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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Observe following instructions and torques for variants (A & B).

Replace sealing ring (1) after releasing.
Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring).
Replace screw plug (2) with O-ring after releasing.
Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring).

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Filler Plug With Sealing Ring And Oil Filler Plug With O-Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Risk of burning if exhaust system is touched!
DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

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

Open plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Replace sealing ring or screw plug.

Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring).

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring).

Open plug (2).

Add rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for screw plug (2); if necessary, refer to Technical Data (REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E38 / E53 / E60 / E61 / E65 / E66 / E70 188K , REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E53 / E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E65 / E66 / E67 215K , REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E70 / E82 / E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 215L 215LW , or REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E81 / E82 / E86 / E87 / E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 / E70 188L 188LW ) for necessary fill quantity.

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace sealing ring or screw plug.

Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring).

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring).

No oil drain plug:

Open plug (1).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Add rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for screw plug (1); if necessary, refer to Technical Data (REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E38 / E53 / E60 / E61 / E65 / E66 / E70 188K , REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E53 / E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E65 / E66 / E67 215K , REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E70 / E82 / E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 215L 215LW , or REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 / E81 / E82 / E86 / E87 / E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 / E70 188L 188LW ) for necessary fill quantity.

Replace sealing ring or screw plug.

Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring).

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring).

Fig 3: Identifying Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.