Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, ensuring to read the battery disconnection cautions beforehand. Raise and safely support the vehicle, then remove the front end reinforcement. Separate the exhaust system from the front exhaust pipe and place it aside, followed by removing the heat shield to the right of the transmission. Next, remove the front stabilizer bar and the front drive shaft, being prepared to catch any dripping fluid. For the rear driveshaft, remove the center bearing support fasteners while supporting the center of the driveshaft, detach the rear driveshaft flex-disc from the transfer case, and lower the center of the driveshaft to disengage the flex-disc from the transfer case flange, tying the driveshaft to the side. Disconnect the harness connector from the back-up light switch on the transmission and free the harnesses for the oxygen sensors and back-up light switch from the rear support for the transfer box and transmission. Support the transmission on a transmission jack, remove the mounting fasteners for the rear support of the transmission and transfer case, and lower the support. For a 6-speed transmission, detach the xDrive servomotor harness connectors at the transfer case. Lower the transmission jack slowly, allowing the engine and transmission assembly to tilt back and down slightly, being cautious of engine compartment components due to clearance issues at the rear of the engine. Unbolt the clutch slave cylinder from the side of the transmission without disconnecting the fluid hose, suspending it from the chassis with stiff wire, and unbolt it slowly to prevent air from entering the hydraulic system while avoiding operating the clutch pedal with the slave cylinder removed. Remove the shift rod clip and disconnect the shift linkage from the selector shaft coupling, then disconnect the shift console from the top of the transmission. Support the front of the engine with a tall jack stand or hydraulic jack, remove the transmission mounting Tone-head bolts while noting their length and location, and remove the transmission by pulling it backward until the input shaft clears the clutch disc splines, then pull it downwards and lower the transmission jack. Ensure the bellhousing alignment dowel sleeves are correctly located and replace any damaged sleeves. Inspect the clutch, clutch release bearing, and flywheel, repairing as necessary, and check and repair the transmission seals. When reinstalling the transmission, transfer parts from the old transmission if installing a new one, thoroughly clean the input shaft and clutch disc splines, and lightly lubricate the transmission input shaft before installation. To avoid difficulties in future transmission removal, use washers with Torx-head mounting bolts. Reinstall the transfer case and its support, centering the rear transfer case output flange in the driveshaft tunnel before tightening the support bracket bolts. Reinstall the driveshafts using new self-locking nuts, ensuring to hold the bolts stationary while tightening the nuts to avoid damaging the flex-disc rubber. Refill the transfer case and the transmission before starting or towing the vehicle.
Posted by BMWPartsDeal Specialist 
