Topping up/checking front axle transmission oil

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly .
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: 00... RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT .

WARNING: Hot surfaces .
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

CAUTION: Materials harmful to health .
Contact with fluids harmful to health!

Note and follow safety instructions on containers.
Conduct all work in appropriate personal protective equipment only.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THRUST FIELD .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to the front axle differential .
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the front axle differential .

Use only the BMW approved front axle transmission oil. See the Fluid Capacities tab for the selected vehicle.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants may be installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

Determine which version of front axle transmission is installed.
Version A:
The oil drain plug (1) is positioned in front of the output shaft.
Version B:
The oil drain plug (1) is positioned behind the output shaft.

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NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
It is imperative to ensure that there is no air in the hose when topping up a defined (measured) oil quantity.
Use special tool 2 460 340 for top up.
When topping up a defined (measured) oil quantity, first fill the hose with oil (1). To do so, attach an adapter (2).

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Supplementing the oil level with the oil spray

Version A: Draining and topping up the front axle transmission oil

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Filling to the lower edge of the oil filler opening means that the front axle differential is overfilled. In some cases, this may lead to emerging oil from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.
After having drained the front axle transmission oil, repair the front axle differential or upon initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the transmission must be filled with 450 mL of oil.

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.
Release oil drain plug (1).
Drain and dispose of front differential oil.
Replace (1) screw plug.
Parts: Plug

Tighten oil drain plug (1).

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TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Screw plug to front axle transmission
M22 Replace screw plug with O-ring.	Tightening torque	60 Nm

Use special tool 2 414 636 with special tool (1) to release and tighten the oil drain plug.
Standard tool: Open-ring insertion tool

Open-ring insertion tool

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open-ring insertion tool

SW14
Release oil drain plug (1) with special tool 2 414 636 .

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Fill the front axle transmission oil with the special tool 2 460 340 into the front axle transmission.

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

Front axle transmission oil
Front axle transmission capacity		450 mL

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Replace (1) screw plug.
Parts: Plug
Tighten the oil drain plug (1) with the special tool 2 414 636 .

TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Screw plug to front axle transmission
M22 Replace screw plug with O-ring.	Tightening torque	60 Nm

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Version B: Topping up/checking front axle transmission oil

Use a standard tool (1) for releasing and tightening the oil filler plug.
Standard tool: Pivoting extension 1/2 inch

Swivel extension 1/2 inch

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel extension 1/2 inch
Release the oil filler plug (1).

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Check

Check front axle differential oil level.
Result

» The front axle transmission oil level is below the lower edge of the opening for the screw plug.

Measure
- Top up the front axle transmission oil.

Fill front axle transmission oil with the special tool 2 460 340 up to the lower edge of the opening for the screw plug.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

Front axle transmission oil: Filling capacity overview (all)
Front axle transmission 168AL		450 mL
Front axle transmission (not 168AL)		600 mL

Replace (1) screw plug.
Parts: Plug
Tighten the oil filler plug (1).

TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Screw plug to front axle transmission
M22 Replace screw plug with O-ring.	Tightening torque	60 Nm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Follow-up work

Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to INSTALLING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .