DIY Front Differential Fluid Change Complete
 

Much easier than what others made this out to be. Didn't have to take the drivers side wheel/tire off. Cut a 1.5" piece of 14mm allen wrench to use to remove & replace the fill plug from underneath. Replaced the original drain plug with a magnetic plug.

1. Remove the 6 bolts on the aluminum skid plate.
2. Use the 1.5" long 14mm allen wrench piece to verify you can remove the fill plug using a 14mm box-end wrench. (see pictures)
3. Remove drain plug & drain differential.
4. Replace drain plug.
5. Fill with proper fluid until it runs out of the fill plug.
6. Replace fill plug.
7. Replace skid plate.

Great info, Thanks

Thanks for posting. Where did you get the stubby 14mm allen key?

Also, to add that both drain and fill gaskets should be replaced. And when replacing the aluminum plate I would guess those bolts are one-time use, and should also be replaced. They need to be torqued as well....to what value I don't know.

I assume that the skid plate you are referring to is the reinforcing plate (part #3 in the Realoem diagram below)?


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/f/i/446.png

If that is the case, then be aware that the bolts (part #4) are part # 33306772888 (M10x35-10.9), and appear to single use TTY bolts. I think 45 ft-lbs plus 90 degrees, but I am not certain. Hopefully, someone has access to a manual and can chime in.

There seem to be a number of threads about the value and/or necessity of TTY bolts, but this link refers directly to the stiffener plate on the e53 X5. See post #12 for a good tensile strength-strain diagram. On a more practical note, see posts # 20 and 21 for reports of creaking front suspensions that started after re-using the bolts, and were fixed by replacing with new TTY bolts. Of course, there are lots of opinions about this - many other posters have said they re-used the bolts without problems. But it's always good to at least know about the issue.

Otherwise, good job with the repair. Gotta love a DIY with pics!

Regards.

I cut it off of a 14mm allen wrench. The hardened bolts holding a thin aluminum plate are not going to be "one use only". If BMW states that they are, it's just another means of screwing BMW owners who typically know nothing about vehicles and they fork over more money just because BMW says to.

I highly recommend this:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxMj...UTbrq/$_35.JPG

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.

and I appreciate you appreciating him.
:thumbup:

What's the torque on the fill and drain plugs?

Just gutentight. Don't go crazy on it. :thumbup: