Differential ZHP (E46) Oil Change doityourself

[imola red zhp]

This is a DIY for a Differential Oil change for a 330i E46.

Time: approx 30 minutes.
Level: Easy

Tools required: Floor Jack, 4 jack stands, (2) can be used, 1/2 Drive Ratchet 14mm Hex

Socket, drip pan, rags, 2 bottles of Differential fluid and fluid pump (I used Redline 75w/90

Diff/transaxle fluid)

1. Jack rear end of car (safely) using jacking points and locate fill and drain plugs.
Drain plug will be the lower plug facing Right Rear Tire, The Fill plug is the slightly higher and facing the sway bar.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6480319037_f760898bda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480319037/)
IMG_0687 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480319037/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6480325361_87131929a9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480325361/)
IMG_0689 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480325361/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr

2. Loosen the Fill plug first, unsing you ratchet and 14mm hex socket, this will ensure that you will be able to fill after you drain the oil. (If you drain the oil first and your fill plug is stripped or stuck you will be SOL to refill oil and will not be able drive your vehicle)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6480314273_5d2b252d6c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480314273/)
IMG_0686 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480314273/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6480334473_f94428afd1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480334473/)
IMG_0691 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480334473/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr

3. Place oil drip pan under the drain plug and remove the drain plug, while oil is draining you may remove the fill plug, (please do not mix the plugs, even though they are same plug I always return the plug to the same port it was removed from.)

4. Lower car ensuring car is clear of tools and equipment are clear. Lowering will ensure all fluids are drained as car will be sitting at its natural stance. (Have a beer):cheers
Note: if using 4 jacks and keeping car level you can skip this step since car will be level already.

5. Raise car and install drain plug and tighten 25Nm or 18 ft./lbs (if you don't have a torque wrench) tighten plug until you it is snug and add 1/4 turn (best estimate) Using a different drive will alter torque value (3/8 drive vs. 1/2 drive ex.) Torque =FxD, length of wrench will alter torque value.

6. Filling oil, open one bottle of Diff fluid and place pump on the bottle, place fill tube in the fill port and place drip pan under fill port, start pumping the oil into the differential. (if space permits I lower car slightly just to ensure the angle of car is close to its natural stance.) Keep pumping fluid until oil starts coming out of fill port.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6480343629_03020cd689_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480343629/)
IMG_0693 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480343629/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6480339379_413b7676ba_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480339379/)
IMG_0692 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480339379/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr

7. Install Fill plug and torque to same specs as drain plug. wipe area clean and inspect.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6480325361_87131929a9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480325361/)
IMG_0689 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6480325361/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr
8. Lower car (safely)
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6361554301_660fd56563_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6361554301/)
ZHP and X5 IROTS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/18128055@N03/6361554301/) by da94450 (http://www.flickr.com/people/18128055@N03/), on Flickr
9. Have another beer, you're done take her for a spin and one more inspection upon return (check for leaks)
:thumbsup

[johnnyrad]

Nice DIY thanks. I need to do this but I only got 48,000 on mine so I think I have some time. Btw love that X5!

[Mtnman]

Well done. Simple DIY but intimidating to those who haven't done it before. Great write up. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

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[danewilson77]

Great job IRZ. Thanks for the writeup.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[johnrando]

Great job IRZ. Thanks for the writeup.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

+1

[JohnnyGraphic]

Thanks! Question: You mention that using a different drive will alter torque values? Are you talking about using an socket adapter? So, if my torque wrench is a 1/4" and I use an adapter to go to a 3/8" drive, my torque will be off? Which way and by how much?

Thanks!

Johnny

[echo46]

Good stuff, nice stable.

[danewilson77]

Thanks! Question: You mention that using a different drive will alter torque values? Are you talking about using an socket adapter? So, if my torque wrench is a 1/4" and I use an adapter to go to a 3/8" drive, my torque will be off? Which way and by how much?

Thanks!

Johnny

Torque will only be off if you change the length of the wrench or use a swivel that puts it at other than 90*

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[imola red zhp]

Thanks! Question: You mention that using a different drive will alter torque values? Are you talking about using an socket adapter? So, if my torque wrench is a 1/4" and I use an adapter to go to a 3/8" drive, my torque will be off? Which way and by how much?

Thanks!

Johnny

Johnny sorry for the confusion, I edited my post, DW right, the length of you ratchet will determine the value, 18ft./lbs is much, It's just a little past snug, in your case using a shorter 1/4 in. drive with 3/8 adapter maybe snug and 3/4 turn versus my 1/2 drive... Just don't over torque.
Thanks

[quikryptonite]

So, I saw a video on youtube about doing this and the guy recommended dropping your car off of the jack before putting the new fluid in. Is that something I need to worry about, I trust you guys a lot more than some guy on youtube, (although maybe he is on here and I'll have to wash my mouth out with soap...)

Sorry, another dumb question:

Is our differential limited slip or open? Does that make a difference in the type of oil we use?

[imola red zhp]

So, I saw a video on youtube about doing this and the guy recommended dropping your car off of the jack before putting the new fluid in. Is that something I need to worry about, I trust you guys a lot more than some guy on youtube, (although maybe he is on here and I'll have to wash my mouth out with soap...)

Sorry, another dumb question:

Is our differential limited slip or open? Does that make a difference in the type of oil we use?

No dumb questions here, first item#6 in DIY, I suggest that you lower your car as close to natural stance as possible, or you can jack car up evenly all 4 corners to acheve same result just more time.
I opted for first method no problems and bottle emptied fine.

As far as diff unless it is an M car it is not a limited slip.
I used the Redline oil and as far as I know it is used widely here.
I hope this helps..

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[quikryptonite]

Sounds good. Thanks for the tips. Did you have a hex set/driver that fit or did you go out and buy one? They have the kit on BavAuto for $35 bucks, I might just purchase that one.

[danewilson77]

Sounds good. Thanks for the tips. Did you have a hex set/driver that fit or did you go out and buy one? They have the kit on BavAuto for $35 bucks, I might just purchase that one.

You can get, the needed hex sockets at Advance Auto Parts (ZHPMafia.com affiliate advertising link) (http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4193730-10709358) or Autozone.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[nike001]

Awesome! Bookmarked.

[Mtnman]

Can get set at Harbor Freight (ZHPMafia.com affiliate advertising link) (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-4193730-10810933) too.

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[quikryptonite]

I just picked up a 10mm, 14mm and 17mm hexes for about $15 at Autozone. I like to save $20 when I can!

[quikryptonite]

I successfully changed my diff fluid on Saturday evening. My cousin was over and he wanted to get some new tranny fluid in his S2000 so we helped each other out.

Honestly, the biggest problem was getting my car in the air. We had four jack stands, but we had to find some lumber to put on top of the jack stands to ensure that the jack plate on the car didn't get deformed in any way.

I used the plate in front of the differential in the rear and the round (engine block) in the front and they worked great.

Once the car was up, it was really almost as easy as 1,2,3. Except, diff fluid has to be one of the top 3 worst smelling things on the face of the planet. I about threw up when I got my first whiff.

The drain/fill plug has been torqued to spec and were a breeze to get off. My transfer pump was fabulous. I love feeling a sense of accomplishment that comes with working on my own car and gives me more confidence to venture further out doing my own repairs/maintenance.

Thanks guys for all your help and insider info!

Here is the ZHP up on jack stands:
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/EasterWork.jpg


Here is me doing an oil change after I got the diff fluid done.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/IMAG0559.jpg

[imola red zhp]

Great job!!!!

[danewilson77]

Well done.

[jayjay_dee]

Does automatics use the same diff fluid (Redline 75w/90)?

If not, which one?

[NorCalZman]

oh if only I had a friend with a driveway and tools. we all live in tall towers or on a steep hill here in SF. haha. Im about to take my car in to the mechanics for a oil, tranny, and diff fluid change and open my wallet.

[echo46]

Yes, same diff oil.

[WOLFN8TR]

Hey guys thought I would just post this in here. I need some E46 Guru's advice on this. I noticed a few small drops of oil on the garage floor today and this is where it's coming from. I haven't done the rear differential oil change yet and the car has 108K. Any suggestions?

http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-8a89-11d1.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-8a96-2d56.jpg

[danewilson77]

Not sure that's oil or is coming from your diff. I'm thrown off by it being "up" on the rear sway bar. It could just be cap draining from you spare tire bin. I would pull everything out, and see what's in there.

Sent from Corolla, NC USA = Party

[WOLFN8TR]

Ya that's what I thought. Hmmm...ok will do some Recon. Thanks...

[WOLFN8TR]

I got this info from a E46Fanatics member:

I see you have the 3.64 automatic diff. it could be dripping from the vent hole at the top and drip down that one fin and over to the left and down. but...
the vent hole is more over to the right, but it could slosh over there. the other thing i noticed is that some of that splash is infront. the flow of air would not push it forward on the cover. so it appears from the photos that it might be something else other than the diff oil. but if there is a leak on one of the cover bolts it very well could leak on the top left. try to look higher up. here is a photo of the finned diff cover for reference on the vent tube.

5288

So school me on my 3.64 Finned Differential as mine looks different than "IRZ" does. Are the "drain & fill" plugs in that back finned cover? I ordered 2 quarts of Redline oil to do the diff, should I also replace that finned diff cover gasket?

[danewilson77]

I may go there If trunk is clean.

Sent from Corolla, NC USA = Party

[WOLFN8TR]

Ya the trunk is clean.

I checked everything and the only thing I can narrow it down to is the condensation from the AC. It's been pretty humid here the last week or so and the condenser is sweating pretty bad.

[WOLFN8TR]

Hey guys I'm doing my diff oil change now. I got 1 1/2 quarts in until it overflowed is that correct? That is with the car just about level.

[Hornung418]

Overflowed out of the fill hole, correct? If yes then you're golden.

Horney...via TT.

[danewilson77]

Hey guys I'm doing my diff oil change now. I got 1 1/2 quarts in until it overflowed is that correct? That is with the car just about level.

Yeah....capacity is about 1 quart.

Sent from Corolla, NC USA = Party

[WOLFN8TR]

Overflowed out of the fill hole, correct? If yes then you're golden.

Yep filled it until it overflowed. It took just under 1 1/2 quarts.

I purchased a set of Duralast Allen Sockets from Autozone. They were to long to get the fill plug out as the socket hit the sway bar. I ended up having to cut it in half and it worked perfect. See photos below.

http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-a33d-0662.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-a357-1e37.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-a364-f026.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-a378-1e24.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/48c1efc4-a384-d27d.jpg

[echo46]

As stated above, fill till it is overflowing. Those diff fill and drain plugs were always a bit tricky. Good on ya for doing the oil replace. Did you use Redline?

[WOLFN8TR]

Yes Sir, Redline 75w/90.

[wsmeyer]

Thanks! Question: You mention that using a different drive will alter torque values? Are you talking about using an socket adapter? So, if my torque wrench is a 1/4" and I use an adapter to go to a 3/8" drive, my torque will be off? Which way and by how much?
Johnny

Torque wrenches measure Torque. The unit of measure we use here in the US is ftlbs so if you have a torque wrench that is 1ft 18lbs of force on the handle would give you 18ftlbs of torque. If you had a small 6" long torque wrench you would need to exert 36lbs of force on the handle to get 18ftlbs of torque"

36lbs x 1/2ft = 18ftlbs

Conversely, if you stuck a 2ft water pipe on the end of it for leverage you would only need to exert 6 lbs of force to get the 18ftlbs of torque:

6lbs x 3ft = 18ftlbs

Neither the size of the drive or the size of the bolt have any effect on the torque value.

William.

[danewilson77]

Torque wrenches measure Torque. The unit of measure we use here in the US is ftlbs so if you have a torque wrench that is 1ft 18lbs of force on the handle would give you 18ftlbs of torque. If you had a small 6" long torque wrench you would need to exert 36lbs of force on the handle to get 18ftlbs of torque"

36lbs x 1/2ft = 18ftlbs

Conversely, if you stuck a 2ft water pipe on the end of it for leverage you would only need to exert 6 lbs of force to get the 18ftlbs of torque:

6lbs x 3ft = 18ftlbs

Neither the size of the drive or the size of the bolt have any effect on the torque value.

William.


http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/torque5.gif
Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[wsmeyer]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/torque5.gif
Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Damn I haven't seen a wrench like that since back when I was in high school. They would come in a carrying case with a few different lengths of what they have labeled as Adapter Drive in the illustration. The dial on the wrench wouldn't have units on it it would just have numbers typically from 1 to 120. One of the adapters would have some sort of mark on it indicating that it was the 'standard' one. For the wrench shown it would be 2" long thus making L+E 1 foot and then the numbers on the dial would be in ftlbs. If you used any of the other adapters you would have to use a chart or calculator to convert the number on the dial to a value in ftlbs.

With the two types of torque wrenches you see now; the click wrenches, and the deflection bar wrenches, you attach the socket at the point labeled "Wrench Drive Centerline" in the illustration. That makes 'E' zero so the denominator (bottom) 'L+E' becomes just 'L' and cancels with the 'L' in the numerator (top) and T=Y

This is why I said that altering the length of the handle doesn't make a difference. It does change the force you have to apply to the handle, but the torque that the wrench measures will be unaffected.

William.

[mr hish]

when am i suppose to change the diff oil??

[danewilson77]

when am i suppose to change the diff oil??

I do mine about once per year...every 30k miles. Mine is very conservative. I think every 60k miles....not to exceed 90k miles would be ok.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Dave1027]

Did mine Sunday. Could not find a 14 mm hex driver so I picked this up at Home Depot for the whole sum of $1.20. Worked perfectly. Diff took just slightly over 1 quart of M1 75-90.

http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/PICT0001s.JPGhttp://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/PICT0004s.JPG

[Pip]

Did mine Sunday. Could not find a 14 mm hex driver so I picked this up at Home Depot for the whole sum of $1.20. Worked perfectly. Diff took just slightly over 1 quart of M1 75-90.

http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/PICT0001s.JPGhttp://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/PICT0004s.JPG

I did something very similar. Used a bolt with two nuts. Like a champ.

[imola red zhp]

Just accomplished good for recall purposes

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[rguti153]

Will do this soon bump

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[ELCID86]

Go with Redline and be sure the fill hole loosens before you drain it...


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[rguti153]

Will do thanks , now for that transmission fluid , so many different opinions on what to use . I still don't know

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[BMWCurves]

Will do thanks , now for that transmission fluid , so many different opinions on what to use . I still don't know

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I replaced mine with Redline MTL. Haven't had any issues and have enjoyed how it feels.

[rguti153]

I replaced mine with Redline MTL. Haven't had any issues and have enjoyed how it feels.
[emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106]

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[Jconlin16]

I went with Pentosin for my transmission fluid and am happy with it so far!

[theothersawyer]

I need to replace all fluids on mine!

[ELCID86]

Redline is what I use. Went with Pentosin on my son's VW. CarQuest carries both brands here. Had to special order the 75w90ns for the LSD. Pentosin gets good reviews from what I've seen. Not well known in the US I guess.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[AggieBlake]

+1 on Redline for both tranny and diff. I've run them for a couple years in a track car and they're bulletproof.

[ryankokesh]

+1 on Redline for both tranny and diff. I've run them for a couple years in a track car and they're bulletproof.

Agreed. I've used it for a month or so, and, well, it's still there. I think. :dunno

[ELCID86]

Agreed. I've used it for a month or so, and, well, it's still there. I think. :dunno
Oh, you'd know!


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[NoVAphotog]

Will do thanks , now for that transmission fluid , so many different opinions on what to use . I still don't know

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

According to the most recent Mike Miller old school maintenance guide he calls for Redline MTL in any bmw manual transmission. He USED to recommend the mix of atf fluid and MTL if you lived in an area that is colder for longer but didn't see that in the recent one, just MTL.

Personally, I've had absolutely no issues with just MTL in a temperate environment even in bitter cold we've had in VA. But if I lived farther north it certainly can't hurt to do the mix. But I don't think it's really an issue whichever way you go it'll be better than before!


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[rguti153]

Oh k thanks

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[NickZHP]

Funny this was bumped because I'm doing a tranny and diff fluid change tomorrow. I think the torque specs on the drain and fill plugs that the OP posted are wrong though. According to this (http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=839867) and this (http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diff_fluid.htm) it's supposed to be 48 ft-lb.

Also I have new seal rings (#07-11-9-963-355) for the diff plugs but can someone help me out with a part number for the new seal rings/crush washers I need for the tranny?

[danewilson77]

Funny this was bumped because I'm doing a tranny and diff fluid change tomorrow. I think the torque specs on the drain and fill plugs that the OP posted are wrong though. According to this (http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=839867) and this (http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diff_fluid.htm) it's supposed to be 48 ft-lb.

Also I have new seal rings (#07-11-9-963-355) for the diff plugs but can someone help me out with a part number for the new seal rings/crush washers I need for the tranny?
48 ft-lbs seems like an awful lot to me, but I don't know the spec for sure, to refute what you say.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[NickZHP]

48 ft-lbs seems like an awful lot to me, but I don't know the spec for sure, to refute what you say.

Sent from an S6 Edge

The guy apparently got it from the Bentley Manual. I'm no expert so I could be wrong but everywhere I read says around 44 ft-lb.