00 11 259 Replenishing / changing rear differential oil

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, and 2004 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

A) Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .
B) Oil filler plug with O -ring: Replace oil filler plug (2). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Filler Plug With Sealing Ring And O-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: Removing Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

A) Oil drain plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .
B) Oil drain plug with O-ring: Replace oil drain plug (2). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Oil Drain Plug With Sealing Ring And 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 OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 5: Installing Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .
Oil filler plug with O-ring:

Replace oil filler plug (2). See Rear Axle - Tightening Torque 33 11 3AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Oil Filler Plug With Sealing Ring And O-Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.