SI B 33 01 06
Rear AxleApril 2006
Technical Service
SUBJECT
Grating Noise from Differential During Slow Cornering
MODEL
M5
SITUATION
A grinding or grating noise may be heard coming from the differential during slow cornering.
CAUSE
When the rear wheel speed differential varies during tight cornering, a slip stick effect is created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causing a grinding type noise.
This noise typically goes away as the locking clutch discs in the differential break in.
CORRECTION
On a verified customer complaint basis only, replace the differential oil with a specially formulated differential oil, BMW part number 83 22 2 282 583.
PROCEDURE
Follow TIS repair instruction
RA 00 11 259 - Oil change in rear differential.
Refill differential with special differential oil.
Differential capacity = 1.1 liters.
With the vehicle at operating temperature, drive in tight circles (20 circles each direction) allowing the special oil to effectively coat the locking clutch discs.
Vehicles that have had the differential oil converted to this special oil should continue to have only this oil utilized whenever a service requiring differential oil replacement is indicated.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number
Description
Quantity
83 22 2 282 583
Special differential oil kit
1
Contains 3 bottles -0.5 liters each
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Defect Code 33 10 02 39 00
Refer to the KSD system for the appropriate main or associated labor operation.
There are plenty of threads here in the board concerning the diff noise......... my M5 had it twice, it's normal and the only thing to do is to replace the differential oil with a specially formulated differential oil, BMW part number 83 22 2 282 583.
Charging 450£ is way too much for the job...... I've payed the equivalent of 60£ for the oil and the labour was at charge of BMW (the BMW warranty was over but they accepted to pay for it)
Cheers