Note. Rubber clutch is not available on all models. On some models, the propeller shaft is rigidly attached to the gearbox flange (see paragraph 9).
Examination
1. Set the parking brake firmly, raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands (cm. "Lifting and placing the car on supports").
2. Carefully inspect the rubber sleeve that connects the driveshaft to the gearbox, looking for damage, cracks, or signs of general wear. Replace clutch if necessary.
Replacement
Note. When installing, you will need new propeller shaft coupling nuts.
3. Perform the operations described in p.p. 1, 2, 4 and 5 of paragraph 6.
4. Slide the front of the driveshaft back, remove it from the gearbox flange pin and lower the driveshaft down.
5. Turn away nuts of fastening of the coupling to cardan shaft and remove it (pic. 7.5). If necessary, also remove the damper. If the damper is damaged or worn, replace it.
6. Align the marks made before removal and install the damper (if it exists) to the cardan shaft.
7. Install a new clutch. Keep in mind that the arrows on the tank surface of the coupling point towards the gearbox and cardan shaft flanges (pic. 7.7). Install new fastening nuts and tighten them to the required torque.
8. Apply some lubricant containing molybdenum disulphide (BMW recommends Molykote Longterm 2 grease) on the gearbox flange pin and on the driveshaft bushing. Install the driveshaft in place.
9. Align the marks made before removal and connect the cardan shaft to the transmission flange. Insert the bolts, screw on the new nuts and tighten them to the required torque. Keep in mind that the bolts/nuts can only be turned on the flange side, not the rubber sleeve, so as not to damage it.
10. Securely tighten the driveshaft intermediate bearing bushing nut.
11. Install exhaust system components (see chapter 4A).