Topping up/checking front axle differential 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... Raise the vehicle using 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

Remove the center UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

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 approved front axle DIFFERENTIAL OIL.

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 differential 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
With the predefined filling capacity, it is imperative to take into account the filling capacity in the hose of the special tool.
Use the special tool 2 460 340 for filling up the front axle oil.

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» Version A: Drain and top up the front axle differential 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 differential 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.

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
Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.
Release oil drain plug (1) with special tool 2 414 636 .
Drain and dispose of front differential oil
Replace (1) screw plug.
Parts: Plug

Tighten the screw plug (1) with the special tool 2 414 636 .

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TIGHTENING TORQUES SPECIFICATION

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

After draining the (1) front axle differential oil, thoroughly clean the front axle support in the area (2).

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use the special tool 2 460 340 to top up the front axle differential with front axle differential oil.

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

Front axle differential oil
Front axle differential 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 TORQUES SPECIFICATION

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

» Version B: Topping up/checking front axle differential oil

Use a standard tool (1) for releasing and tightening the oil filler plug.
Standard tool: Swivel 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 differential oil level below the lower edge of the opening for the oil filler plug.

Measure

Top up the front axle differential oil.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

TIGHTENING TORQUES SPECIFICATION

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

Follow-up work

Install the center UNDERBODY PROTECTION .