New driveshaft front and rear coupling nuts will be required on installation. Begin by chocking the front wheels, jacking up the rear of the vehicle, and supporting it on jackstands. Remove the exhaust system and heat shield, unbolting any necessary mounting brackets for clearance to remove the driveshaft. For models with the driveshaft bolted directly to the transmission output flange, make alignment marks, then loosen and remove the retaining nuts, discarding them for new ones during installation. For models with a rubber coupling, make alignment marks on the shaft, transmission flange, and rubber coupling, then loosen and remove the securing nuts and bolts, discarding the nuts for new ones. Loosen the threaded sleeve nut near the support bearing a couple of turns, then make alignment marks between the driveshaft and differential unit flange. Unscrew and discard the nuts securing the driveshaft to the differential unit, ensuring new ones will be used on installation. With assistance, support the driveshaft, unscrew the center support bearing bracket retaining nuts, slide the two halves of the shaft towards each other, lower the center, and disengage it from the transmission and differential unit before removing it from underneath the vehicle. Inspect the rubber coupling, support bearing, and shaft universal joints, as well as the transmission flange locating pin and driveshaft bushing for wear or damage, replacing as necessary. Apply a small amount of molybdenum disulfide grease to the transmission pin and shaft bushing, maneuver the shaft into position, align the previously made marks, and engage the shaft with the transmission and differential unit flanges. Install the support bracket retaining nuts lightly at this stage, then install new retaining bolts to the rear coupling of the driveshaft and tighten to the specified torque. For models with the driveshaft bolted directly to the transmission flange, install new retaining nuts and tighten them to the specified torque. For models with a rubber coupling, insert the bolts and install new retaining nuts, tightening them to the specified torque while ensuring the nut/bolt is only rotated on the flange side to avoid stressing the rubber coupling. Securely tighten the driveshaft threaded sleeve nut, loosen the center bearing bracket nuts, slide the bracket forwards to remove free play, preload the bearing by moving the bracket forwards another 4 to 6 mm, hold it in position, and tighten the retaining nuts to the specified torque. Finally, reinstall the exhaust system and associated components.
Posted by BMWPartsDeal Specialist 
