BMW 3 Series Service Manual (E39)

Gearshift ~inkaael

Gearshift lever, removing (manual transmission)

Usethe accompanying illustration as a guide when removing and installing the gearshift linkage.

-Remove shift knob by pulling knob straight off shift lever.

NOTE-

Pull up on the shift knob with about 90 lbs. of force. Do not twist knob or locating key can be damaged.

-Squeeze sides of shift boot to unclip from center console. Pull boot up and off shift lever.

-Remove sound insulation at base of shift lever.

-Raise vehicle to gain access to underside of vehicle.

- --

WARNING-

Male sure the car is stable and well supportedat all tfmes. Use a professionalautomotwehftorjaclcstands designedfor the purpose.A floorjaclc 1s not adequate support.

-Remove complete exhaust system. See 180 Exhaust System.

-Remove driveshaft. See 260 Driveshaft.

-Support transmission with transmission jack. Remove crossmember from rear of transmission.

-Lower rear of transmission to access gearshift linkage.

CAUTIOI\C

Tilting the engine to lower the transmissioncan lead to damage to various components due to lack of clearance.

4 Working above transmission, disconnect selector rod:

*Pull off shift rod retaining circlip (A).

Remove washer ( 6 ) .

Disengage selector rod (C)from gearshift lever.

Gearshift Linkage

-Connect selector rod to shift lever. Lift transmission, install crossmember and tighten crossmember bolts.

Install driveshaft and heat shield. See 260 Driveshaft.

Reinstall exhaust system. See 180 Exhaust System.

.Lower vehicle. Install shift boot. Push shift ltnob on lever.

260-2

1 Driveshaft

This repair group covers repair and replacementof the driveshaft and driveshaft components.

Driveshaft repairs consist of replacement of front flex-disc. center mount or rear CV joint. If the driveshaft joint is defective, replacethe complete driveshaft.

Drive axle repairs are covered in 331 Final Drive

Special tools

BMW suggests the use of certain special tools in removing, installing or servicing the driveshaft or its components.

4 Transmission jack

(Tool No. BMW 00 2 030)

4 Transmission support (for use with transmission jack,

170

24 0

A5S 560Z transmission) (Tool No. BMW 24 0 170)

24 0 250 4 Transmission support (for use with transmissionjack,

I

A5S 4402 transmission) (Tool No. BMW 24 0 250)

4 Drlveshaft center mount allgnlng yg Tool No. BMW 26 1 000)

Driveshaft

4 Driveshaft center slide nut spanner (Tool No. BMW 26 1 040)

Driveshaft description

4 The two-piece driveshaft is connected to the transmission by a rubber flex-disc and to the rear final drive by a constant velocity (CV) joint.

Troubleshooting

The source of drivelinevibrationsand noisecan be difficulttopinpoint. Engine,transmission,rear axle, or wheel vibrations can be transmitted through thedriveshaftto the car body. Noisesfrom thecar may be caused byfinal drive problems,or byfaulty wheel bearings,drive axles, or even wom or improperly inflatedtires.

NOTE-

For drive axle repair information, see 331 Final Drive

Driveshaft noise or vibration may be caused by worn ordamaged components. Check the universaljoint for play. With the driveshaft installed, pull and twist the driveshaft while watching the joint. The BMW specification for play is very small, so almost any noticeable play could indicate a problem.

Check the torque of the fasteners at the flange connections. Check the rubber of the flex-disc and center bearing for deterioration or tearing. Check the driveshaft for broken or missing balance weights. The weights are welded tabs on the driveshaft tubes. In addition to inspecting for faulty driveshaft parts, the installed angles of the driveshaft should also be considered.

1Driveshaft

Further inspection requires removal of the driveshaft. Checlc the front centering guide on the transmission output flange for damage or misalignment. Also check runout at the transmission output fiange and output shaft, and at the final drive input fiange. Check the bolt hole bores in the flange for wear and elongation.

Spin the driveshaft center bearing and check ior smooth operation without play. Check the constant velocity joint forwear or play. Checlc the universal joint for wear or binding. If it is difficult to move or binds, the driveshaft section should be replaced.

Universaljoint play

NOTE-

With the driveshaft installed, the actual amount that the driveshaftjoint pivots is limited. For the most accurate test, check joint in its normal range of movement.

If inspection reveals nothingwrong with the driveshaft, it may needto be rebalanced. This can be done by a speciality driveshaft repair shop. Also, checlc driveshaft alignment as described below.

NOTE-

Minor driveshaft vibrations can often be correctedsimply by disconnecting the driveshaft at the final drive and repositioning it go", 180" or 270" in relation to the final drive input flange.

The troubleshooting table below lists symptoms oi driveshaft problems and their probable causes. Most of the repair information is contained within this repair group. There are references to other repair groups, where applicable.