DIY: Differential Fluid Change

Sean05 · 07-05-2012, 09:43 AM

I will make this plain and simple...

Things you need.

3 500ml OF DIFF FLUID +FM BOOSTER PART#83 22 2 282 583
14mm HEX socket
Small Torque wrench.
JACK and Jack Stand
towels
oil pan...

STEPS....

1. JACK THE CAR AND PUT THE JACK STAND.

2. UNBOLT THE TOP BOLT FIRST (FILL BOLT)

3. AFTER TAKING THE FILL BOLT OUT TAKE THE ONE BELOW. (SORRY NO PHOTOS OF THAT... BUT YOU CAN SEE ON THE 2ND PHOTO THE 2ND DRAIN BOLT. Make sure you have the oil pan cause it will drip even taking the fill in bolt out...

4. LET IT DRAIN, MAKE SURE ITS LEVEL AND WHEN IT STOPPED DRIPPING PUT THE DRAIN BOLT BACK IN

5. NOW ONCE YOU HAVE DONE STEP 4 YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST 2 1/2 OF DIFF FLUID. (THE ONE ON THE left)

6. THEN YOU HAVE TO SQUEEZE THE BOTTLE CAUSE ITS PRETTY THICK..(DO THIS YOU WILL ONLY NEED 2 1/2 BOTTLES. I HAD 1/2 OF 500ml LEFT...

7. AFTER YOU PUT 2 1/2 KEEP THE FILL IN BOLT OPEN AND LET THE EXCESS OIL DRIP...MAKE SURE TO LOWER THE CAR SLOWLY IF YOUR JACKING THE CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER)

8. ONCE IT STOP, SLOWLY JACK THE CAR UP AND PUT THE FILL IN BOLT.

9.. DONE... DRIVE IT AND DONT GUN IT... I SUGGEST TO DRIVE IT FOR AT LEAST 5-10 MILES AT LOW RPM...

schnell325 · 07-05-2012, 03:14 PM

Oh nice! Just what I was looking for!!

spdy330 · 07-05-2012, 08:47 PM

Good job!

mendez · 07-07-2012, 11:41 AM

Nice DIY!

How many miles you had in your car before changing the trans fluid?

Sean05 · 07-07-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mendez

Nice DIY!

How many miles you had in your car before changing the trans fluid?

Last time the Diff Fluid was replaced when i had 30k miles. I now have 70k

jjw2331 · 07-19-2012, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the DIY Sean!

It made my diff oil change so easy and simple.

edwinm3 · 07-20-2012, 07:47 PM

What's the torque values for both of the plugs?

mdosu · 07-22-2012, 12:06 AM

does the bottle come with the nozzle?

edwinm3 · 07-22-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

does the bottle come with the nozzle?

Each bottle comes with the nozzle/tube

mdosu · 07-22-2012, 01:19 PM

can you just remove the bottom drain bolt and drain all of it without removing the top?

jjw2331 · 07-22-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwinm3

What's the torque values for both of the plugs?

I torqued the bolts to about 45lb/ft (approx. 60 Nm) per my service tech. However, he was saying that off the top of his head when he met with me without a direct reference. I don't have any leaks, and I'm pretty sure I didn't tear any threads. If you don't feel confident you might want to get a hold of the TIS manual to get the exact figures.

jjw2331 · 07-22-2012, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

can you just remove the bottom drain bolt and drain all of it without removing the top?

You can, but if you can't get the top bolt off, it will be extremely difficult to fill it back up. lol Besides, opening the top bolt helps it drain more efficiently. Similar to opening your oil filler cap when draining the oil.

XR_SIX · 07-22-2012, 02:38 PM

Nice write up! Galeng mo

edwinm3 · 07-22-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjw2331

I torqued the bolts to about 45lb/ft (approx. 60 Nm) per my service tech. However, he was saying that off the top of his head when he met with me without a direct reference. I don't have any leaks, and I'm pretty sure I didn't tear any threads. If you don't feel confident you might want to get a hold of the TIS manual to get the exact figures.

I just looked it up on my TIS copy and it is indeed 60nm. thanks

mdosu · 07-22-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjw2331

You can, but if you can't get the top bolt off, it will be extremely difficult to fill it back up. lol Besides, opening the top bolt helps it drain more efficiently. Similar to opening your oil filler cap when draining the oil.

duh! got it. I plan to flip my car upside down to fill the fluid

Dannys M3 · 08-21-2012, 03:35 PM

Does anyone know what torx size that is? Largest I have is a T55 and it is too small.

Z K · 08-21-2012, 03:47 PM

You only need the FM (aka Friction Modifier) booster if your diff is making grinding noises. All it does is make the noises go away. Otherwise you can use the regular LSD diff fluid which is a lot less expensive.

Sean05 · 08-21-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z K

You only need the FM (aka Friction Modifier) booster if your diff is making grinding noises. All it does is make the noises go away. Otherwise you can use the regular LSD diff fluid which is a lot less expensive.

mine never made noise but still opted out for the friction modifier which is a lot compare to the regular..

ALSO FYI if you guys are interested on 15 bucks a bottle contact MERC... they have it without the Friction Modifier for less than half a bottle compare to BMW...

Here you go...

Z K · 08-21-2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean05

mine never made noise but still opted out for the friction modifier which is a lot compare to the regular..

ALSO FYI if you guys are interested on 15 bucks a bottle contact MERC... they have it without the Friction Modifier for less than half a bottle compare to BMW...

Yeah, BMW also has a non-FM boosted LSD diff fluid. Much cheaper than the FM booster version. Dunno the part # off the top of my head.

The FM-boosted version has more FM in it for people who complain about diff noises. Most of the time the noise is because people drive the cars too conservatively and don't break in the differential.

Sean05 · 08-21-2012, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z K

Yeah, BMW also has a non-FM boosted LSD diff fluid. Much cheaper than the FM booster version. Dunno the part # off the top of my head.

The FM-boosted version has more FM in it for people who complain about diff noises. Most of the time the noise is because people drive the cars too conservatively and don't break in the differential.

Merc still sells it a lot cheaper... its about 10 bucks cheaper..

Dannys M3 · 08-21-2012, 09:26 PM

No takers on the torx size?

Sean05 · 08-21-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannys M3

No takers on the torx size?

Hey Danny what torq size are u talking about ...where are u planning on using them...

07-05-2012, 09:43 AM	#1
Sean05 Putcha ang ganda... Drives: 08 MR E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Brea CA. Posts: 4,984 iTrader: (9)	DIY: Differential Fluid Change I will make this plain and simple... Things you need. 3 500ml OF DIFF FLUID +FM BOOSTER PART#83 22 2 282 583 14mm HEX socket Small Torque wrench. JACK and Jack Stand towels oil pan... STEPS.... 1. JACK THE CAR AND PUT THE JACK STAND. 2. UNBOLT THE TOP BOLT FIRST (FILL BOLT) 3. AFTER TAKING THE FILL BOLT OUT TAKE THE ONE BELOW. (SORRY NO PHOTOS OF THAT... BUT YOU CAN SEE ON THE 2ND PHOTO THE 2ND DRAIN BOLT. Make sure you have the oil pan cause it will drip even taking the fill in bolt out... 4. LET IT DRAIN, MAKE SURE ITS LEVEL AND WHEN IT STOPPED DRIPPING PUT THE DRAIN BOLT BACK IN 5. NOW ONCE YOU HAVE DONE STEP 4 YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST 2 1/2 OF DIFF FLUID. (THE ONE ON THE left) 6. THEN YOU HAVE TO SQUEEZE THE BOTTLE CAUSE ITS PRETTY THICK..(DO THIS YOU WILL ONLY NEED 2 1/2 BOTTLES. I HAD 1/2 OF 500ml LEFT... 7. AFTER YOU PUT 2 1/2 KEEP THE FILL IN BOLT OPEN AND LET THE EXCESS OIL DRIP...MAKE SURE TO LOWER THE CAR SLOWLY IF YOUR JACKING THE CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER) 8. ONCE IT STOP, SLOWLY JACK THE CAR UP AND PUT THE FILL IN BOLT. 9.. DONE... DRIVE IT AND DONT GUN IT... I SUGGEST TO DRIVE IT FOR AT LEAST 5-10 MILES AT LOW RPM...
	Tweet

07-05-2012, 03:14 PM	#2
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,402 iTrader: (5)	Oh nice! Just what I was looking for!! __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

07-05-2012, 08:47 PM	#3
spdy330 Major General Drives: 05 Tundra, 11 M3, 08 Odyssey Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 5,501 iTrader: (137) Garage List 2011.75 BMW M3 [4.40] 2006 BMW 330i - SOLD [5.00]	Good job! __________________ - 2006 E90 330i TiAG retired. - 2011.75 E90 M3 - BMW Performance Exhaust, BMW Performance Grills, Lux H8 V3, IND Reflectors, Ceramic Tint 58%, Brembo 380mm BBK, V1 with custom multi-color display by www.Radar-Mirror.com - custom radar mount by www.performancepackage.com.

07-20-2012, 07:47 PM	#7
edwinm3 Captain Drives: 2008 JEREZ BLACK M3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Doral Posts: 762 iTrader: (2)	What's the torque values for both of the plugs? __________________ AA Exhaust, AA X Pipe, AA SSK, AA Geen Air filter, AA Pulley, AA Tune

07-22-2012, 01:19 PM	#10
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,950 iTrader: (4)	can you just remove the bottom drain bolt and drain all of it without removing the top? __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk

07-07-2012, 11:41 AM	#4
mendez Private Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 86 iTrader: (1)	Nice DIY! How many miles you had in your car before changing the trans fluid?

07-19-2012, 04:40 PM	#6
jjw2331 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 JtBlk e92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 258 iTrader: (2)	Thanks for the DIY Sean! It made my diff oil change so easy and simple.

07-22-2012, 12:06 AM	#8
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,950 iTrader: (4)	does the bottle come with the nozzle? __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk

07-22-2012, 02:38 PM	#13
XR_SIX Bading-dong! Drives: '11.5 E93 M3 AW, '09 R6 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle rock, Ca Posts: 266 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011.5 E93 M3 [0.00]	Nice write up! Galeng mo

08-21-2012, 03:35 PM	#16
Dannys M3 Captain Drives: Space Grey E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 614 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 M3 [5.00]	Does anyone know what torx size that is? Largest I have is a T55 and it is too small.

08-21-2012, 03:47 PM	#17
Z K Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,245 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW E90 M3 [0.00]	You only need the FM (aka Friction Modifier) booster if your diff is making grinding noises. All it does is make the noises go away. Otherwise you can use the regular LSD diff fluid which is a lot less expensive.

08-21-2012, 09:26 PM	#21
Dannys M3 Captain Drives: Space Grey E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 614 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 M3 [5.00]	No takers on the torx size?

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