Hi all
Did search for this but nothing too much info came up
I'm going to change the diff oil in the 316i- but I'm sure I've seen negatives about changing the oil if its been in there a while- eg will do more harm than good:
Views please?
If its necessary (which I'm sure it is to replace as I cant say for sure when it was last done) and the diff is getting a little noisy, whats the best fluid to put in?
TIA
Stu
Changing Diff Oil
Moderator: martauto
Top tip: Undo the upper filler plug BEFORE you drain the old oil out of the bottom plug.
Draining the diff then finding you can't get the new oil in is a tad inconvenient.
Draining the diff then finding you can't get the new oil in is a tad inconvenient.
These are sensations as hard to forget as they are to ignore.....
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Topblag
- Old Skooler

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+ 1clipper wrote:Top tip: Undo the upper filler plug BEFORE you drain the old oil out of the bottom plug.
Draining the diff then finding you can't get the new oil in is a tad inconvenient.
The oilman (on here) recommended Castrol Differntial SAF-XJ. BMW slipper diffs are referenced on the notes on the back of the bottle.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
Oil capacity is 0.9L and yeah its a good thing to change the oil, that rear diff gets noisy.!
I did mine and its now very quiet. Just try not to get the oil on your drive way or skin, it stinks and stays there for a good while.
I did mine and its now very quiet. Just try not to get the oil on your drive way or skin, it stinks and stays there for a good while.
+1 for the advice to make sure the fill hole can be opened before you drain it.
Mine was so siezed I rounded the hex socket then smashed the case trying to knock it round using a screwdriver as a chisel. And that was with the diff off the car.
Mine was so siezed I rounded the hex socket then smashed the case trying to knock it round using a screwdriver as a chisel. And that was with the diff off the car.
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Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team

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I'm sure you can';t use that on an open Diff Colin.Topblag wrote:+ 1clipper wrote:Top tip: Undo the upper filler plug BEFORE you drain the old oil out of the bottom plug.
Draining the diff then finding you can't get the new oil in is a tad inconvenient.
The oilman (on here) recommended Castrol Differntial SAF-XJ. BMW slipper diffs are referenced on the notes on the back of the bottle.

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