[hdrewh]

Hey Guys,

30k on my '09 E90 328 and I plan on keeping it quite a long time, so I want to change the trans (manual) and differential fluids. The DIY forum has one for the tranny fluid but not differential. I understand from my reading that there is no drain plug as BMW considers this fluid to be "lifetime", so I'm looking for some how-to, step-by-step info if its out there.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Howard

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by hdrewh

Hey Guys,

30k on my '09 E90 328 and I plan on keeping it quite a long time, so I want to change the trans (manual) and differential fluids. The DIY forum has one for the tranny fluid but not differential. I understand from my reading that there is no drain plug as BMW considers this fluid to be "lifetime", so I'm looking for some how-to, step-by-step info if its out there.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Howard

Interested as well.

[Bcube]

There is a fill port/plug. "sucking" is in your future.

[Express]

10mm hex i think

[hdrewh]

what is the generally accepted method of "sucking"?

3 smart-ass joke replies allowed. Then the real answer.

[Bcube]

fluid extractor.

I used this one, but only because a friend let me borrow. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...d+extractor.do

There are cheaper ones - google.

[Glim]

I use a mitivac mv7201

http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_fee.asp#07201

[samchoi604]

Originally Posted by Glim

I use a mitivac mv7201

http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_fee.asp#07201

Are there markings on the container to tell you how much you have pumped out? That would be perfect!

[CobraMarty]

I just had it done. Used Redline D6ATF for the manual trans (YES ATF in a 6MT) and Redline 75w90 high perf gear oil for the front and rear diffs. 2 quarts of each is enough for the job. Exact amount you'll have to look up.

[Glim]

Originally Posted by samchoi604

Are there markings on the container to tell you how much you have pumped out? That would be perfect!

Yes, the mitivac has markings to show the fluid volume and you just reverse the flow and can empty it into the container of your choice.

[Chriztofor]

Transfer pump. http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-u...ump-66418.html

[Glim]

Changed my Diff and Manual Trans fluid a few weeks ago at 50K miles, here is what it looked like.

Manual LT-2 Fluid cost: $62, Labor: $53
BMW Part number: 83-22-0-406-582

Differential fluid cost: $58, Labor:$ 53
BMW Part number: 83-22-9-415-960

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by Bcube

There is a fill port/plug. "sucking" is in your future.

+1 vaccuum pump ..stupid BMW didnt incorporate a drain plug and magnet..like countless other cars..

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by tibra1

+1 vaccuum pump ..stupid BMW didnt incorporate a drain plug and magnet..like countless other cars..

Not if you own a automotive dealership with the proper fluid extraction tools. There is no need for a drain plug.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

Not if you own a automotive dealership with the proper fluid extraction tools. There is no need for a drain plug.

Yea but I dont own an automotive dealership...the reason BMW put no drain plug is b/c they are advocating that lifetime fluid bullshit for the diff//

[AlanAZ]

The DIY forum has one for the tranny fluid but not differential.

?? There's one: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=diff+oil

[dzenno]

For the diff if you use redline make sure its the "NS" type, this has no friction modifiers otherwise you will ruin your diff

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Yea but I dont own an automotive dealership...the reason BMW put no drain plug is b/c they are advocating that lifetime fluid bullshit for the diff//

Disagree. Cost cutting. 1% of BMW owners are DIY'ers, 99% are dealer/Indy service goers. It makes perfect sense to discontinue the drain plug.

[AlanAZ]

For the diff if you use redline make sure its the "NS" type, this has no friction modifiers otherwise you will ruin your diff

Incorrect for OEM diffs. Redline recommends the standard gear oil. Use their application form, or here's the tech sheet from Redline for BMWs:

http://www.redlineoil.com/news_article.aspx?id=13

For non-M3s, the correct weight is 75w90. Please go to acknowledged sources for the correct oils and weights to run in your car:


Per the BMW TIS:

(USA) E9x N52 engines ('06-325i/330i, 328i,) rear diff is designated 188L/188LW and takes SAF-XO (75w-90) with a 1 liter fill.

(USA) E9X N54 TT engine [and the M57TU (335d)] rear diff is designated 215L/215LW and takes SAF-XO (75w-90) with a 1.2 liter fill.

Bentley: SAF-XO for 325-335.

Per the Castrol Spec Sheet:
http://www.ge39.com/files/SAF_XO_SAF_XJ_B1174_96.pdf

SAF-XO (75w-90) for Open Diffs. (325 - 335)
SAF-XJ (75w-140) for LSD Diffs. (M3)

[dzenno]

alanz sorry to say but you're wrong...check your sources a bit...the stock diff as well as "non" clutch type LSDs (Quaife and Wavetrac) take the 75W90 "NS"...wavetrac website/instructions are VERY explicit about this...friction modifiers that are found in the regular 75w90 oil are bad for your diff and will work against the mechanisms in gear type diffs...the stock 335i diff oil can also be used with the wavetrac/quaife (gear based LSDs) but not with clutch type LSD units like the OS Giken

[dbjb]

75w90ns is available, I have 2 bottles...

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=47&pcid=7

[AlanAZ]

wavetrac website/instructions are VERY explicit about this

Non-M3 OEM diffs are not after-market Wavetrac LSDs.

I am not doubting that your Wavetrac requires NS (and I was very clear to say OEM diffs in my post, as I do know some diffs require NS), but that is not the case for OEM, and is what the OP was asking about.

Introducing Wavetrac LSD requirements here is confusing the issue for those of us with OEM diffs.

My sources, per my post, are BMW, Bentley and RedLine.

Please point me to a source that says OEM diffs requires NS.

75w90ns is available, I have 2 bottles...

My bad, I didn't see when I looked at the gear oil list at RedLine. I will modify my post.