Changing rear differential oil:

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 745i, 2004 BMW 745i, 2003 BMW 745i, and 2002 BMW 745i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 1: Locating Oil Drain Plug And Oil Filler Plug

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Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Installation:

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Filler Plugs

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

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

Tightening torque: 60 Nm.

Installation:

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

NOTE: If necessary, refer to Technical Data for necessary fill quantities.

Fig 3: Locating Oil Drain Plug And Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Fig 4: Identifying Oil Filler Plugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.