chunky

PREAMBLE:
2007 530xi, build date 9/2006, factory 6MT
Doing this in the backyard on ramps and stands, based on instructions saying this job is possible with transmission in the car.


After noting some oil leaks from the upper transmission area, prepped and read up on how to do the shift seal change. Read up the Pelican Parts instructions, and watched a couple of youtube videos (for E60 and other BMW's) AND read the Bentley instructions.

I got to removing the giubo/flex disc from the output shaft. But my car's transmission seems to be different (or I'm doing this completely wrong, which is also a possibility). In all the videos/pics (e.g. ), the manual shifter seal appears to be immediately above the transmission output shaft. When I look above my output shaft (or where the giubo attaches to), I see the shifter coming through from the floor, with the shifter linkage going forward on the vehicle above the transmission. There is no way I can see that I can access the shifter seal from here without dropping the entire transmission. I can't even see where the shifter linkage enters the transmission - where the seal is expected to be. It's a good +8" forward of where the giubo attaches.

When I look at the image on REALOEM for the transmission that shows the seal location (item 9).

It's frustrating - I spent the day diassembling to get to the seal, only to realize I can't do it and then reassembling everything (and leaving one mystery heat shield unattached... - #6 the right center one).

Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet to pay a mechanic to do the seal, unless y'all have got some helpful advice for me!