Update on the 2004 X3 2.5i auto. Some important tricks...

1. Yes, you can remove the 36-mm axle nut with front on jack stands
and wheels off. All you need is a screwdriver inside the brake rotor against
the brake caliper. Make sure you get some help to hold the 36-mm socket
perfectly straight and square against the nut. You do NOT want to strip this
nut!

2. If the axle is stuck, use the hub puller tool to crank some pressure on the
axle. Autozone rents this for FREE (deposit $57 to rent, they will refund when
you bring the tool back).
Don't overdo it to avoid damage to the threads on the wheel hub.
Once you crank the hub puller tight (snug and maybe 180 or 360 degrees
more), then hammer the long bolt on the hub puller tool.
The axle will move inward.
I use a bit of grease on re-installation to make next removal easier.

3. When hammering the axle out of the front diff (or "support plate" on the
right side), rotate, then hammer (using a drift). Keep doing it until it comes
loose. I learned the "rotating" trick from Volvo forum. Once you rotate the
axle so that the C-clip's open end faces downward (by luck), it requires less
force for removal bc the C-clip falls into the groove.

This is the tool you want to rent for FREE: Powerbuilt 648608...

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1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT