X3 Rear differential oil change

[warrenturbo1]

Hi all,

Been pondering whether I should change the oil in my rear differential after I made the mistake going 4x4-ing with a bunch of Landy drivers and made a couple of unplanned river crossings in my little city slicker.

Well, I changed my diff oil and am rather glad I did. The dealers say the oil in the transfer case and diffs are never to be changed, but I definite disagree with them. The oil was almost black and had a number of metal filings in the oil.

Replaced the oil with the OEM BMW oil, which is a light yellow colour. I know this will be something that will make no difference to the ride quality of the car, but will definitely make the rear diff last a little longer.

Enjoy

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Will add some photos once I figure out how it works.

 

[zaleonardz]

Good on you.

I recon the lifetime oil theory of BMW means 5 years until the warentee runs out, then you dont need to change it...

Its bullshite....

 

[warrenturbo1]

I agree with you.

The other shocker is the price of the oil. BMW charged my R245 per litre and when I collected the oil it turns out be normal Castrol SAF-XJ diff oil which I could have bought at Autozone for R72 per litre…Anyways it’s done now .

 

[zaleonardz]

Yehp...

Sounds like the Shell LA 2632 that the auto box in my 540 used to take, R1200 forf 5 litres as well... For the same amount you can buy a 20 litre equiv.....

 

[speeddemon]

On this topic what oil do i use in a 3.38 diff??

 

[warrenturbo1]