00 11 259 Replenishing / changing rear differential oil

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 BMW Z3 and 2001 BMW Z3. 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!

Replenishing Rear Differential Oil:

Undo oil filler plug (1).

Fig 1: Locating Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check rear differential oil level.

If necessary, pour in rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1).

Installation:

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

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 2: Identifying Sealing Ring And Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Fig 3: Removing Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Sealing Ring And Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Oil drain plug with O-ring:
Replace oil drain plug (2).

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Installation:

Pour in rear differential oil up to lower edge of opening for oil filler plug (1).

NOTE: Use only approved rear differential oils.

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Fig 6: Replacing Sealing Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .