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Thread: Rear Axle oil ...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    113

    Default Rear Axle oil ...

    OK, I admit it, I have NEVER changed the rear axle oil and see in the manual it uses 2 quarts of SAE90. Is this hard to do? I assume a drain plug like the oil I change regularly! (see, I do some maintenance). I will look into this more, but any opinions on how often this oil should be changed?

    Thanks

    sc
    scott 4991
    535i, 172K miles

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Honolulu
    Posts
    3,105

    Default Check to tag on the back of the rear end

    if you have an LSD ( look for a S on the tag), then you'll need 140.

    Use a good quality synthetic


    Vee ave vays of dealing vid your kind...........

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    So. California, USA
    Posts
    308

    Default

    I've never done that either. How often does the axle oil need to be changed and how? Thanks.
    (SOLD) 92 525ia M50 | NGK plug | JVC AR560 | EAT chip | California


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Honolulu
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    Default If you never done it

    do it


    Vee ave vays of dealing vid your kind...........

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Minneapolis, MN
    Posts
    177

    Default Open filler plug first

    Real easy, but be careful and use jack stands. The trick is having the right hex socket and a breaker bar. Make sure you open the filler plug first because if you can't open the filler then you don't want to drain the diff as you will not be able to refill. Also, get new sealer gaskets. My diff was leaking badly when I bought my car, thought I was in for major $s. Turns out the po had used a really bad sealing ring on the drain plug. I happened to have a couple extra gaskets from my Saab 900 (same size as Saab oil plug gasket) and that took care of the leak.
    Last edited by brick8; 01-06-2007 at 12:20 AM. Reason: fix spelling
    1992 BMW 525iT (sold)
    1998 V70R

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    529

    Default

    Sorry to hijack...my rear is whining, I changed the oil twice in the last 2 years. My indy used 90w I think, was fine until this fall when I noticed some noise when driving with the windows closed. The last time I bought Royal Purple 75-90w with LSD additive. It didn't improve the noise. Would using the 140 decrease the noise or should I start thinking about looking for a new rear end? Bently doesn't specify weight, just has letter designations...I was told by the dealer to use the 90w.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Frisco, TX
    Posts
    141

    Default

    Definitely make sure the filler plug can open first. Mine were a major pain to get off. You can get a special Facom tool that fits in there pretty good. Not much room to work with.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lexington, Kentucky
    Posts
    2,561

    Default

    Some models require synthetic lube. I know the 95 does, I believe, every 60,000 miles. I think the non-sythethic should be changed every 30,000 miles. My indy used Redline in my 95.
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lexington, Kentucky
    Posts
    2,561

    Default

    You may need to replace it. I had an e28 that did it for years. I was told the only practical option was to replace with a factory rebuilt or used diff. Typical shops do not generally rebuild.
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    235

    Default Get new gaskets and use 75w90 Mobil1 synthetic.

    As others have said, get the gaskets first and make sure you loosen the fill plug before draining out the axle

    And, being entirely anal, I replace my tranny fluid (Mobil1 Synthetic ATF), rear axle fluid (Mobil1 75w90) and power steering fluid (Mobil1 Synthetic ATF) along with the brake fluid (Ate Typ200/Super Blue) and engine coolant (Genuine BMW w/Distilled water) every 2 years.
    "Uncle" Phil C
    2011 Kia Optima EX-P.
    Former owner of a 95 525i 5spd. "The GQ" aka A Shark in sheeps clothing
    03 R1150RT 6spd. "DaRTth"
    00 R1100R 5spd. "LeRoy"

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