Raise the car and remove the front wheel. Using a suitable drift, release the staked side of the axle nut. Remove the center cap and reinstall the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground. With an assistant holding down the brake, remove the collar axle nut, ensuring not to reuse it. Remove the underbody splash shield and the front end reinforcement plate. Unbolt the brake caliper and hang it to the side with stiff wire without disconnecting the brake hose. Remove the front brake disc and the wheel speed sensor. Detach the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, followed by the tension strut and control arm from the steering knuckle. Swivel the steering knuckle and press the axle shaft inward to disengage it from the steering knuckle, taking care not to pound on the end of the axle shaft. Use a BMW special tool or an equivalent prying tool to force the axle shaft inner CV joint shaft out of the front differential or right bearing pedestal output flange, being prepared to catch any dripping oil. Replace the differential or bearing pedestal flange seal while the axle is removed from the vehicle, and replace CV joint boots as necessary. When installing the inner CV joint locking circlip, coat the sealing lip of the flange seal with transmission fluid, push the inner CV joint shaft into the differential or bearing pedestal flange until the locking circlip snaps in place, and use a new collar nut at the axle shaft. Tighten the axle shaft collar nut to the final torque with the road wheel installed and the vehicle lowered. Finally, install the front end reinforcement plate using new fasteners and check the front differential oil level.
