Slight leak at differential oil

[bmw_e46]

Hi all, can some one tell me if the seal at the differential is replaceable....have a slight leak.here is the pic...

Any one else with this issue?

[M3PO]

Don't see the pic but I'm pretty sure I know what you're talking about and yes it is replaceable. The driver's side leaked on my car and a 2010 that I installed an exhaust on. The dealer replaced mine no problem. I think that this is a more prevalent problem than people realize.

[TX335]

I just had mine replaced after taking the car in for a track inspection. Must be a more common problem than I thought.

[bmw_e46]

Hi,

yea, wonder why the pic did not get loaded. 2nd try.

are we talking about the same thing here?

If yes, any idea on the part no.?

thanks

Originally Posted by M3PO

Don't see the pic but I'm pretty sure I know what you're talking about and yes it is replaceable. The driver's side leaked on my car and a 2010 that I installed an exhaust on. The dealer replaced mine no problem. I think that this is a more prevalent problem than people realize.

[bmw_e46]

Hi ,

could you have a look at the pic which seems to be loaded and see if the same part ?

also, if you have the part no., it would be great?

thanks

Originally Posted by TX335

I just had mine replaced after taking the car in for a track inspection. Must be a more common problem than I thought.

[TX335]

Originally Posted by bmw_e46

Hi ,

could you have a look at the pic which seems to be loaded and see if the same part ?

also, if you have the part no., it would be great?

thanks

I didn't do the work, actually. I'll have to ask the shop that did it for me.

[bmw_e46]

Originally Posted by TX335

I didn't do the work, actually. I'll have to ask the shop that did it for me.

I think it would be a big help if you could clarify....
Sounds like there are others who experience the same.

Cheers and thanks in advance

[M3PO]

Mine was leaking from the left half shaft seal.

1 33-10-7-510-289 Shaft seal with lock.

[m3an]

yes, they are replaceable seals on each side.. Every M i had would weep slightly there and most I have seen do too. Its' not uncommon, I wouldn't worry unless it's really leaking.

[bigjae1976]

A wet stain is somewhat normal. If you see drips...time to replace. It was a relatively easy job on my E46.

[M3PO]

Mine was starting to coat the cooler, but no drips.

[tibra1]

I dont think ANY wetness or leaks around diff is normal..change the seals..most likely culprit

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by tibra1

I dont think ANY wetness or leaks around diff is normal..change the seals..most likely culprit

If you follow the guideline of refilling the diff until the fluid leaks out of the drain hole...you'll get a little bit of normal leakage. The amount should be very small and shouldn't amount to more than staining.

If the E9X design is like the E46...for those who go to the track, you'll be changing those seals everytime you climb under the car. If you see the design of the seal, there is a spring on the side of the opening for the output flange. That spring holds the seal against the flange which creates the seal. That spring is not super tight and won't prevent all seepage. It does prevent your diff fluid from pouring out.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If you follow the guideline of refilling the diff until the fluid leaks out of the drain hole...you'll get a little bit of normal leakage. The amount should be very small and shouldn't amount to more than staining.

If the E9X design is like the E46...for those who go to the track, you'll be changing those seals everytime you climb under the car. If you see the design of the seal, there is a spring on the side of the opening for the output flange. That spring holds the seal against the flange which creates the seal. That spring is not super tight and won't prevent all seepage. It does prevent your diff fluid from pouring out.

So you saying on the e46 some seepage is normal..so then this would necessitate periodically topping off diff oil?..

I have been under my diff countless times and its dry as a bone..hopefully the e92 is immune from this

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by tibra1

So you saying on the e46 some seepage is normal..so then this would necessitate periodically topping off diff oil?..

I have been under my diff countless times and its dry as a bone..hopefully the e92 is immune from this

No need to top off...its just a little excess coming out. I only noticed this issue when I started tracking the car.

[m3an]

yes, a weep and leak are two way diff things. That being said, I never saw a need to top it off. We are talking about a very minimal amount

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by tibra1

So you saying on the e46 some seepage is normal..so then this would necessitate periodically topping off diff oil?..

I have been under my diff countless times and its dry as a bone..hopefully the e92 is immune from this

It's not.

[mountainste]

I just had mine replaced after taking the car in for a track inspection

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If the E9X design is like the E46...for those who go to the track, you'll be changing those seals everytime you climb under the car. If you see the design of the seal, there is a spring on the side of the opening for the output flange. That spring holds the seal against the flange which creates the seal. That spring is not super tight and won't prevent all seepage. It does prevent your diff fluid from pouring out.

It's the same seal and I agreed the spring is very flimsy. Seems to be a common problem however many folks won't see it unless they track the car.

[bmw_e46]

Hi all, thanks for the inputs.
Yea, I have just changed the fluid and put it to the
brim. Its been 2 days now since the last leak.

Look s like the leak is gone.

Knowing the info from here made me feel better.

However, if anyone knows the part number....help put the number here.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

It's the same seal and I agreed the spring is very flimsy. Seems to be a common problem however many folks won't see it unless they track the car.

The one thing I will add is if you DIY, be sure to take a good mental note of how deep the seal is. Because you can put it in too deep and it will leak even more (that's what she said).