Rear diff fluid?

BennyL · 08-18-2010, 12:42 PM

Hey, I need to replace the rear diff fluid for my 1996 318i convertible.

The rear diff seal is leaking, so if I'm already opening it up to replace the seal I might as well replace the fluid.

Anyone know which fluid I should be using? Any specific specs or type? And a capacity would be good too.

Thanks for any help!

BennyL · 08-18-2010, 01:00 PM

E36 service manual says the LSD needs SAF-XLS and non-LSD needs SAF-XO, both of which are synthetic... any info as to what this fluid is? Can I buy a non-BMW branded version? I'm guessing yes...

Capacity is 1.1 L for 4 cyl and 1.7 L for 6 cyl models.

**Mystikal** · 08-18-2010, 01:32 PM

75w90. Redline is preferred, but any synthetic from the big chains will work (Quaker State is the popular one in Cdn Tire, PS, Walmart, etc).

craigIS · 08-18-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystikal

75w90. Redline is preferred, but any synthetic from the big chains will work (Quaker State is the popular one in Cdn Tire, PS, Walmart, etc).

+1

What Mystical said is spot on. Try to find Redline, or Royal Purple.

Bullet Ride · 08-18-2010, 02:43 PM

Just missed the sale at JRP... could have bought it there
... you can still buy it there, just not on sale though

sb_600 · 08-18-2010, 02:43 PM

Yup!

I've got Royal Purple in my LSD. I used 75W140 but will switch to 75w90 during my next fluid change.

Haven't had any problems though

BennyL · 08-19-2010, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I saw the Castrol and QS offerings at PartSource. They were 14.99 and 15.99 respectively. They had Redline for $17.99 but I ended up getting Liqui Moly 75W-90 synthetic gear oil instead. I got it from Precision Tuning for 18.99 and figured I've always been happy with Liqui Moly products I've used in the past. He had Redline and Royal Purple too, btw.

http://www.liqui-moly.de/liquimoly/p.../usa_2048.html