We have a 2010 e60 with N52k.

BMW says never change the differential gear oil.


How many miles should be on the vehicle when you change it?

What brand gear oil is best to use?

What is the total volume of gear oil held in the differential?

Do you have to buy a new fill plug and also drain plug?

 

How many miles should be on the vehicle when you change it?
I just changed mine at 106000km. It was very clean but there was a bit of metallic dust on the alloy cover.

What brand gear oil is best to use?
Dunno - I just use the Penrite that meets the spec - no favorite for me since I don't do this enough.

What is the total volume of gear oil held in the differential?
www.newtis.info will be able to help - it varies on mine starting at 1.1litre. Might just be "fill till it runs out the hole".

Do you have to buy a new fill plug and also drain plug?
I don't have a drain plug - just a fill plug. I swapped it for a magnetic plug just to see what it catches. Probably a good idea to change the o-ring on the plug if you can get one.