Fitting a prop - from which end?

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Grrrmachine
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Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:12 pm

I'm changing the entire drivetrain of my 320i to 325i gear. As I was unbolting the diff the back end of the prop came with it, so I guess I need a new prop now too since I hadn't had a chance to mark the joint.

My question is, if I fit my diff back in place now, how hard is it to fit the prop afterwards? And how does that affect "loading" the centre bearing? Bear in mind the engine and gearbox will be coming out too.
Duke137
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Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:24 pm

Every prop I have had has been marked already. There is usally a small white dot of paint on either half near where they join.

Hope that helps
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daimlerman
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Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:32 pm

Nothing in the wiki about props? winkeye

Place the two halfs with the couplings in the same plane and you only have two chances to get it wrong,but I would be suprised if there are no white dots.

Bolt up the prop without tightening the bolts fully,so it can slide on the centre bearing,then preload the bearing by sliding the prop forward 5mm,nip up the centre bearing bracket,then the prop/diff and prop/gearbox joints.
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maxfield
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Post Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:33 pm

As above every BMW prop I've ever come accross has always had a little white mark on.

You can fit the prop on with diff in situ. You will probably have to undo the centre bearing though. (2x 13mm bolts) Assuming you have the heatsheilds off and exhaust.
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