00 11 259 Replenishing / changing rear differential oil

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 13 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, and 2005 BMW 325Ci. 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 oilfiller plug (1).

Check rear differential oil level.

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

Fig 1: 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 N.m.
Oil filler plug with O-ring:
Replace oil filler plug (2).

Tightening torque 60 N.m.

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Filler Plug And Sealing Ring
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).

Drain and dispose of differential oil.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Oil Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

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

Tightening torque: 60 N.m.

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

Installation:

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

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Drain And Filler Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

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

Tightening torque: 60 N.m.

Fig 6: Identifying Oil Filler Plug And Sealing Ring
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.