Flex Disk (between trans and drive shaft)

[JHerrmann]

Saw that mine is cracked in places and decided to change it. Heard that this disk is an E36 weakness... so check yours next time you're under the car.

Looking at the car, the job does not appear that difficult. Bentley's says need to pull exhaust and driveshaft but I did not believe it. I think they said to pull the exhaust when changing the shifter and I did not find that necessary when I installed UUC short shift kit.

Anyway, rear of car is on jackstands and trans is in neutral so that I can rotate trans output and drive shaft. Got all the bolts out of the flex disk. Slid the shaft rearwards about a half inch and to my surprise the disk did not come out. There is a little rod coming out of the trans output that goes into the center of the drive shaft. Looks like Bentley is right and I will have to remove exhaust and drive shaft. ****!!

Anyone change their flex disk? Is there something I am missing? Is pulling exhaust and shaft necessary?

Fortunately the M3 is not my primary vehicle. Left it in the garage on jackstands. Before delving into what looks like the inevitable, I wanted to ask the Forum for advice.

[Wayne 962]

Yes, you need to loosen up the rear bearing mount and give yourself some more room to get to that flex disc. Here's a photo:

Removing this will allow you to bend the driveshaft and get the flex disc (guibo) out...

-Wayne

[JHerrmann]

Wayne,
Thank you very much for the reply and especially for taking the time to post the picture for clarification. I think I will go ahead and tackle the job.
jim

[JHerrmann]

Wayne,
I was able to get the jub done using your advice. The hardest part was getting the exhaust off and on again.
Thanks for your help!
jh