1.0 General Information On Final Drive Oil
Final Drive oil or hypoid gear lubricant must conform with the following requirements because of the high loads which occur on the profiles of the hypoid gear teeth
- Load carrying capacity.
- Sufficient protection against seizure.
- Good wear protection.
- Optimal friction and temperature behavior.
- Seal compatibility.
- Aging resistance.
These and other properties are already contained in brand-name hypoid gear lubricants because of the high content of EP additives (EP = extreme pressure).
Oil Additives
The factory has not approved oil additives for hypoid gear lubricants.
All final drives are designed in such a manner that they do not require any type of oil additives. Any type of additives is fundamentally rejected by the factory. BMW NA cannot accept any liability for follow-up damage resulting from the use of additives.
2.0 Approved Final Drive Oils For Front And Rear Axle Final Drives With And Without Limited Slip Or Viscous Coupling
Mineral based final drive oils are no longer recommended due to the release of synthetic final drive oils for all vehicles with or without limited slip differentials.
Basic transmission
| Trade name | BMW part number | Container size |
|---|---|---|
| BMW final drive oil SAF-XO / OSP | 83 22 9 407 768 | 60-litre barrel |
| BMW final drive oil SAF-XO | 33 11 7 695 240 | 3 x 500ml |
Variable ratio transmission
| Trade name | BMW part number | Container size |
|---|---|---|
| BMW final drive oil SAF-Carbon Mod. | 83 12 0 445 832 | 3 x 500ml |
Limited Slip Differentials
With the introduction of the Z3 roadster a new synthetic final drive oil for all vehicles with a multi-plate limited-slip differential has been released. The new BMW final drive oil SAF-XJ will replace the old final drive oil SAF-XLS.
The SAF-XLS final drive oil is not to be used in the final drive of the Z3 roadster.
Use only the SAF-XJ in the final drive of the Z3 roadster.
Note. If a non-limited slip differential oil is used in a limited slip differential a whining or chattering sound can be heard on very tight turns and will eventually result in a failure of the differential.
| Description | Quantity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Synthetic Final Drive Oil | 55 liter drum | 83 22 1 470 080 |
| (with multi-plate Limited Slip Differential) | (SAF-XJ) |
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIALS REFERENCE CHART
E71 X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i
Rear Differential with Superposing Gear Units (QMVH)
The rear differential assembly consists of three separate filler plugs, one in the center for the angle drive with differential gear and one additional filler plug on each of the left and right superposing gear units.
Angle drive with differential gear (center filler plug): PN 83 22 9 407 768 (SAF-XO)
Superposing gear units (two outer filler plugs): PN 83 12 0 445 838 (SAF-CARBON)
Motorsport Vehicles
All E46 M3, E60 M5, E63/E64 M6, E85 M roadster, E86 M coupe and E90/E91 and E92 M3 require SAF-XJ Fluid.
Non Limited Slip Differentials
| Description | Quantity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Synthetic Final Drive Oil | 55 liter drum | 83 22 9 407 768 |
| (without multi-plate limited slip differential, or with viscous differential lock (325iX/iXA) | (SAF-XO) |
NON LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIALS REFERENCE CHART
3.0 Final Drive Oil For BMW M1 Motorsport Coupe
The final drive of a BMW M1 is integrated into the manual transmission and the oil supply is accomplished with a mutual oil filling.
Use reputable brand SAE 80 manual transmission oil conforming with specifications MIL-L-2105 A or API-GL 4.
4.0 Oil Change Intervals
Maintenance requirements per the vehicle's Service Booklet or the respective Service Maintenance Checklist.
Replacement final drives: same as for new vehicles.
All models as of 9/97 production are factory-filled with synthetic rear axle oil having a long-life service rating. No oil changes are required for the life of the vehicle.
5.0 Cars Without Service Indicator
First oil change at 600 miles
Further oil changes at 18, 000 miles
Special rule for BMW 530i, 528i (E 12)
1st oil change at 600 miles after final drive replacement
2nd oil change at 4, 500 miles after final drive replacement
Further oil changes at 9, 000 miles intervals, beginning at 9, 000 miles.
6.0 Cars With Service Indicator
Refer to Service Maintenance checklist for respective model year.
Break-In Procedures
Drive the car with changing engine speeds and road speeds during the first 1, 200 miles/2, 000 km, but never faster than 2/3rds of maximum speed in a selected gear. Avoid using full throttle and kick-down positions of the accelerator pedal during this period.
BMW M3/M5/M6 Up to 1, 200 miles max. engine speed 5500 RPM
Generally avoid full-throttle position of the accelerator.
These break-in procedures are, of course, also applicable to replacement final drives.
7.0 Output Shafts
The joints of output shafts have permanent grease lubrication and require no servicing.
The amount of joint grease required after repairing is supplied in the "dust cover repair kit".
Ball Bearings
Bearing unit is lubricated for its service life, cannot be disassembled and does not require subsequent lubrication.
9.0 Differential Housing Final Drive Covers And Housing
On 735i/iL, 750iL, M6 and M5 (E28) models, the attaching bolts are to be installed with Hylogrip/Loctite 270 (green) thread sealant (former BMW Part No. 81 22 9 400 086).
Wurth Part No. 8932700
Loctite Part No. 21438
All Models
Resealing Final drive Cover can be obtained via Applied Industrial Technologies
Telephone: 517-787-2414
Payment Type: MasterCard or Visa
Order item number 39246 (Loctite 5970 300ml)
10.0 Pinion Flange Lubricant
All Models
To eliminate cracking or clicking noise from the rear of the vehicle while engaging a drive gear, releasing clutch, during load reversal (shifting from reverse to drive, etc.) or when accelerating from a stationary position.
BMW Part No. 83 22 0 443 864 Lubricant