Wasn't there a DIY for Gearbox/Diff fluid change somewhere? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

jrhaile · 12th March 2008, 03:32

I can't locate it anywhere on the board

Avusblue · 12th March 2008, 06:56

This is what I found posted by another member:
"
I'd drive the car for 5 miles or so to stir up the fluid, then get the car up in the air and level, so the fluid can be thoroughly drained and proper refill level. Four jackstands or ramps should work.

The drain and fill plugs are identical & use 17mm box end wrench or similar. Remove both & drain approx 2 qts of fluid into pan. Leave drip for 1/2 hr or so to get max goo out.

Replace drain plug. It will not seep if 2 or 3 finger snug (under 25 lb-ft). Overtightening can break case.

Take a standard tall gear lube bottle with pointed nipple cut cap (like RP synchromax) and put a 3' section of hose on the top. Simply hold the bottle upside down with hose in fill hole and squeeze repeatedly. Let bottle burp between squeezes. You can empty the bottle this way. It's easier & less messy than silly pump.

The tranny takes about 2 bottles. Stop when fluid begins overflowing out of fill hole and install fill plug.

Same procedure works for differential."

Search for this:
DIY - How to change your transmission fluid

Blockdoc · 12th March 2008, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrhaile

I can't locate it anywhere on the board

See above...
Theres really not much to describe...its that simple. Remove both plugs (filler plug first) in case you drain and can't get the filler unscrewed (then you are screwed!

). Drain, replace, replace filler plug. That's it!

Brian

Habu · 12th March 2008, 20:34

jrhaile,

I found this link for you. Basically the same thing Avusblue says and also keep in mind what Blockdoc says about removing the filler first before removing the drain. What you might want to is once you're assured that the filler can come off without a problem, finger tight it back on. Then remove the drain plug. Once you have everything in place take the filler plug off.

Transmission fluid change - ugh !

Bob

jrhaile · 13th March 2008, 02:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Habu

jrhaile,

I found this link for you. Basically the same thing Avusblue says and also keep in mind what Blockdoc says about removing the filler first before removing the drain. What you might want to is once you're assured that the filler can come off without a problem, finger tight it back on. Then remove the drain plug. Once you have everything in place take the filler plug off.

Transmission fluid change - ugh !

Bob

that was the write up! thank you very much fellas.. going to attempt this this weekend

DouglasABaker · 13th March 2008, 04:44

Here you go:

The fill and drain plugs have tapered threads and do not require copper crush washers.
BMW states that the plugs should be tightened to 50 N-m (37 lb-ft).
You should use a 17mm 6-point socket and a long ratchet handle or a breaker bar, since
the plugs are very tight from the factory.
(Size may vary between different BMW models. Check size before starting.)

When changing the fluid, make sure you can open the fill plug before opening the drain plug!

Also, be sure you have a hand pump before starting.
There isn't room to pour fluid in. You need a pump.
Most auto stores have the kind that replaces the cap on your fluid bottle and you just
push the plunger to pump the fluid.

My Fluid Choices:
Tranny: Royal Purple Synchromax
Differential: Royal Purple MaxGear 75W140

Need4Spd · 13th March 2008, 06:52

Quote:

My Fluid Choices:
Tranny: Royal Purple Synchromax
Differential: Royal Purple MaxGear 75W140

Mine, too. The RP MaxGear already has the additive pack for limited slip diffs, like those in our cars. At least that's what it said on the bottle, and it seems to work fine with proper LSD operation and no noise.