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Differential Oil Change

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Old 08-07-2011, 02:59 PM
  #71  
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I bought my '04 545i second hand. According to the owner, it had all original everything at 180,000 kms!
The transmission had a leak and was serviced by BMW at 100,000 kms - including oil replacement.

Anywhoos, I replaced the diff oil at 180k and was amazed at how clean it looked. It was still, generally a honey like colour, but had a definite 'burnt gear oil' smell.
Very few fine flakes at the bottom of the drain pan as well. Sorry, didn't take pics.
I was certainly surprised at the results of the original oil.
I supported the stealer here and purchased BMW lifetime oil at $42 per liter!!!
I know.....I know....but it proved itself in the first 180k.
I like the mag drain plug idea as well - next time.

Thought I would share some long term oil results anyway.
Old 03-11-2013, 03:15 PM
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so which should i use for my 550i?
Old 03-11-2013, 05:30 PM
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I'm with BMW on the differential oil being lifetime. This is from Experience.
Old 06-08-2013, 10:21 PM
  #74  
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Just changed my oil today with 101k miles. It was a light brown/honey color just slightly darker than the redline fluid. I'll probably change it out again to OEM fluid in a few months. My dealership charged me about $8 for the plug tho.
Old 12-03-2014, 11:38 AM
  #75  
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My Ride: 2006 BMW 530I
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Originally Posted by turboawd
i guess it makes sense to change the plugs, since they're cheap and have integrated o-rings.

the recommened fluid from bmw is:
Castrol SAF-XO 75w-90 for most 5-series
Castrol SAF-XJ 75w-140 for cars with limited slip (m5)

the problem is that you cant find this fluid in the usa. and my dealer only has it in drums.
i think you'd be alright picking any synthetic gear oil in the same weight.

i'm gonna try the lucas synthetic 75w-90. it supposedly has some of their additive to "stick" better.
Thanks for the info, guys!

According to Realoem.com, the recommended fluid for my 2006 BMW 530i (VIN CM30564) is Final-drive gear oil SAF-XO (part 33117695240). I am also looking at the BMW Genuine OEM Synthetic gear oil SAF-XO (Part #07-51-2-293-972). Could someone please confirm whether I can use either one?

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/w/k/553.png

Thanks! :-)
Old 12-07-2014, 06:21 PM
  #76  
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did you guys notice any vast difference in the driving experience after changing this fluid by any chance
Old 09-19-2016, 07:28 PM
  #77  
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'08 E60 550i is this the only type of differential they came as stock from factory?
What type of BMW oil to use?

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