Thank you. Just did this yesterday together with the rear diff. I put the car up as high as was safe on four jack stands and removed the front driver-side wheel to get better access to the fill plug. I used an impact driver (with extension) on the fill plug as it was still quite difficult to loosen. The biggest pain was getting under the car to remove the two splash guards. Together there are about two dozen fixing screws that needed to be dealt with. I used Red Line 75W-85 GL5 oil and it took about 16 fl oz of that (1/2 of a 1qt bottle). I did not replace the plugs but cleaned the area well afterwards with brake parts cleaner and will check for leaks later. My 328i has about 70K miles on it and this is the first gear oil change. Like the rear diff, the oil seemed to be in good condition but was a little cloudy and discolored. Glad I did it.
FCP, you guys are great. The videos are very helpful. You got my brain all twisted by saying the BMW diff oil is "special". Synthetic 75W-90 oil is very close to 75W-85. Fellow Bimmers, get the hair thicker oil locally and take the misses out to lunch with the savings.
Gareth, what's your comment on a recommendation to rotate the wheels on the first full fill, that will allow to pump more oil into the diff? I've done this yesterday and it took 150-200ml more. Thanks!
For TH-camrs Hi there, i am all the way from Recife in Brazil, South America, really liked your video, very informative and all, thank you for sharing it…
So, what is the mileage interval for changing differential fluid? 60k? 70k? Would you recommend swapping these fluids at the same time as the transmission fluid?
@@rohanb79 No definitive answers.. For a car that gets heavy use on a track, some folks change differential fluid every 3rd oil change. My indie would prefer every 30k. I changed mine at 60k and it needed it.
He said 50K in the previous rear diff fluid video. Personally, I think front + rear diff + trans fluid every 60K miles for normal non-track driving is perfect. Obviously indie mechanics will recommend the job be done significantly earlier than that, but 60K is more than frequent enough considering BMW advertises the fluids as "lifetime" and most people never change them to begin with.
60k miles is what the latest bmw service manuals at least recommend for differential fluid for the M cars. They only mention the rear ones though, not front. Transmission fluid is more like 80 to 90k miles as per ZF and I would do transfer case at same time.
I have 440i f32 xdrive, front i have little oil leak, so little and i dont know what's cause that, can be the drain bolt or dichtung or something else? Can you help me? And how much km/miles can you drive with new differential oil?
thankfully I watched, as I was planning to use std gear old (Royal Purple synthetic at correct vicosity).... grabbed the right fluid and am performing the service! thx! I typically grab from you guys, but this was a rush situation... man that stuff is expensive!
Good to know the LiquiMoly fluid I used for the front and rear 20k miles ago is no longer recommended. It was when I ordered it all from FCP at the time 🤦🏻♂️. On the plus side, everything seems to be running fine 🤷🏻♂️
Hey FCP, I seen a couple people using Redline Lightweight Shockproof gear oil instead of the OEM fluid. Would you guys happen to know if this fluid would work properly in this diff?
Is the g2 (GL-5) fluid also compatible with the rear diff? Maybe a stupid question, because i know gl5 is only incompatible with synchromeshed transmissions. But don’t know if there diffs have any copper in them.
Any recommendations on cleaning those fluid transfer pumps? I'm trying to reduce cross-contamination between lubricants, and just using brakleen eats whatever plastic I put it on.
Could always do the chemistry way. Run whatever fluid you want through it first, waste some. And then hook it up to the diff and pump it in. Although that doesn’t really solve the cleaning issue.
The only 100% compatible fluid. BMW went from 75w90 to 75w85 to boost mileage. I personally use Liqui Moly 75w90 but please note that the front diff is GL-5 and the rear diff is GL-4.
Buy Parts And Tools Seen In This Video:
BMW G2 Hypoid Differential Fluid (500mL) - Genuine BMW 83222413511-
www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-g2-hypoid-differential-fluid-500ml-genuine-bmw-83222413511?
BMW Differential Drain/Fill Plug - OE Supplier 33117525064 -
www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-differential-drain-plug?
Extraction/Filling Syringe Pump (200cc) - CTA Tools 7075-
www.fcpeuro.com/products/extraction-filling-syringe-pump-200cc-cta-tools-7075?
Also, check out our rear differential DIY here: th-cam.com/video/TZxRJD5hgx0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=FCPEuro
Could we please also get an f30 transfer case fluid exchange diy?
I’ve asked too lol
Thank you. Just did this yesterday together with the rear diff. I put the car up as high as was safe on four jack stands and removed the front driver-side wheel to get better access to the fill plug. I used an impact driver (with extension) on the fill plug as it was still quite difficult to loosen. The biggest pain was getting under the car to remove the two splash guards. Together there are about two dozen fixing screws that needed to be dealt with. I used Red Line 75W-85 GL5 oil and it took about 16 fl oz of that (1/2 of a 1qt bottle). I did not replace the plugs but cleaned the area well afterwards with brake parts cleaner and will check for leaks later. My 328i has about 70K miles on it and this is the first gear oil change. Like the rear diff, the oil seemed to be in good condition but was a little cloudy and discolored. Glad I did it.
I’m at 64k glad I’m getting them all out of the way
Great video. Gotta add that BMW says that refilling till it drips out would be overfilled. You have to fill 600 ml.
I just read that as well.
600 mil no more.
Filled to bottom of fill plug is considered over full.
Section 020-43 in the BMW service manual.
Brilliant videos you guys are creating...Thanks for the Insights and Info...greatly appreciated 👊🏼😀
FCP, you guys are great. The videos are very helpful. You got my brain all twisted by saying the BMW diff oil is "special". Synthetic 75W-90 oil is very close to 75W-85. Fellow Bimmers, get the hair thicker oil locally and take the misses out to lunch with the savings.
I about to change the diff oil ,and I got 75w90 can we used that kind??
Gareth, what's your comment on a recommendation to rotate the wheels on the first full fill, that will allow to pump more oil into the diff? I've done this yesterday and it took 150-200ml more. Thanks!
For TH-camrs
Hi there, i am all the way from Recife in Brazil, South America, really liked your video, very informative and all, thank you for sharing it…
Isn't the bmw G2 hypoid fluid just a GL-5 75w85 oil? Redline makes a synthetic fluid under this designation.
Did you ever find out if this was true tryna change mine but don’t have access to the g2 hyoid
@@jacobhilley6141 yes the only real special fluid will be the transfer case
So, what is the mileage interval for changing differential fluid? 60k? 70k? Would you recommend swapping these fluids at the same time as the transmission fluid?
Did you find out the change interval , I have f25 X3.
@@rohanb79 No definitive answers.. For a car that gets heavy use on a track, some folks change differential fluid every 3rd oil change. My indie would prefer every 30k. I changed mine at 60k and it needed it.
He said 50K in the previous rear diff fluid video. Personally, I think front + rear diff + trans fluid every 60K miles for normal non-track driving is perfect. Obviously indie mechanics will recommend the job be done significantly earlier than that, but 60K is more than frequent enough considering BMW advertises the fluids as "lifetime" and most people never change them to begin with.
60k miles is what the latest bmw service manuals at least recommend for differential fluid for the M cars. They only mention the rear ones though, not front. Transmission fluid is more like 80 to 90k miles as per ZF and I would do transfer case at same time.
I have 440i f32 xdrive, front i have little oil leak, so little and i dont know what's cause that, can be the drain bolt or dichtung or something else? Can you help me? And how much km/miles can you drive with new differential oil?
thankfully I watched, as I was planning to use std gear old (Royal Purple synthetic at correct vicosity).... grabbed the right fluid and am performing the service! thx! I typically grab from you guys, but this was a rush situation... man that stuff is expensive!
now three weeks since doing the oil change.. very happy. no issues and seems to be more responsive now as well
Awesome, I always use FCP Euro and Gareth is a wealth of information
Good to know the LiquiMoly fluid I used for the front and rear 20k miles ago is no longer recommended. It was when I ordered it all from FCP at the time 🤦🏻♂️. On the plus side, everything seems to be running fine 🤷🏻♂️
If the axle is out will the front diff leak fluid?
Hey FCP, I seen a couple people using Redline Lightweight Shockproof gear oil instead of the OEM fluid. Would you guys happen to know if this fluid would work properly in this diff?
Same Nikol Nikprelaj
How often should the front differential fluid be changed out? What about the rear differential?
Every 60k
Hi can please tell me if I need to lift the whole car with jack stands or can I just lift the front side
Do you have a video on the replacement of a 2015 BMW x5 door seal/weather trip??
and do you sale the parts needed to do it? thanks
Would it hurt anything if you were at like 90K-100K miles when you did this?
Hi how much fluid f10 2013 takes front side? Thanks
Does the 323i 2011 has front differential fluid??
Thank you
Hi is this the same process for f10. 2013 ,
Is liqui moli good for my bmw f10 2013
Is the g2 (GL-5) fluid also compatible with the rear diff? Maybe a stupid question, because i know gl5 is only incompatible with synchromeshed transmissions. But don’t know if there diffs have any copper in them.
Hypoid G1 (75w80)for rear diff iirc
Is it different for thr from and rear ?? Talking about viscosity wise
Yes , rear is hypoid g1 75w80 iirc
Any recommendations on cleaning those fluid transfer pumps? I'm trying to reduce cross-contamination between lubricants, and just using brakleen eats whatever plastic I put it on.
Could always do the chemistry way. Run whatever fluid you want through it first, waste some. And then hook it up to the diff and pump it in. Although that doesn’t really solve the cleaning issue.
Can i use liqui molly differential fluid?
Can I also do this on my f-30 even tho it is back wheel drive?
If you don’t have x-drive then you won’t have a front differential.
I sense a oil filter housing gasket diy coming next for f30? ;)
Just got done doing mine. Saved me $800 over even the great independent shop. Definitely great to do yourself.
Hi, Is the Differential fluid only for xDrive vehicles ??
Front diff, yes.
Just got some 75w for my plain Jane jetta (mark 6 manual trans) from FCP... I forgot how much gear oil stinks!
Went and bought a 14mm hex because that is what is listed in the tool list, but it's a 17mm....
No after market fluids? Its just 75W-85 lol
Redline can be used just fine.
Totally true
FCP Euro, if this is the ONLY Fluid that is currently compatible as he says, then why are you recommending and selling other brands on your site?
The only 100% compatible fluid. BMW went from 75w90 to 75w85 to boost mileage. I personally use Liqui Moly 75w90 but please note that the front diff is GL-5 and the rear diff is GL-4.
Stealership wants $440 for front and rear service