Hi

Purchased a 2016 550i with broken rear driveshaft (driver side) not sure how or when, as I bought from auction.

Rear wheels wouldn't move when in drive mode on the ground. Rear passenger shaft wouldn't spin on the ground but it would when it was on ramps.

I've removed both drive shafts and the driver side broken at CV joint. Rear passenger side looks ok but can't be sure.

Question is, how do I check if the differential is ok or needs replacing? The oil has no metal, the gears and pinions look fine with a endoscope camera and there was no diff noise. Can I check the diff by putting the car into drive whilst it's on ramps? Whats the Best way to see if Diff needs replacing?

thanks

 

You scoped it and looked at the fluid. At this point I think you've done all you can to check it. The only thing you have left is to fix the shaft and drive it to see what happens

 

I agree, but putting everything back together again and finding out it does need replacing would frustrate the hell out of me.
Car is on jack stands and having to remove the exhaust and the prop shaft to replace the diff all whilst lying under the car, is what I'm trying to avoid.
I just want to make sure i haven't missed anything in the diff?

 

I get it. To me you've done what anyone would do short of taking it down and opening it up.

 

So if there are no metal shavings or bits in the oil and the gears and pinion looks fine then there is likely nothing wrong, you would say?

 

That would be my assessment barring the seal looks good.