Topping up/checking front 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: 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 differential .
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the front differential .

Use only the approved front 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 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.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).
Supplementing the oil level with the oil spray

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The training video schematically shows the method for changing the oil in the rear differential using the oil sprayer special tool.
The training video is not a replacement for the repair instructions.
The training video is not subject to the update service.
We can assume no liability for printing errors or inaccuracies in this service information and reserve the right to introduce technical modifications at any time.

Refer to:

multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.
Follow repair instructions!
Version A Draining and topping up the front differential oil

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

TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open-ring insertion tool SW14
Release oil drain plug (1) with special tool 2 414 636 .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

Front differential oil
	Front differential capacity	450 ml

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 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 differential 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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check
Check front differential oil level.
Result

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

Measure
Top up the front differential oil.

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

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATION

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace (1) screw plug.
Parts: Plug

Tighten the oil filler plug (1).

TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Screw plug to front differential
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 .