Differential oil change

[Grave]

Good evening fellas.
It's been around 9 days that I m reading non stop information, and honestly, the more I read the more confused I become. I got two weeks ago my Z3 1.9 1997 with 98.000km. From mdecoder and bimmer with my VIN, I saw in both websites that I have the option S209(if these sites are trustworthy). From my understanding all z3 1.9 until 1999 came with an open differential, but if you have the option S209 its a Torsen.

From my research I found out that I need 75W90. My question is, is required the oil to be 'with limited slip' because of the S209?
Or I need 75W110/140?


Thank you for your time reading this, cheers

 

[t-tony]

If you look on the gearbox you'll likely find a label attached telling you what oil it is filled with. Possibly on the diff. too.

Tony.

 

[colb]

ATF will be fine for the gearbox, use it in my 1.9 1999 model.
As to the Diff I use 75W90 Diff oil from Opie Oils.com who have a choice of Brands. You will need 2 new sealing washers originals are alloy and they corrode. You will need 2 litre bottles as the diff takes just over 1 litre to refill.
How to do this here https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/te...AXLES-Rear_Differential_Fluid_Replacement.htm
Gearbox fill and drain plugs are tapered thread and do not have sealing washers, just ensure you take the filler plug out first before you drain the box.

 

[Grave]

I've still haven't find any oil info about the 25% limited slip differential form the S209
It seems that 75W90 is what most people use, but I don't know if I need oil with limited slip. Cause most 75W90 say that they are not to be used with slip.
Anyone got the same in an old model like mine?

 

[elevensies]

thats a really good write up on changing the fluid thanks.

 

[Nodzed]

Good evening fellas.
It's been around 9 days that I m reading non stop information, and honestly, the more I read the more confused I become. I got two weeks ago my Z3 1.9 1997 with 98.000km. From mdecoder and bimmer with my VIN, I saw in both websites that I have the option S209(if these sites are trustworthy). From my understanding all z3 1.9 until 1999 came with an open differential, but if you have the option S209 its a Torsen.

From my research I found out that I need 75W90. My question is, is required the oil to be 'with limited slip' because of the S209?
Or I need 75W110/140?


Thank you for your time reading this, cheers

As I hinted in my previous post on your previous thread, you need to be sure its a Torsen as I don't think they were fitted before 1999.


"The BMW tech training materials say that the Torsens came out with model year '99, at the same time as the dual-vanos M52tu motor. Prior to that they (officially) would have had clutch-pack differentials."

This is from Torsen

"Typically, heavier oil weights provide better protection since they leave a heaver film of oil on parts. This provides better lubrication, it also can provide better shock protection. It is worth noting, however, that the heavier the oil film is, the more it will reduce locking effect (or torque bias ratio) of the differential. Essentially, anything that reduces friction in the diff reduces its locking characteristic. Between 75W90 and 75W140, you probably won’t know the difference. Also, heavier weight oils typically absorb and handle high heat better before breaking down. With all of that in mind, I would personally use the 75W140."

 

[Grave]

As I hinted in my previous post on your previous thread, you need to be sure its a Torsen as I don't think they were fitted before 1999.


"The BMW tech training materials say that the Torsens came out with model year '99, at the same time as the dual-vanos M52tu motor. Prior to that they (officially) would have had clutch-pack differentials."

This is from Torsen

"Typically, heavier oil weights provide better protection since they leave a heaver film of oil on parts. This provides better lubrication, it also can provide better shock protection. It is worth noting, however, that the heavier the oil film is, the more it will reduce locking effect (or torque bias ratio) of the differential. Essentially, anything that reduces friction in the diff reduces its locking characteristic. Between 75W90 and 75W140, you probably won’t know the difference. Also, heavier weight oils typically absorb and handle high heat better before breaking down. With all of that in mind, I would personally use the 75W140."

That's very helpful. Thank you very much.
I've read the same about the pre 1999, but the S209 was supposed to be an option to add the Torsen in the standard versions.
Is the 'with limited slip' essential?

 

[Daz7401]

I used this in my Dec 99 M52TU2.8.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Have a watch of this, Torsen diffs don't need LSD oil.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEiSTzK-A2A