Recommended Diff Oil - 3.0i manual

JSz4

Member
I've owned my 3.0i manual E85 for 8 years, 35k miles/6 years ago I renewed the gearbox oil with 50/50 mix of Redline MTL 75w-80 GL4 and Redline ATF D4 and was really pleased with result.

The Diff/drive shaft seal has had a slight weep for several years but haven't had any issues with the Diff although just reached 130k and noticing heat in the boot recently. Therefore thought it would be sensible to have the Diff checked and oil renewed.

What Diff oil is recommended now? I've searched but conscious lot or threads are very old.
Was thinking of; https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-1017-r...90ns-gl5-non-limited-slip.aspx?variantid=1254


Thanks for any advice
 
It wont be the diff that's causing that. Don't forget the exhaust is right under there.

Diff's are incredibly robust and will handle a lot of abuse before gradually getting noisy.
 
75W 90 Diff Oil, you need 2 litres as it takes just over 1 litre, ensure you can get the filler plug out before draining and get two new sealing washers as the originals will have corroded by now.
Opie have a fair choice to choose from here https://www.opieoils.co.uk/search.aspx?search=differential%20oil
 
Good tip - always do the filler plug first. If you get the drain plug out and cannot get the filler plug out then you are stuffed!
 
Thanks for replies. Yes, thinking likely exhaust is causing the heat Rockhopper, will try to get it to a garage to check that area out but thought good excuse to renew Diff oil at same time.

Thanks colb, had read conflicting info, some saying just under 1lt and others saying just over 1lt so will make sure I get extra.
I'll get the replacement washers, assume 1 for the drain and one for the fill bolt?

Saw Opie had lot of choice, any brand of 75w-90 oil in particular recommended?

Thanks
 
You fill it until it starts trickle out of the fill hole. Apparently not all diffs have a drain plug so you might have to pump it out through the fill hole. If you have one it’ll be a 14mm hex, the fill plug is not that easy to get to.
 
I went for 2L of Motul Gear 300 75w-90 and replacement plugs and washers from BMW (checked and do have a drain plug), hopefully get round to changing it soon. Thanks for the replies and advice
 
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