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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics Mechanical Maintenance and TSBs: Break-in | Oil & Fluids | Servicing | TSB Rear Differential Initial Fluid change

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      08-09-2016, 07:53 AM   #1
SchmullisBob
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Rear Differential Initial Fluid change

For those that know:
2015 M235i Coupe.
Manufactured 06/2015.
Purchased new 03/2016 (was the dealer's demo)
Current Mileage 5,300
Open Rear Differential

Question: Should I change the differential fluid now, considering it the initial change or just wait till I reach 30,000 miles?

Thanks!
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      08-09-2016, 01:27 PM   #2
raleedy
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If the differential is open, what's keeping any fluid in there?
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      08-09-2016, 03:47 PM   #3
Rayscott
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raleedy View Post
If the differential is open, what's keeping any fluid in there?
Gravity??
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      08-09-2016, 05:19 PM   #4
vintage42
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Drain plug.
Open differential applies the same amount of torque to each wheel.
Limited slip differential allows more torque to be transferred to the non-slipping wheel.
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      08-09-2016, 07:38 PM   #5
Kolyan2k
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vintage42 View Post
Drain plug.
Open differential applies the same amount of torque to each wheel.
Limited slip differential allows more torque to be transferred to the non-slipping wheel.
That wasn't OPs question lol
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      08-09-2016, 07:58 PM   #6
vintage42
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It seemed raleedy in #2 misunderstood open differential.
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      08-09-2016, 08:09 PM   #7
overcoil
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I'm at two years and 17k miles and plan on doing rear diff within next few months.
But a 30k, 60k, 90k is the longer drain intervals I'm o.k. with.
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      08-10-2016, 04:06 AM   #8
Zooks527
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vintage42 View Post
It seemed raleedy in #2 misunderstood open differential.
I think it's more likely you misunderstood he was making a joke.
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      08-10-2016, 09:06 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SchmullisBob View Post
For those that know:
2015 M235i Coupe.
Manufactured 06/2015.
Purchased new 03/2016 (was the dealer's demo)
Current Mileage 5,300
Open Rear Differential

Question: Should I change the differential fluid now, considering it the initial change or just wait till I reach 30,000 miles?

Thanks!
I considered doing a break in change at about 1200 miles, but decided it was overkill.I'm going with 30,60,90 intervals. Since most owners never change this fluid and BMW considers the factory fill lifetime,I think my intervals are excellent preventive maintenance.
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      08-10-2016, 09:53 AM   #10
Kolyan2k
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I wonder if those who replace diff fluid also do tranny at the same time?
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      08-10-2016, 11:14 AM   #11
Zooks527
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
I wonder if those who replace diff fluid also do tranny at the same time?
More typically, transmission fluid at 50k (ZF's recommendation IIRC), up to 100k (BMW's recommendation). After that, you find yourself in the midst of the "Change it! / No, never after 100k if the first time!" debate.
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      08-10-2016, 12:11 PM   #12
Kolyan2k
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I've got 60k on my Lexus and neither tranny or diff have been serviced. Both filled what they claim a lifetime fluids and tranny is not even serviceable, drain plug only drains 30% of fluid. Debating doing at least that 30% and maybe diff at next service.....will cost about $400 bucks and not even sure if its worth it
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      08-10-2016, 03:33 PM   #13
SchmullisBob
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
I wonder if those who replace diff fluid also do tranny at the same time?
Check out the BavAuto suggested maintenance intervals:

https://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/e90mc.pdf
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      08-11-2016, 04:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SchmullisBob View Post
Check out the BavAuto suggested maintenance intervals:

https://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/e90mc.pdf
I printed a copy of this maintenance schedule for myself several years ago. It is basically the BMW recommended maintenance before they started providing "free' maintenance.Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance Schedule is also about like BavAuto's.No such thing as lifetime fluids unless you want a short lifetime for the components of your car!
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