87 325

[viali8]

is it difficult to change the oil in the differential. i know that it is a heavier oil and was wondering what the best way was to get the new oil in the differential. any advice would help. thanx in advance. viali8

[MrM3]

on the rear side of the diff ( facing you if you're looking at from under the back of the car) there are two caps/valves, i dunno what theyre called, one to drain (bottom) and one to fill (top). open both to let the fluid drain out, then close the bottom one and pump fluid through the top hole. there deffinately is not a way just to pour in the oil, so unless they make special tools to fill it up, the only way to get the new oil in is to pump it in

[viali8]

thanx for the info mrm3 i will give it a shot. have a nice holiday.


ps. what did you use to "pump" the oil?

[DeathMetal]

You need a 10mm hex wrench. Open the top one first, then the bottom one. To refill, you need either a big syringe or a pump. The pump I'm talking about looks just like the push down pump that's used on a bottle of Vaseline - with a hose attached to it. You can either make you rown or buy one at an auto parts store for less than $3.

[viali8]

thanx deathmetal. looks like i gotta make a trip to pep boys.

[greenlightracer]

What kind of oil do u want to use in a diff.? I have a 90 325i if that makes a difference...

[viali8]

i have an 87 325 and in the haynes manual 3 and 5 series it recommends
API GL-5 SAE 90-hyoid gear lubricant. your 90 325i would take the same. thanx