00 11 259 Replenish/Changing Rear Differential Oil

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2007 BMW M6, 2007 BMW 650i, 2006 BMW M6, 2006 BMW 650i, and 2005 BMW 645Ci. 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: Opening Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.).

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Filler Plug With 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: Removing Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil drain plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
Oil drain plug with O-ring:
Replace oil drain plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.).

Fig 4: Identifying Oil Drain Plug With 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 FLUID CAPACITIES for necessary fill quantities.

Fig 5: View Of Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.).

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