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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance and TSBs: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / TSBs and Service Bulletin > 2012 F30 328i Rear Diff Fluid Change
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      01-03-2016, 05:31 PM   #1
rmnoonan
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2012 F30 328i Rear Diff Fluid Change

Hello all. I've searched high and low and can't seem to find a detailed write-up on changing the rear differential fluid on my 2012 328i. I did find someone who had some basic info and I'm pretty sure I can figure it out, but here are my concerns:
1) I'm a little nervous about removing the dampener that is in front of the fill hole on the rear diff. It appears to be some sort of torx bolt? Does anyone know the size or if its hard to remove?

2) I'm also curious how difficult it is to siphon the diff fluid out of the differential. Is a 1/4" tube required?

3) WIll my typical automobile choice of Lucas 75w-90 Full Synthetic Gear Oil do the trick?
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      01-21-2016, 04:22 PM   #2
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I just pre-ordered the Bentley service/repair manual titled "BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34) Service Manual: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 320i, 328i, 328d, 335i, including xDrive". The manual will be published on February 16, 2016.

I'll let you know what it says about changing the rear differential fluid. I intend to change all of the fluids in my car this Spring.

I have the E46 and E90 Bentley manuals, and they probably paid for themselves at least 10x over.
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      01-22-2016, 12:01 PM   #3
catskillclimber
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I used a Lincoln 615 suction gun with whatever size tubing came with it. It's a little easier with a second set of hands to help keep the tube sucking from the bottom of the diff. Red Line 75W-90 works in our 328D. I didn't need to remove anything more than the fill plug to change the fluid.
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      01-29-2016, 11:44 AM   #4
Outlaw 06
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmnoonan View Post
Hello all. I've searched high and low and can't seem to find a detailed write-up on changing the rear differential fluid on my 2012 328i. I did find someone who had some basic info and I'm pretty sure I can figure it out, but here are my concerns:
1) I'm a little nervous about removing the dampener that is in front of the fill hole on the rear diff. It appears to be some sort of torx bolt? Does anyone know the size or if its hard to remove?

2) I'm also curious how difficult it is to siphon the diff fluid out of the differential. Is a 1/4" tube required?

3) WIll my typical automobile choice of Lucas 75w-90 Full Synthetic Gear Oil do the trick?
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      02-03-2016, 07:05 AM   #5
Polo08816
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Outlaw 06 View Post
See attached:
lol. I was just about to post this because I received my Bentley manual (aka Bible) yesterday.
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      02-04-2016, 07:42 AM   #6
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2013 BMW 328i  [0.00]
I use a pump to pull the oil out of parts like this one. So I don't have to ask my wife to get under the car and hold the hose for me, I stick a length of heavy copper wire (4 gauge?) inside the tube, and bend the copper so it keeps the hose in the right place to drain all the oil.
I'll be ordering the Bentley manual today. Darned shame that BMW chooses to not make their service data available to car owners. On my previous car, a C-class MB, I was eventually able to buy a DVD with all the factory service information and detailed work instructions. I miss the clarity that the MB manual provided - it calls out all tools, materials, torques, and part numbers. On the other hand, my 328 has required far fewer repairs than my C240, which had accumulated over eight weeks in the dealership shop by the time it was three years old.
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      05-23-2017, 03:26 PM   #7
CarlosC
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How much fluid does it take?
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      01-21-2018, 09:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlosC View Post
How much fluid does it take?
There is a table in the bentley manual.

320i MT - 0.8L
320ix AT - 0.75L
328i/d - 0.8L
335 AT - 0.8L
335i MT 0.9L

"Level is correct when the fluid just reaches the edge of the filler hole" per the manual. But 1L should do for all applications.
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