00 11 259 Replenishing / changing rear differential oil

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2005 BMW 330i, 2005 BMW 330Ci, 2004 BMW 330i, and 2004 BMW 330Ci. 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 Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil filler plug with O-ring: Replace oil filler plug (2).

Fig 2: Locating Oil Filler Plug With O-Ring and 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: Locating Oil Drain Plug & Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil drain plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil drain plug with O-ring: Replace oil drain plug (2).

Fig 4: Locating Oil Drain Plug With Sealing Ring & 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 TECHNICAL DATA for necessary fill quantities.

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring: Replace sealing ring (1).
Oil filler plug with O-ring: Replace oil filler plug (2).

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