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Home >> BMW >> 2012 >> X3 35i >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Front Axle - Repair >> Front Axle Gearbox >> 31 50... Check/change front axle differential oil

31 50... Check/change front axle differential oil

Special tools required: 

IMPORTANT: If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the front axle differential would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.
After draining front axle differential oil or when carrying out the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the transmission must be filled with 600 ml  oil.
Use only the approved front axle oil in the front axle differential.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the front axle differential!
NOTE: Only change oil when front axle differential is at normal operating temperature.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

Checking and correcting the front axle differential oil level: 

The front axle differential is subject to oil filling over its lifetime. An oil-level adjustment is not needed during a service. If there is a visible release of oil or after a repair to the front axle differential, follow the instructions in Front axle differential oil replacement  .

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Filler Plug
G09849132Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Changing front differential oil: 

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .

Drain front axle differential oil.

Screw in oil drain plug (1) and tighten.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .

Fill 600 ml  of transmission oil. (if necessary, use measuring cup and special tool 00 2 080 )

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Filler And Drain Plug
G09849133Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Replace the oil drain plug and oil filler plug.