Hello. This procedure is a bit complicated and some special tools might be required inlcuding and impact chisel but I would be happy to help you by providing instructions. I have performed this repair many times but if you do not have the correct tools the cost of the tools might outway the cost of having this performed at the dealership. Thank you and I hope these instructions help. Just as a note links do not work as they cannot transfer to the website.
You hould not need to remove the abs sensor,caliper, or stabliizer link.
If you are only doing the axle part no you will not need to compress the strut. If you disconnect the control arm at the hub(closest to the brakes) like I had described then you should be able to swing the assembly to the side to remove the axle from the splines.
The drive shaft is held in place by a small spring clip that when you pop it out will come free with the entire axle. As for the radial seal, as long as you do not damage it you will not need to replace this. It is only part of the instructions set.
And I can do this repair in aprox 2 hours with all my tools and a lift to do it. But the normal time to do this repair is aprox 3.5 hours at the dealership.
Thank you and I hope this helps.
BMW Mechanic
Level 1 BMW Master Certification, 9 Years Dealer experience, Team Leader, Shop Foreman