00 11 259 Replenishing/Changing Rear Differential Oil

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. 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!

Fig 1: Locating Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 2: Identifying Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug And Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

A) Oil filler plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
B) Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.).

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

Fig 3: Locating Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug And Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug And Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

A) Oil drain plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
B) Oil drain plug with O-ring:
Replace oil drain plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.)

Fig 5: Locating Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug And Oil Drain Plug

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 LUBRICATION for necessary fill quantities.

Installation:

Oil filler plug with sealing ring:
Replace sealing ring (1).

Tightening torque, (65 N.m.).
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque, (60 N.m.).

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Differential Oil Filler Plug And Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.