31 50... Check/change front axle differential oil

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Special tools required:

00 2 080

WARNING: Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDLING OIL .

IMPORTANT:

If oil is filled up to the lower edge of the oil filler opening, the front axle differential would be overfilled and in rare individual cases oil could emerge from the ventilation opening on the front axle differential.

After draining front axle differential oil or when carrying out the initial filling of a new replacement front axle differential, the transmission must be filled with 600 ml of oil.

Use only the APPROVED OIL in the front axle differential.

Failure to comply with this requirement will result in serious damage to the front axle differential!

NOTE: Only change oil when front axle differential is at normal operating temperature.

Checking and correcting the front axle differential oil level:

The front axle differential is equipped with a life-time oil filling. An oil-level adjustment is not needed during a service. In case of a visible oil leakage or after a repair to the front axle differential, follow the instructions in "Front axle differential oil replacement"!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .
Remove STEERING GEAR COVER AT TOP LEFT .

Oil change in front axle differential:

Place oil collecting apparatus underneath.

Remove oil drain plug (1).

Drain front axle differential oil.

Screw in oil drain plug (1) and tighten.

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .

Undo oil filler plug.

Tightening torque 31 50 2AZ .

Fill 600 ml of transmission oil. (if necessary, use measuring cup and special tool 00 2 080 ).

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Replace the oil drain plug and oil filler plug.