31 50... Changing Front Differential Oil

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 080

WARNING: DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

Fig 1: Oil Drain Plug And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the front axle differential would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.
After draining front axle differential oil or when carrying out the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the transmission must be filled with 600 ml oil.
Only use the APPROVED FRONT AXLE OIL in the front axle differential.

Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the front axle differential!

NOTE: Only change oil when front axle differential is at normal operating temperature.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove reinforcement plate . See 31 10 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove STEERING GEAR COVER AT TOP LEFT .

Checking and correcting the front axle differential oil level:

The front axle differential is subject to oil filling over its lifetime. An oil-level adjustment is not needed during a service. If there is a visible release of oil or after a repair to the front axle differential, follow the instructions in "Front axle differential oil replacement" .

Fig 2: Oil-Level Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Changing front differential oil:

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Drain front axle differential oil.

Installation note:

Replace oil drain plug.

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .

Fig 3: Oil Drain Plug And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Undo oil filler plug (2).

Fill 600 ml of transmission oil. (if necessary, use measuring cup and special tool 00 2 080 )

Installation note:

Replace oil filler plug.

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .