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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. 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). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Replace screw plug (2) with O-ring after releasing.

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Identifying Sealing Ring And Oil Filler Plug

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. See REAR AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS .

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). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Open plug (2).

Add rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for screw plug (2); if necessary, refer to REAR AXLE - TECHNICAL DATA for necessary fill quantity.

Replace sealing ring or screw plug.

Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Drain Plug And Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 REAR AXLE - TECHNICAL DATA for necessary fill quantity.

Replace sealing ring or screw plug.

Tightening torque 33 11 3AZ (with sealing ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Tightening torque 33 11 9AZ (with O-ring). See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.