Anyone know where to get the tool for changing the differential fluid?

jclyman · Aug 2, 2007

Have you tried the $tealer?

I seem to recall something about modifying (like sawing off a piece of) an allen wrench to make it fit ... not sure, though.

SeattleM5 · Aug 2, 2007

Diff Plug Tool

Originally I purchased a 14mm hex plug with 3/8 inch drive from my local tool shop. This proved to be too long so I purchased a 14mm allen wrench, lopped the tip off and combined it with a 14mm socket . . . perfect fit. Photos below show the original contraption which was too long and the solution. Hope this helps.

jclyman said:
Have you tried the $tealer?

I seem to recall something about modifying (like sawing off a piece of) an allen wrench to make it fit ... not sure, though.

ECB · Aug 2, 2007

This thread has some info on the 14mm tool.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=84391&highlight=14mm

verhagke · Aug 2, 2007

another option:

autozone sells a 14mm hex socket. It's also too long, but the hex part is easily seperated from the socket part. Just tap it out. The hex part then fits behind the diff cover, and then I used a 14mm wrench over the end.

ard · Aug 2, 2007

I just took the hex part out (it is usually held in with a set screw or pin) and cut it off with a metal cut-off saw then ground it down on a grinding wheel to get a decent finish- reassembled with the cut end back inside.

The length is just enough length to fit into the bolt.

A

DouglasABaker · Aug 2, 2007

Autozone - get the set of hex sockets that includes the 14, the 17 and another one. You'll need the 17 eventually anyway for the transmission.

Press the 14 out as verhagke said and then use either a standard open end/box end wrench, or if you can't stand the thought of taking it on and off that many times go to Sears and get one that rachets

But yes, the exhaust is in the way of any socket/wrench I've ever seen...

btw - if you choose to cut off an allen wrench be sure that you do not have hardened wrenches - they are strong but brittle and can turn into shrapnel when cut...

d-

M540i · Jun 6, 2012

Doug,

Unless you and I have two entirely different transmissions bolted to our M5s, the fill and drain plugs on them are 17mm heads, requiring a 6-point socket. Any depth/ impact will do. The gorilla that did my 1,200 mile break-in service must have wrenched the Hell out of mine because laying on my back in my garage, I wasn't able to do it. It finally took me getting it onto a lift and persuading (first the fill plug and then the drain plug) with 1/2" impact lang-handled breaker bar.

JPGisMe Discussion starter · Aug 3, 2007

Thanks for the responses

I'll try the Autozone approach. I don't really have the tools to cut down another tool, which is why I was looking for the special tool that did it. That said, I just changed the transmission fluid (to Royal Purple, a very positive change it seems) with a friend of mine, and he might have the right tools to hack down the piece.

Otherwise, I'll try to disassemble the piece and use a separate wrench as suggested, without cutting.

Thanks for the help.

RideM5 · Nov 1, 2011

Bringing back an old thread here, but getting ready to change my diff fluid, and having trouble separating my autozone 12mm hex socket. Past posts have said to "press" it out, or tap it out, but I'm having trouble executing this. Basically, I had it loose vertically in my vice trying to hammer the hex piece out after heating with a heat gun. Do I need more heat on it? I figured it would pop out on the first hit, but it is surprisingly stuck in there.

RideM5 · Nov 1, 2011

Ok, I tried again with no heat and a 5 lb hammer, popped right out.....and smashed my thumb a little.

desmotesta · Nov 1, 2011

Differential fluid is some of the nastiest and sinkiest crap you will ever come across - God forbid you spill it in your garage or drive way

There are some things that ARE a DIY but just worth paying the $50 bucks and getting them done at your trusted Indy.

This one falls under that category.

roverguy10 · Jun 6, 2012

Turner sells the socket you need for around $12. IMO better then trying to modify another tool to work

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

ger · Jun 7, 2012

My diff plug was 14mm. I used a long 14mm allen key, using the long end and a spanner on it, worked without a hitch.

tmaschm · Jun 11, 2013

I'd love to get one of these if you have an extra but I can't PM yet bc less than 45 posts

UkraineE39 · Sep 23, 2013

Just ordered the Assenmacher 6500-14 1/2" Drive Allen Socket - 14mm

Assenmacher Specialty Tools , 6500-14 1/2 In Dr Allen Socket - VW Audi Axle - 14mm

smiked1 · Sep 23, 2013

I bought a set of short Beta Tools hex sockets a long time ago that have fit all my diffs, trans, etc. The set was very cheap. I don't remember where I got them, but you see them on eBay all the time.

mordor110 · Sep 23, 2013

Think I saw something in Harbour Freight that would work too, will need to look next time I'm there.

boombaby · Aug 12, 2014

Word of caution - don't invest/stress on the tool until you verify your correct plug size; my Jan 2003 build uses 12mm hex plugs. I was able to use the hex socket in my general toolkit, and just used a 12mm wrench and a small snipe (second wrench). Took less time to complete the job than it did to track down a 14mm hex key!

swingwing · Jun 21, 2015

Here's the source I used for the FACOM 14mm Allen socket. Posted price is $15. BTW, single-quart price of AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-140 is $16.85 retail, $13.05 wholesale. PM me if you'd like assistance for purchasing wholesale.

3/8" Drive Drain Plug Bit Socket - 14mm (BMW)(D.107-14)

RedP85 · Oct 24, 2018

Anybody tryed to take a short 14mm head bolt, used 2 nuts locked together on the threads, and then, put the bolt head in the drain plug, with a wrench on the middle nut, unscrew the plug ? I thing it should work.

Sailor24 · Oct 24, 2018

I would be shocked if that worked. Maybe if you welded it on. I have never had to do less than a 24" breaker bar and all the thrust I could muster to break it free. Nothing after you free it up. The easiest was a nice southern US car, but the Can cars all had just a bit of that white corrosion that likes to lock bolts in place.
It does not hurt to try, you might get lucky and some one had it out before.

flyride · Nov 7, 2023

14mm hex socket $9 on Amazon plus the 14mm wrench from this Harbor Freight set makes short work of this problem.

3/8 in. Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set, 7-Piece

Amazing deals on this 7Pc 3/8In Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

JohnAnthony · Nov 7, 2023

General FYI for members, there are plenty of high-end options for a dedicated differential plug tool:

Koken 106-19H (additional wrench/socket required)

Bit 14mm x 17mm Hex Length 24mm

4-Point/6-Point Male Bits Drain Plug Key 19H Length: 24mm Product Dimension (Refer Line Drawing Image): H2 Size: 8mm H3 Size: 17mm L Size: 24mm

kokenusa.com

Koken 3012M.25-14 (warning 3/8" drive)

3/8 Sq. Dr. Bit Socket 14mm Hex Length 25mm

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square length: 25mm Type: Inhex Bit Socket Output Size: 14mm Opening: Hex Product Dimension (Refer Line Drawing Image): D Size: 19mm H1 Size: 10mm L Size: 25mm

kokenusa.com

Hazet 985-14

Hazet 985-14 14mm Hex Socket 1/2"

Hazet Tools 985-14 14mm Hex Socket 1/2" - high quality German engineering at the lowest price. Free same day shipping available.

www.kctool.com

Stahlwille 54IMP

Stahlwille 54IMP Hex Impact Socket, 1/2" Drive, 14 mm

Stahlwille 54IMP Hex Impact Socket, 1/2" Drive, 14 mm - high quality German engineering at the lowest price

www.kctool.com

edit:

Baum Tools - B3677

B3677 OIL DRAIN WRENCH – 14mm HEX X 17mm BOX – Baum Tools

www.baumtools.com

CTA Tools - 8762

8762 - Fill/Drain Plug Wrench - 14mm x 17mm

Offset 14mm hex male on one end, 17mm x 6 point wrench on other end OAL: 24cm / 91/2" Application Details For BMW models Make Chassis Model Engine BMW E30 325i M20 2.5L BMW E31 840Ci M60 4.0L BMW E31 840Ci M62 4.4L BMW E31 850Ci M70 5.0L BMW E31 850Ci M73 5.4L BMW E31 850CSi S70 5.6L BMW E32...

ctatools.com

All German Auto Tools - AGA-SS-8-14-K

Service Sockets

AGA’s Service Socket Kit provides you with a gamut of ultra-compact and magnetic sockets, allowing you to fit into the smallest of spaces.

agatools.com

Anyone know where to get the tool for changing the differential fluid?

Attachments

Attachments

3/8 in. Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set, 7-Piece

Bit 14mm x 17mm Hex Length 24mm

3/8 Sq. Dr. Bit Socket 14mm Hex Length 25mm

Hazet 985-14 14mm Hex Socket 1/2"

Stahlwille 54IMP Hex Impact Socket, 1/2" Drive, 14 mm

B3677 OIL DRAIN WRENCH – 14mm HEX X 17mm BOX – Baum Tools

8762 - Fill/Drain Plug Wrench - 14mm x 17mm

Service Sockets

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