Should you change your Diff & Gearbox oil?

[Alan W]

I've already done my car's LSD... and yes having one of those fluid hand pump syringe things is a must for the refill!!!

My 2.8 has an auto box and although I want to change the ATF I have up to now been put off by stories I've heard about there is some strict set way of doing this... and I don't believe BMW's claim that the fluid will never need changing because the box is 'sealed for life'... oil (whether it be gear oil or ATF) will clearly deteriorate with use and age.

I think you can also pop the auto box sump pan off and change / clean the filter. I would be very gratetful to hear from anyone who has carried out this job or has a bit of knowledge on the subject..

 

[t-tony]

I've already done my car's LSD... and yes having one of those fluid hand pump syringe things is a must for the refill!!!

My 2.8 has an auto box and although I want to change the ATF I have up to now been put off by stories I've heard about there is some strict set way of doing this... and I don't believe BMW's claim that the fluid will never need changing because the box is 'sealed for life'... oil (whether it be gear oil or ATF) will clearly deteriorate with use and age.

I think you can also pop the auto box sump pan off and change / clean the filter. I would be very gratetful to hear from anyone who has carried out this job or has a bit of knowledge on the subject..

Hi Alan, I did mine on the Z3 a couple of years ago and did a write up. You definitely need a syringe or pump of some kind to refill the box. I bought a filter and gasket set off eBay. I'll try to locate the write up for you and will edit this post.

Click on this link @Alan W

https://zroadster.org/articles/how-to-change-auto-gearbox-oil.81/



Tony.

 

[Alan W]

Hi Alan, I did mine on the Z3 a couple of years ago and did a write up. You definitely need a syringe or pump of some kind to refill the box. I bought a filter and gasket set off eBay. I'll try to locate the write up for you and will edit this post.

Tony.

Ahh thanks Tony that would be brilliant!!

 

[jonco]

@Alan W - I changed my auto box oil after discussion with @t-tony and used the same kit he recommended. A local garage had previously changed my fluid and said it only contained 1 litre which sounded suspicious.
On the auto if you just take the drain plug out you will only drain ~1 litre. There are still ~2 litres in the base of the sump so take care when lowering. As previously said fill to plug overflow then run engine in P or N and top up - mine took a further litre.

 

[Wookee]

I changed mine recently. The old gearbox oil is on the left, it was very watery and dark. The diff oil is in the middle and that wasn't too bad and the new stuff is on the right.
IMG_20160217_131835954

 

[Tracy Dee]

That Gearbox oil looks bad.
I don't think mines ever been changed well I don't see it on any of the bills that came with car.
Mines now done 75 k bit worried now.in case mines as bad.
Don't have any noise or issues with box or diff though.

 

[Wookee]

Mines now done 75 k bit worried now.in case mines as bad.
Don't have any noise or issues with box or diff though.

Mine is at 85k and I suspect the gearbox oil was the original and the shift was stiff in first and second. I had no problem with the diff either, I just decided to do it as the car was up and level, it looks like it might have been changed previously as it wasn't too bad. They probably only did the diff as it's a damn sight easier than the gearbox due to the location of the fill plugs.

 

[Nodzed]

That Gearbox oil looks bad.
I don't think mines ever been changed well I don't see it on any of the bills that came with car.
Mines now done 75 k bit worried now.in case mines as bad.
Don't have any noise or issues with box or diff though.

I wouldn't get too hung about it, very unlikely the oil is so bad it will cause issues in the immediate future, I would just pencil it in at the next engine lube date as part of the service.. Peace of mind job!

 

[Tracy Dee]

Regards the box and diff oil change I emailed a BMW Specialist to enquire about my next service due in a couple of months.Looks like oil & filter brake fluid that is needed as last service was an inspection 1
I enquired about gearbox oil change he said some choose to do it others not but happy to do it and says straight forward job which won't take long.
On the diff however he said on some early 1.9 models they don't have a drain plug hence sealed for life?
He can only tell once cars there being 1997 might be the case?

 

[abh29]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread , but I am looking to change Gearbox and rear diff oils on the 2.2litre but keep seeing various figures quoted for amounts required
TIS says
33 10 Rear axle final drive 188LW 0.85 litre
23 00 Transmission in general 240/5 / MANUAL Overdrive
Oil capacity for refilling or exchange transmission ltr. 1,15

Can anyone confirm these amounts

thanks

 

[Lee]

Sorry to resurrect an older thread , but I am looking to change Gearbox and rear diff oils on the 2.2litre but keep seeing various figures quoted for amounts required
TIS says
33 10 Rear axle final drive 188LW 0.85 litre
23 00 Transmission in general 240/5 / MANUAL Overdrive
Oil capacity for refilling or exchange transmission ltr. 1,15



Can anyone confirm these amounts

thanks

If you put 1.5L in both you cant go wrong.

 

[Grumps]

If you put 1.5L in both you cant go wrong.

That's exactly what went in mine and it's fine.

 

[Marvin]

My 1.9l dated March 1998 has the diff fill hole at the top on the back side. Changed it 2 years ago when I bought it. Only a half liter was in the diff. Changed and filled none LSD diff and can tell a difference in the sound. Been running fine since.
Marvin

 

[handsomejackuk]

done my diff myself, and got the gearbox oil done when i had the engine oil done a month ago.my local mechanic...... the gearbox oil was definitely worth doing as it has improved the gear change loads... 1st and 2nd from cold is really nice now not notchy and like stirring a bowl full of frozen black treacle...

when i did my diff oil, i removed the diff cover and replaced the gasket as a matter of course and give the diff a good wipe out... also at the same time as i was not in any rush cleaned up the diff cover with wire brush in a drill, and checked the condition of the diff mount bush this was A ok and had no wear and didnt need changing.. didnt really notice any difference with the diff oil changed just piece of mind really at 105,000 miles...