Differential Oil Change
Members
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
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From: Canada
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.
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.
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
My Ride: 06 550i
Model Year: 06
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.
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Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530I
Model Year: 530i
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.
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.
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! :-)
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