ECS Differential Service Kit

My '08 m3 is now due for the rear differential fluid flush. I was on the ECS Tuning website and noticed they have a Differential Service Kit for our cars.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-M3-S65_4.0L/Maintenance/Drivetrain/ES2602524/

At $70.34, it is significantly less $$ than the OEM fluid at $48.17/.5L.

The kit uses Castrol Syntrax SAF-XJ 75w140.

Has anyone used this or could make recommendations on using this kit?

Thanks in advance!

That's a significantly lower price than what I usually use: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E93-M3-S65_4.0L/Maintenance/Drivetrain/ES1895208/.

But then again, it's "Genuine BMW" compared to the substitute you indicated.

da jemster wrote  

That's a significantly lower price than what I usually use: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E93-M3-S65_4.0L/Maintenance/Drivetrain/ES1895208/.

But then again, it's "Genuine BMW" compared to the substitute you indicated.

Agreed da jemester!!

Just wondering if anyone else has used the kit....

There are several parts that because it is BMW OEM the price is inflated, spark plugs come to mind here. Just wondering if this another case of that?

Thanks!

utah_ee wrote

My '08 m3 is now due for the rear differential fluid flush. I was on the ECS Tuning website and noticed they have a Differential Service Kit for our cars.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-M3-S65_4.0L/Maintenance/Drivetrain/ES2602524/

At $70.34, it is significantly less $$ than the OEM fluid at $48.17/.5L.

The kit uses Castrol Syntrax SAF-XJ 75w140.

Has anyone used this or could make recommendations on using this kit?

Thanks in advance!

I just bought this from them a few weeks ago. The diff fluid doesn't contain the FM that is in the more expensive OEM fluid. If your rear diff isn't making chattering sounds while turning, you can use this fine. This is the same as the OEM BMW fluid without FM. (FM makes the fluid more expensive)

Remember to add in shipping. That pushes the cost of the kit to $90.

OEM fluid is p/n: 83-22-2-282-583 with the friction modifier

It comes in at around $42.31 (or even less) + ~ $12 of shipping for a 500ml bottle at various online dealership parts stores. So you're looking at $120 + shipping + cost of diff bolts if you elect to change the bolts as well.

Yeah the Castrol non-friction modifier version is much much cheaper as it's 1/2 of the price. IMO, I would use OEM fluid, b/c that diff chatter drives me nuts.

Flying Ace wrote

Yeah the Castrol non-friction modifier version is much much cheaper as it's 1/2 of the price. IMO, I would use OEM fluid, b/c that diff chatter drives me nuts.

The diff chatter means your diff is locking as it should. Drive the car harder on corners and the noise goes away.

The FM allows the diff discs to slip more so it works more like a open diff - not good for performance.

Z K wrote

The diff chatter means your diff is locking as it should. Drive the car harder on corners and the noise goes away.

The FM allows the diff discs to slip more so it works more like a open diff - not good for performance.

Hmm, I never thought of it that way.

This fluid does not contain the "FM Booster" that these cars pretty much all need, or the diff will make noise at low speeds when turning. The FM Booster fluid is much more expensive than the non FM fluid.

Malek@MRF wrote  

This fluid does not contain the "FM Booster" that these cars pretty much all need, or the diff will make noise at low speeds when turning. The FM Booster fluid is much more expensive than the non FM fluid.

Mine doesn't have any chatter, at least I don't think it does?

I appreciate all the help and have convinced me to pony up the additional $ for the OEM fluid.

For those that have changed their own fluid, is it worth or necessary to get new drain/fill plugs? The kit did come with those as well...

Thanks!

utah_ee wrote

Mine doesn't have any chatter, at least I don't think it does?

I appreciate all the help and have convinced me to pony up the additional $ for the OEM fluid.

For those that have changed their own fluid, is it worth or necessary to get new drain/fill plugs? The kit did come with those as well...

Thanks!

with drain bolts, it depends on how rough you are on the original bolt. You just don't want to strip it...so at least with the engine oil pan bolts, I change them out once every 2-3 oil changes. You'll see over time, your wrench will wear out the bolt.

GKN Visco-lok compatible friction modifier is available as an additive in a low-cost 4 ounce bottle (Mopar 4318060AB). If your diff is noisy in tight turns (and you've already changed the fluid), you can add some or all of one of these small bottles and potentially fix the issue. As noted, friction modifiers alter the lock-up characteristics somewhat, and those stiction noises are not indicators of any trouble in most cases. For best on-track performance I'd leave the friction modifier out.

does anyone have the part numbers for the OEM fluid without the friction modifier?

After reading through this post (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=714350 ) and others I decided to go with the Red Line fluid. I also ordered the spare plugs just in case something goes wrong...they are cheap insurance.