E30 Differential l fluid change , Should i?

[zippy320]

Hi guys!

So my E30 is now running , it still has that switching of problem for the life of me I cant understand why its doing that but anyway ..

While I was under the car , I thought about the diff , The oil in the diff has never ever been changed , I dont remember ever changing it , I dont remember my dad ever changing it . So Im assuming it has never been changed.

The car has over 300 000kms , Will it be safe if I change the oil? Or would I have problems with it after its changed?

While working on the E46 Transmission , the guy recommended I change the Diff oil on that car but I didnt get around to doing it so I have the oil that was meant for my E46 available to me .

The oil was purchased from the Dealership , Its marked Castrol Differential SAF-XO
and at the back it says SAE 75W-90 , I think this is the part number 33117695240

And i see here

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=33117695240

The the E30 is not listed on there .

Will it be safe to use on my E30 ?

If I Should I replace the oil , will It cause a problem later on? Considering its never had an oil change.

Thanks guys for all responses!

 

[Gizmo]

Perfectly fine to use on an open diff. Drop the old oil and fill with new, you won't have any problems from it, its not an automatic gearbox.

 

[GoCart]

No slipping clutches to worry about Zippy.

I changed the Diff oil on my wife's Z4 yesterday, it has 80,000km and I assume also still had the original oil.

Drained maybe 1L (no leaks), stuff stank something terrible.. Filled up with 75/140 about 1.6L.

Interested in your results with over 300K/km.

 

[ZaynM]

There are two bolts on the diff. Top bolt is to fill and lower bolt is to drain.

Loosen and remove the top bolt first, as it's going to be difficult if you remove the lower bolt and all the fluid drains out, and then you cannot undo the top bolt.

Hope this helps.

 

[Missioner]

E30's and 34's required an oil change for the diff and transmission every 60k service, as long as the oil is rated EP and GL4 for hypoid diff's it will be fine. Nothing really special inside BMW diff's unless its an //M.

 

[zippy320]

Thanks guys! Lol yeah I was wondering about the Auto Transmission issue with changing old oil . This diff has never been opened and the fluid never changed .

Really appreciate all the assistance . I will change the oil soon .