00 11 259 Oil change in rear differential incl. used oil disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
To avoid serious damage to the rear differential, it is essential to use only approved transmission oils in the differential.

NOTE: The oil does not need to be changed in rear differentials carrying the "Life-Time-Oil" sticker.
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

Oil drain plug present:

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Add differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Drain Plug And Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Tightening torque 65 Nm.
Oil drain or oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil drain or oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque 60 Nm.

Fig 2: Identifying Sealing Ring And Oil Filler Plug
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No oil drain plug:

Undo oil filler plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Add differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

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

Tightening torque: 60 Nm.

Fig 4: Identifying Sealing Ring And Oil Filler Plug
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.