flange to the transfer case. Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal, replacing any zinc-plated aluminum bolts.