I think the diff plugs have o-rings, not crush washers. Part of the plug too - not replacable. Shouldn't need to replace them though.

https://www.rmeuropean.com/Images/Bi...64-MFG58-2.jpg

I'll know tomorrow. At worst, I have spares for the diff drain plugs. The transfer case service came with 2 copper crush washers and the dealer showed 2X aluminum crush washers for the diffs but I have never serviced them before so I really can't say until tomorrow. :dunno:

I've just re-checked the parts fiche. The transfer case uses copper crush washers for both fill and drain, both diffs use o-rings on both fill and drain.

Spare alloy crush washers are always good to have. :thumbup:

5:48 on this video shows the aluminum seal ring on the fill plug?
https://youtu.be/41NsUahhO7I

I replaced transfer case on a 328xi recently and it has the type of plug shown.

I bought new plugs for about $5@ but they came out in perfect shape and I'm sure they would habe worked fine.

I out of morbid curiosity used a torque wrench to remove half of the (4) plugs and the torque wasn't too bad. That said the other two I didn't use torque wrench to compare and I was not comfortable putting enough torque to break it free so I used imoact.

I accidentally ordered a 9/16 Allen socket which is just slightly too large so I ground it down to just exactly fit the plugs.

You guys are correct. The differential drain and fill plugs were exactly as wpoll pictured (O-rings instead of alloy crush washers). Everything was done with exactly the information gained here. All the oil in the front and rear differentials and the transfer case were amazingly clean for 180,000 miles. Still had golden brown color when draining but a little darker in the bottom of the drain pan. Thanks again for all the assistance and advice.

Transfer case held right at 800ml
Front differential held 700ml
Rear differential held 1.2 liters

It started snowing today in Charlotte and I ran out of time to get the front brakes replaced with a complete brake fluid flush but there is always tomorrow! :thumbup:

The front flares came in and just couldn't resist throwing them on.

More fun in the garage up in the air today. I finally found some unacceptable fluid. The brake fluid has been neglected for years. OMG I should be fined! :bustingup

Anyway, new front brakes and a complete flush. The flush took a solid 3 bottles. Nasty.

Nice job, you've changed all your fluid! ��
I just did the front differential with amsoil heavy duty 75w90 gear oil. I think I got around 600ml out. Maybe I'll double check the level after driving it to see if I can get anymore in. The fluid was pitch black at 400,000 km
I tried to do the rear differential but couldn't unscrew the fill plug. I was using a bolt with 14mm head and the bolt broke it half lol.
I ordered the proper 1/2 14mm hex impact socket and will hit it with my dewalt impact wrench, it should unscrew it right off!

I'm not sure why but the US-market cars have the brake fluid flush reminder disabled. My car pops up a small clock icon every 720 days or so, to remind me to flush the brake fluid.

https://i.ibb.co/0DZHw5B/hqdefault.jpg

Once you perform the fluid flush, the warning can be reset via the SIA settings in the cluster (with just button pushes - no computer/scanner needed).

Even the old E36 had this feature...

https://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/at...ht-detail3.jpg

I just went down to Vatozone and got a nice 1/2" drive 14mm allen socket for $8. Worked like a champ on the diffs and transfer case. :thumbup:

I did have to loosen my rear sway bar chassis mounts and swing the bar down to get to the fill plug on the E46 though. (I just did the E46 today) I don't know of any 14mm short enough to get in there with the bar mounted. The bar goes right in front of the plug. :dunno: