BMW E46 M3 Differential Seal Replacement DIY (BMW E90 M3, E60 M5, E63 M6)

[@964tractorboy]

Another great video, I agree. Always interesting to see how much more involved a seemingly "simple diff-seal replacement" turns out to be. Thanks Gareth. Love the E46 M3 content.

[@juancho006]

Thanks for the great video you do, very technical and professional, you are a great team there,

[@MEMcAndrews]

Great video! They always are. Very helpful for my diff rebuild project. You didn’t show the preload as specified for the drive shaft center bearing.

[@Vass046]

Bit of a point of confusion when doing any sort of driveshaft job but doesn't the center support bearing require preloading by pushing it towards the front of the car and then bolting it down? Have read about it in a few repair manuals but haven't found a decent video explaining it properly. I'm this close to video you seem to just bolt it on as it is. Would you be able to shine any light on that? Thanks

[@hoss1988]

Great video! Like I was able to do this on my E90 M3 easy, I did use a 3 Jaw harbor freight puller but it all went back together way easy… used a tape roll around the seal to tap it in just tap tap it in. Otherwise no special tools… my car was on ramps so wheels being planted that kept the thing that spins from spinning somI was able to get it off in the air you would need that holder do Hickey

[@idonjohnson6999]

"notorious leaker" I had no idea. Mine leaked when I bought the car. Replaced it, was good for some years, then started leaking again. I doubted the hole would become 'not 100% round" since it's hard metal...The one you are selling is much cheaper than BMW's as well. Any Euro distributers for FCP parts? Wonder why it's not listed for the 1996-1999 E36 M3, as the Euro spec uses the same 210 diff. Does the BMW Pinion Seal Driver tool also work with the upgraded seal? I see it has a different shape, so useing this tool might not set it at the correct depth.

[@Crashdown456]

I bought the seal driver but I’m worried I drove it too deep. Is that possible to do with the special tool?

[@acsbimmer]

Could you use the 32mm socket to get the retaining ring back in?

[@kristianeekhof8128]

Nice video's guys. But please be kind to your engine mounts and support the gearbox when removing the bracket and clean the surrounding area when putting in a new seal..

[@kennywebster8765]

Hi, I'm looking at doing this job in the near future but looking at the three exhaust muffler hanger nuts/studs they are totally rotten on my motor and looking at them I am going to struggle to remove them without destroying them. Have you any ideas on to remove these at all? Any help will be good. Thanks, Kenny in the UK

[@duracellttu]

Great video! Curious to know if the pinion seal driver is the same tool that can be used in the differential output seals as well. Are they the same size?

[@UtRxChocolate]

Hoping to take this on as a weekend project at my local DIY mechanic shop. Anyone have a good idea of how long this should take for a novice DIYer?

[@JakeHart-pf4jj]

2 jaw puller didnt work so i have a problem. Seams as the tightening nut to back the shaft out is to short

[@idonjohnson6999]

I have no clue how that pinion flange driver/tool, which looks to be designed byNASA works. It's been 10 years since I replaced that input seal, but after that was installed, the pinion flange just slit onto the splined shaft. No need for a tool to press it on!?

[@tteitei]

Hi. Really like the day videos. Was hoping you could do one on a n55 oil pan gasket replacement on a f22 or f30? I know you guys have done videos on the oil filter housing and valve cover gasket but none on the oil pan which is a common oil leak on these engines.

[@fcpeuro]

Great suggestion!

[@commentator2.0]

Thanks for this DIY. I learned that using will not DIY this and pay someone instead 😂

[@fcpeuro]

😂😂😂

[@DonBMW]

Do you really need $600 of tools to replace a $15 seal? I'm kinda broke and need to replace this pinion seal.

[@SavageBunny1]

You can buy the seal, then go to a metal supply store and try and make something that looks like that tool, I do that all the time with bushing presses.

[@DonBMW]

@@SavageBunny1 Thanks! Just finished this job. I ended up using the metal cone from a bearing press tool to drive the seal in. Did not have to use any special tool to remove the flange. To hold the flange screwed in two screws and held w my pry-bar to torque down.

[@D1ARBO]

@@DonBMWi was thinking of doing the same! Just need a little creativity

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Bravo! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@aa240sx]

um yeah - specialty tools? no thanks

[@Sequel7]

Most euro cars take a specialty tool