[Jolga]

I found a young, HONEST mechanic in Edmonton Alberta who woprks for a fraction of the stealership rates. He is very talented, but has never worked on E90's before. Thanks to the DIY's on this great site we easily did the CDV mod and now at 2300KM's it was time to change all the fluids (decided to try Amsoil). We did the oil change and the manual tranny in about 40 minutes but there is no drain plug on the differential! I searched here and people mention that some kind of pump should be used to suck the fluid out.
Has anyone tried to change their differential fluid yet? If so, could you please post a DIY about it. If not we will have to be the pioneers, improvise (buy some kind of reverse pump), take pictures and post them so that others will not be in the dark as we are now.
There is no way I believe this BS about lifetime fluids. They are made to last while the car is on BMW's dime and anything after that is pot luck. Before the “free warranty” BMW’s had a comprehensive, preventative maintenance schedule and then suddenly all these fluids and procedures have become unnecessary, WTF! I’m sure the engineers pulled their hair out when the bean counters told them that great piece of news!

[tintivilus]

There was a blurb in the Roundel about it a few months ago; you'll want to use a fluid extractor (aka oil extractor) to suck out the old fluid through the fill hole. afaik, it's basically a turkey baster with a hose on it

[Jolga]

Thanks tintivilus. Good info!
I searched around and this seems to be the best one: http://www.pelaproducts.com/description.htm
Maybe I can convince my wife by saying that she can use it to baste her turkeys:rocks:

PL-6000 PELA 6000 Oil Extractor

This is our most popular oil changer. It has the power of our Big PELA but comes in a compact, more affordable model. Simply pump 10 to 20 times in a row to create a powerful vacuum. Sturdy, see-through container (6.0 litres) neatly captures the oil. The calibrated walls lets the user know how much oil has been removed. A pour spout is included to help emptying. Pump is removable for easy storage. Ideal for consumer use. Sold around the world since 1998.
Capacity: 6.0 litres (6.34 qts)

Height: 21.5" (assembled)

Diameter of Container: 9"

Tube: Probe 3/16" OD, Length 43"; Clear Section 3/8" OD, Length 39"

List Price: $48.95 USD