00 11 259 Replenishing / changing rear differential oil

IMPORTANT: Use only approved differential oils.
Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the rear differential!

Replenishing rear differential oil:

Undo oil filler plug (1).

Check rear differential oil level.

If necessary, pour in rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil filler plug with O-ring: Replace oil filler plug (2).

Fig 2: Locating Oil Filler Plug With O-Ring and Sealing Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Changing rear differential oil:

NOTE: The oil no longer has to be changed in rear differentials which do not have an oil drain plug (168K from 03/2003, 168L, 188L, 215L).
Only change oil when rear differential is at normal operating temperature.

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of emerging differential oil.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Fig 3: Locating Oil Drain Plug & Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil drain plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil drain plug with O-ring: Replace oil drain plug (2).

Fig 4: Locating Oil Drain Plug With Sealing Ring & O-Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Pour in rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1).

NOTE: If necessary, refer to TECHNICAL DATA for necessary fill quantities.

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil filler plug with O-ring: Replace oil filler plug (2).

Fig 6: Locating Oil Filler Plug With Sealing Ring & O-Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.