DIY Front Differential Fluid Change Complete

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by stltri

Was reading some info on the ISTA+ regarding recommended fluids for the differentials. I know different DIY'ers have used different kinds. But I was curious about any drawbacks to using cheaper alternatives over the more expensive fluids recommended by BMW (for e70 N55 motor, per ISTA+ updated 2016) before I tackle this DIY:

1. Front differential: Hypoid Axle Oil G2 (BMW part no. 83-22-2-413-511)

2. Rear differential: Final-Drive Gear Oil Saf-Xo 832514 (BMW part no. 33-11-7-695-240)

3. Transfer case: Transfer Case Fluid - DTF 1 (SAE 75W GL-4) (BMW part no. 83-22-2-409-710)

The front and rear differentials are nothing fancy (no limited slip)... Same technology that's in just about every car on the road. You can use any quality gear oil in them. I went with Redline 75W-110. The transfer case is where you MUST go with the BMW fluid.

[jcattletown]

Originally Posted by DSE70

I know this is an old thread but it helped me get my fluids changed today.

I had a set of the above mentioned ez-red connectors which helped get the fill plug loose. Since I measured what I took out (600ml) I then jacked the drivers side of the truck up enough to extend the travel of the suspension and make it easier to slide around (no lift here). With that done I was able to use two wobble extensions from the wheel well to torque the fill plug back on.

As I am changing all of the fluids in my new to me 2012 X5D with 65k on the clock, I appreciate the time you had spent making these DIY threads Lambeau.

I have a 2013 X5 xDrive35i. I am planning to change the front differential oil. When I looked at the filler plug, it seemed not accessible from underneath the car. There is a rubber type of tubing running right in front of the plug, which can be pushed aside a little but the space is still very small. How did you get to the plug? Is the configuration different for X5D than 35ix? Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by jcattletown

I have a 2013 X5 xDrive35i. I am planning to change the front differential oil. When I looked at the filler plug, it seemed not accessible from underneath the car. There is a rubber type of tubing running right in front of the plug, which can be pushed aside a little but the space is still very small. How did you get to the plug? Is the configuration different for X5D than 35ix? Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

I made a long hex socket (14mm I believe) by welding the a 14mm Allen socket to the end of a long 1/2” extension.

[SF2000x5]

Looks like 75w-85 is the correct fluid for the front Differential Oil. Not much different.

I've removed the reinforcement plate and zipped them on and off with an impact gun numerous times.

[jcattletown]

Originally Posted by Entropy

I made a long hex socket (14mm I believe) by welding the a 14mm Allen socket to the end of a long 1/2” extension.

Then from which direction did you reach the filler plug? Seems to me there is not enough room to pass the extension bar from below. Even it barely goes through, there is no room to turn and wrench. Thanks.

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by jcattletown

Then from which direction did you reach the filler plug? Seems to me there is not enough room to pass the extension bar from below. Even it barely goes through, there is no room to turn and wrench. Thanks.

I believe from the lower wheel well area. You have to remove the plastic cover.

[jcattletown]

Originally Posted by Entropy

I believe from the lower wheel well area. You have to remove the plastic cover.

Thank you. Do you mean this cover (see the photo attached)?

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by jcattletown

Thank you. Do you mean this cover (see the photo attached)?

No. If you get under the car, you will see a plastic cover that covesr the lower subframe area and extends back under the car near the driver footwell area.


Part 1 and 9 I believe: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_6430

[jcattletown]

Originally Posted by Entropy

No. If you get under the car, you will see a plastic cover that covesr the lower subframe area and extends back under the car near the driver footwell area.


Part 1 and 9 I believe: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_6430

OK, I will check again. Actually, I looked at it last weekend and didn't see the two covers in the graph provided. The undercover could be different for 4.8i than 35i. Thanks.

[jcattletown]

Originally Posted by Entropy

No. If you get under the car, you will see a plastic cover that covesr the lower subframe area and extends back under the car near the driver footwell area.


Part 1 and 9 I believe: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_6430

Thank you. I plan to change the front differential oil tomorrow. The two plastic covers do exist and can be removed to create access to the fill plug. How much oil did you put in it? Many here said just fill it until it overflows. But the newTis shows a capacity of 650 ml. Thanks.