Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

Remove or Replacing Final Drive

Note: After completion of work, check transmission fluid level. Oil fill quantity.

Caution:
Use the approved gear oil in this final drive.
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the final drive.

Recycling:
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations. If necessary, drain final drive oil.





E46/5 (compact):
Remove spare wheel.
Release retaining screws of spare wheel bracket (1).
Tilt spare wheel bracket (1) downwards.
Remove complete exhaust system.
Remove propeller shaft from drive flange.
Remove rear stabilizer bar.
Remove tension strut.





Remove output shafts on left/right and tie back.

Installation:
Before installing output shaft, make sure that flange is fully engaged in final drive. Fit shims (1).





Support final drive with transmission lifter and special tool 334390.

Observe distance between special tool 33 4 390 and dust protection sleeve (1).

If the dust protection sleeve (1) is damaged or bent, it may come into contact with the flange noise!

Caution: Comply with following installation sequence in order to prevent torsion stress on final drive during installation and thus avoid complaints about noise:
^ Install final drive with lifter.
^ Install retaining screws (do not tighten down).
^ Remove lifter.

Tightening sequence:
^ Tighten both front screws.
^ Tighten rear screw.






Release screws.

Installation:
Install screws, do not tighten down.
Comply with installation sequence.





Release nut and remove screw.

Lower lifter slowly and tilt out final drive towards rear

Installation:
Install screw and nut, do not tighten down.
Comply with installation sequence.