XI Front differential oil change DIY - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

335xi Kevo · 06-17-2012, 09:37 AM

Hi guys,

Its been awhile since doing this but better late then never to do a diy!

After removing the 4 bolts to the metal skid plate under cover you will clearly see the front diff pumpkin located on the drivers side of the car. First step is to remove the FILL plug.

The first photo shows the drain plug removed.

Second is a better close up of the drain plug still installed.

The third photo is a side shot of where the fill plug is located. its on the side of the "pumpkin" and is very easy to access.

Fourth photo Materials used

Step 1. Remove fill plug.

Step 2. Remove drain plug, allow fluid to drain into catch pan.

Step 3. Re install drain plug.

Step 4. Using a fluid pump add enough differential oil until it starts to flow out of the fill plug.

Step 5. Reinstall fill plug.

Step 6. Reinstall Skid plate.

Step 7. Enjoy a beer!

335xi Kevo · 06-17-2012, 09:40 AM

Enjoy all!

BES335xi · 06-17-2012, 07:47 PM

Thanks, what are you using to jack up ur car like that? Can you link me? thxx

everlast · 06-18-2012, 09:34 AM

That looks like one of those drill powered scissor lifts. Do want.

335xi Kevo · 06-18-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BES335xi

Thanks, what are you using to jack up ur car like that? Can you link me? thxx

Quote:

Originally Posted by everlast

That looks like one of those drill powered scissor lifts. Do want.

Your correct it is the drill powered scissor lifts. I will never work on a car without one again.

http://www.ezcarlift.com/ezcarlift_features.html

They had a holiday sale just over a year ago, amazing product that conveniently folds against the wall.

wdeerfield · 06-18-2012, 05:28 PM

Skipped an important step for DIYrs.. MAKE SURE CAR IS LEVEL. i kinda want that lift now! Thanks for posting

BES335xi · 06-19-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

Your correct it is the drill powered scissor lifts. I will never work on a car without one again.

http://www.ezcarlift.com/ezcarlift_features.html

They had a holiday sale just over a year ago, amazing product that conveniently folds against the wall.

Thanks man, that looks awesome, i'm going to save up for it...looks like its around 1.7K-2K...how much you paid for it?

335xi Kevo · 06-19-2012, 01:29 PM

To be honest I can't remember. This lift will make working under the car or rotating tires a quick task. I'm 6' tall and needed a step ladder to work on the engine bay when it was fully lifted.

One of the best things for a garage ever. For lowered cars I do recommend the drive over kit really makes it much easier.

JTWCT · 07-14-2012, 09:53 PM

How many miles was your car at when you changed the fluids?

335xi Kevo · 07-15-2012, 12:53 AM

75k, I would recommend it every 35k

isd8266 · 11-11-2012, 02:58 PM

Was the drain plug a 14mm hex?

Bossimo · 12-15-2012, 03:49 PM

Yes, both the drain plug and fill plug are 14mm hex. Just did the front diff today. Thanks so much for the DIY.

The old fluid has been in there for 118k miles. It was pitch black and smells so bad. I am definitely going to change it more often now.

psmitty95 · 12-16-2012, 12:43 AM

Wow that lift is awesome I just wish it was less expensive

phozenstone · 02-14-2013, 03:02 PM

just did my front and rear diffs today using Redline 75W-90. Both new and old fluids smelled really bad imo lol

How much new fluid were you guys able to get into the front diff? i was only able to get less than 1 quart (maybe about 800ML) before it started overfilling. In total i used just under 2 bottles of Redline for both front and rear.

335xi Kevo · 02-14-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phozenstone

just did my front and rear diffs today using Redline 75W-90. Both new and old fluids smelled really bad imo lol

How much new fluid were you guys able to get into the front diff? i was only able to get less than 1 quart (maybe about 800ML) before it started overfilling. In total i used just under 2 bottles of Redline for both front and rear.

My front didn't take much fluid either. No worries as long as it ran out of the filler top your good.

06-17-2012, 09:37 AM	#1
335xi Kevo First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: CT Posts: 368 iTrader: (2)	XI Front differential oil change DIY Hi guys, Its been awhile since doing this but better late then never to do a diy! After removing the 4 bolts to the metal skid plate under cover you will clearly see the front diff pumpkin located on the drivers side of the car. First step is to remove the FILL plug. The first photo shows the drain plug removed. Second is a better close up of the drain plug still installed. The third photo is a side shot of where the fill plug is located. its on the side of the "pumpkin" and is very easy to access. Fourth photo Materials used Step 1. Remove fill plug. Step 2. Remove drain plug, allow fluid to drain into catch pan. Step 3. Re install drain plug. Step 4. Using a fluid pump add enough differential oil until it starts to flow out of the fill plug. Step 5. Reinstall fill plug. Step 6. Reinstall Skid plate. Step 7. Enjoy a beer! Attached Images __________________ 08' 335xi 6MT Space Metallic Grey Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport Procede//PWM Meth//VRSF XI Downpipe//Forge DV//DCI//KW V1//SCOOPS//ETS FMIC//ECS GEOMET ROTORS//HAWK//CDV//PERFORMANCE SPOILER//CSL//
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06-17-2012, 09:40 AM	#2
335xi Kevo First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: CT Posts: 368 iTrader: (2)	Enjoy all! __________________ 08' 335xi 6MT Space Metallic Grey Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport Procede//PWM Meth//VRSF XI Downpipe//Forge DV//DCI//KW V1//SCOOPS//ETS FMIC//ECS GEOMET ROTORS//HAWK//CDV//PERFORMANCE SPOILER//CSL//

06-17-2012, 07:47 PM	#3
BES335xi Colonel Drives: FBO+ N54xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Queens, NYC Posts: 2,135 iTrader: (4) Garage List 03/07 E90 335xi [0.50]	Thanks, what are you using to jack up ur car like that? Can you link me? thxx __________________ JB4+usb \| P3 Vent Boost Gauge v2 \| BMS OCC \| BMS DCI \| AMS FMIC \| AR xi CL DP's \| BT Tool \| Edibias/NCSExpert/INPA BMW Coding \| Cyba Quad Exhaust tips \| M-Tech Rear & M3 Front Bumper \| Red Cyba Air Scoops \| Blacklines \| Vinyl Overlays \| ACS Roof Spoiler \| Matte Black Grilles \| LED Side Mirrors \| Rear Euro Fogs \| etc.. .

06-18-2012, 05:28 PM	#6
wdeerfield Major Drives: 2009 328i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clifton Park, NY Posts: 1,440 iTrader: (0)	Skipped an important step for DIYrs.. MAKE SURE CAR IS LEVEL. i kinda want that lift now! Thanks for posting __________________ 2009 MBM \| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| CA \| 6FL \| NAV \| XENONS \| 18x8.5 VB3s ET30/25

06-19-2012, 01:29 PM	#8
335xi Kevo First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: CT Posts: 368 iTrader: (2)	To be honest I can't remember. This lift will make working under the car or rotating tires a quick task. I'm 6' tall and needed a step ladder to work on the engine bay when it was fully lifted. One of the best things for a garage ever. For lowered cars I do recommend the drive over kit really makes it much easier. __________________ 08' 335xi 6MT Space Metallic Grey Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport Procede//PWM Meth//VRSF XI Downpipe//Forge DV//DCI//KW V1//SCOOPS//ETS FMIC//ECS GEOMET ROTORS//HAWK//CDV//PERFORMANCE SPOILER//CSL//

06-18-2012, 09:34 AM	#4
everlast Malt'm'n'Salt'm Drives: 2008 328xiT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 195 iTrader: (0)	That looks like one of those drill powered scissor lifts. Do want.

07-14-2012, 09:53 PM	#9
JTWCT Private First Class Drives: 328xi E92, 911 Carrera S Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfield County, Connecticut Posts: 134 iTrader: (3)	How many miles was your car at when you changed the fluids?

07-15-2012, 12:53 AM	#10
335xi Kevo First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: CT Posts: 368 iTrader: (2)	75k, I would recommend it every 35k __________________ 08' 335xi 6MT Space Metallic Grey Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport Procede//PWM Meth//VRSF XI Downpipe//Forge DV//DCI//KW V1//SCOOPS//ETS FMIC//ECS GEOMET ROTORS//HAWK//CDV//PERFORMANCE SPOILER//CSL//

11-11-2012, 02:58 PM	#11
isd8266 New Member Drives: 2009 335i Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: central ny Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	Was the drain plug a 14mm hex?

12-15-2012, 03:49 PM	#12
Bossimo Private Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: autobahn Posts: 66 iTrader: (0)	Yes, both the drain plug and fill plug are 14mm hex. Just did the front diff today. Thanks so much for the DIY. The old fluid has been in there for 118k miles. It was pitch black and smells so bad. I am definitely going to change it more often now.

12-16-2012, 12:43 AM	#13
psmitty95 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2009 E90 335i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Greenwich, CT Posts: 1,910 iTrader: (4)	Wow that lift is awesome I just wish it was less expensive __________________ E90 335i xDrive 6spd, Nav, Prem, Cold Weather, & Sports package - Msport Conversion Mods: FBO minus meth - JB4 15ohm \| ER + Tial \| VRSF \| STETT \| KW V1, OSS 2-Tone w/ V4's, Alufelgen SF-71's, TMS brake kit, "CRT" Perf. Spoiler, CF interior, ACS pedals, and much more Pictures: Build Thread /// Shop I use: Aci Dynamix

02-14-2013, 03:02 PM	#14
phozenstone Brigadier General Drives: 2007 E92 Montego Blue Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NY Posts: 4,491 iTrader: (64)	just did my front and rear diffs today using Redline 75W-90. Both new and old fluids smelled really bad imo lol How much new fluid were you guys able to get into the front diff? i was only able to get less than 1 quart (maybe about 800ML) before it started overfilling. In total i used just under 2 bottles of Redline for both front and rear. __________________ E92 Xdrive / Montego Blue / M3 Black Novillo Leather / OEM M3 220 19" Wheels / Mtech Rear w/ IS Diffuser / Aero Lip / LCI Tailights / M3 Steering Wheel w/Paddles / 40% Huper Optik / Lux V3 / 4300K HID Fogs / Dynavin D99 / 3 Stage Intake Manifold / Magnaflow Dual Exhaust Conversion 4" Tips / K&N Filter w/ charcoal delete / Active Autowerke Stage 2 Tune / KW V1 Coilovers / BMW Performance Strut Bar Last edited by phozenstone; 02-14-2013 at 03:31 PM.

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