Front Diff Fluid Capacity

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by LA02MAX

I'll be sure to report back here how much the diff takes when filling to the fill hole. That way, people searching in the future can have it. Thanks again.

This is how your attachment comes though on my phone.

[Bdc101]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

And BTW, I think in general the front diffs on these cars tend to be more neglected than the rear diffs. When changing all the fluids on mine after first getting it (not trusting that anything was good), I noticed the rear fluid was not bad, but the front was looking original at 169k miles. Now at about 203k, both diffs and the AT are original and doing very well. I think the reason for the front diff neglect is the need to remove the stiffening plate for access - more easily skipped than the rear diff.

Definitely. The stiffening plate is a PITA. It's not really that hard to take off, but it's always absolutely filthy, and then you have to wade into the argument of whether to spend the money replacing TTY bolts or not.

[LA02MAX]

Dang, well I'm not sure if this makes any difference, but I got it from this thread. On page 2, they posted the TIS procedure that I completely missed in my search before, and it's as you posted. Seems there was some type of late update to the procedure.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...il-change.html

[LA02MAX]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

Definitely. The stiffening plate is a PITA. It's not really that hard to take off, but it's always absolutely filthy, and then you have to wade into the argument of whether to spend the money replacing TTY bolts or not.

Yeah, it's never fun... The TTY bolts + the fact that it's a bolt and nut that you have to wrestle with. lol. But I dropped the entire subframe out of the car, cleaned up all my valve cover leak mess, replaced the diff, replaced the motor mounts, and while I had the subframe out, I replaced the upper and lower oil pan gaskets and other associated gaskets/O-rings. So at least, in this case, removing the stiffening plate was a small part of the job

[andrewwynn]

The TIS shows fill to the fill hole. I just checked on 35d in case it's different.

When I do mine I will measure what I take out and/or see if it is filled to the hole before draining.

[LA02MAX]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The TIS shows fill to the fill hole. I just checked on 35d in case it's different.

When I do mine I will measure what I take out and/or see if it is filled to the hole before draining.

Yeah, looking back I should have done the same. I bought the car with 100k miles on it, and I did the front diff shortly after. I figured it was a brainless activity like every other diff I've maintained, so I thought nothing of it.

Both the front and rear diff fluid was definitely dirty after 100k, but not super black or anything.

[X5only]

Here's what TIS says about the E53 front differential fluid capacity and filling procedure. After filling and at normal operating temperature (not when cold), the fluid should not overflow, otherwise it's overfilled. To be on the safe side fill with exactly 600ml of fluid.

[Henn28]

The front took a little bit less than one “bag” of Amsoil severe gear, which conveniently comes in a squeezable bag which is perfect for overcoming BMW engineering. The rear test of that bag and most of a second. I filled until it drained out, then waited to put the pug back in until it was just a trickle coming out.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by Henn28

The front took a little bit less than one “bag” of Amsoil severe gear, which conveniently comes in a squeezable bag which is perfect for overcoming BMW engineering. The rear test of that bag and most of a second. I filled until it drained out, then waited to put the pug back in until it was just a trickle coming out.

Good to know. What is the oil volume in that bag?

[LA02MAX]

Originally Posted by Henn28

The front took a little bit less than one “bag” of Amsoil severe gear, which conveniently comes in a squeezable bag which is perfect for overcoming BMW engineering. The rear test of that bag and most of a second. I filled until it drained out, then waited to put the pug back in until it was just a trickle coming out.

I used that in my maxima’s manual transmission and absolutely loved the convenience of it. However, I didn’t like the way the synchros felt in comparison to the redline fluid, so I swapped it out shortly after. Shifting feels like normal again. Not sure of the reason but there was definitely a noticeable difference.

I got oem fluid for the X5 diffs. Not much of a difference in price, and it’s not a whole lot of fluid anyway.