It might make a little bit of difference, but not much. Getting the new bearing in is the easiest part of the process, and is almost a non-event after the drama of getting it out.

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2001 X5 Sport 3.0/5-speed
1998 318ti/5-speed
1988 735i/5-speed
1984 528e/5-speed (soon to be M20B25-powered 525i!)