31 50 001 Removing and installing/replacing front differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, 2007 BMW X3, and 2006 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front underbody protection, see 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Drain and dispose of front differential oil, see 31 50 ... Changing front differential oil .
Remove left output shaft, see 31 60 000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right output shaft .
Press right output shaft approx. 7 to 8 cm out of front differential, see 31 60 ... Pressing output shaft out of drive flange (wheel hub) and drawing in .
Remove front propeller shaft, seeREMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Replacement only:
- Replace front axle output flange on transfer case.
NOTE: Replace the output flange to ensure a clean seal on the transfer case.

IMPORTANT: Grip front differential firmly while releasing last bolt in order to avoid damage caused by the differential falling.

Version with automatic transmission: If necessary, disconnect hydraulic lines from oil sump.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque: 31 50 7AZ, see 31 50 FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .

Detach front differential from oil sump and carefully feed out towards bottom.

Installation:

Replace O-ring if necessary.

Coat O-ring with front differential oil.

Fig 1: Front Differential Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Drain and dispose of front differential oil, see 31 50 ... Changing front differential oil .
Check transfer case oil level, see 27 00 ... TOPPING UP/CHANGING TRANSFER CASE OIL , correct if necessary
Check fluid level in automatic transmission, correct if necessary

NOTE: Only necessary if the hydraulic lines have been disconnected from the automatic transmission / transmission oil cooler.