Expert: Josh Fields - 9/30/2006

Question
I have a 1985 bmw and wish to remove the drive shaft   
from the gearbox end. the car is manual. do I have to remove the rear differential to pull it out?

Answer
Brant,
 I'm sort of confused...

 If you want to remove the driveshaft from the gearbox, you dont need to remove the differential (Unless you like to spend many hours under the car! HA HA).

 There are 3 bolts that hold the driveshaft to the "guibo".  The guibo is a rubber disc that dampens shock from the transmission to the driveshaft (i.e. if you popped the clutch).

 Remove these 3 bolts and the driveshaft will be able to drop down. There is a center-support bearing right behind the shifter linkage that will have to be dropped  as well.  To get to all of this you will have to remove any heatshields, and possibly lower the exhaust.  At the rear of the driveshaft (where it meets the differential) there are 4 bolts holding that need to be removed.  It is helpful to have someone help release the parking brake so you can turn the drive shaft to remove all the bolts.

 You should be able to drop the whole driveshaft with in 30 minutes, with a max of 2 hours if you are a novice.

 Good luck, and if you have any more questions please feel free to ask.
 Josh