BMW 26112227222 Five Speed Gearbox Drive Shaft Assembly

To remove and install the driveshaft on E30 models (excluding 325/X), start by removing the exhaust system, crossbrace under the driveshaft, and heat shields. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft flanges to the differential flange and transmission output flange. Use Tool No. 26 1040 or equivalent to loosen the spline locking ring behind the center bearing. Support the transmission and remove the transmission crossmember. Remove the bolts holding the flex coupling to the transmission output flange and, if applicable, rotate and remove the vibration damper. Remove the bolts at the driveshaft to differential flange. Remove the center bearing bolts and carefully pull the driveshaft down and out, avoiding contact with the fuel tank connector pipe and avoiding severe angles at the joints. To install, loosely install the center bearing to the body and connect the rear joint to the differential. Torque the LI-joints to 52 ft. lbs. (72 Nm) or the constant velocity joint M8 bolts to 23 ft. lbs. (32 Nm) and M10 bolts to 46 ft. lbs. (64 Nm). Install the front flex coupling and vibration damper, torquing the M10-8.8 bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (48 Nm) and M10-10.9 bolts to 52 ft. lbs. (72 Nm). Preload the center bearing forward 0.157-0.236 inch (4-6mm) and tighten. Torque the spline locking ring to 12 ft. lbs. (17 Nm). Finally, install the heat shields, crossmember, and exhaust system. For E36 models, follow the same steps but torque the spline locking ring to 12 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) and preload the center bearing forward 0.157-0.236 inch (4-6mm) before tightening.

A clunking noise may indicate a worn universal joint, which requires the removal of the driveshaft and replacement of the joint.