31 50 001 Removing and installing/replacing front axle differential

IMPORTANT: For the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the gearbox is filled with 600 ml oil! If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the gearbox would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.

WARNING: Danger to life!
SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
Drain and dispose of FRONT DIFFERENTIAL OIL .
REMOVE left output shaft.
REMOVE right output shaft.
REMOVE front propeller shaft.
Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .

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

Release screws (1, 2).

Remove front axle differential downwards.

Installation note:

During removal and installation: Replace O-RING .

Coat O-ring with front axle differential oil.

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Screws (1) M12x55
Screw (2) M12x105

Tightening torque 31 50 1AZ .

Check OIL LEVEL IN FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL , correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Screws Of Front Axle Differential Oil

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL WITH OIL .
Check OIL LEVEL IN TRANSFER BOX , correct if necessary.
Replacement only:
- Check vent line, replace if necessary.