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Thread: 2001 E46 Differential Leaking

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2013
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    South Bay
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    2
    My Cars
    2001 325i

    2001 E46 Differential Leaking

    Hello All,

    So for the past couple days my 2001 325i has been leaking fluid from the differential, it's not for the CV joint or output/input shafts it's leaking from the diff cover. I was wondering is it possible to reseal the differential while it's still on the car? or does it need to be removed? Any DIY articles would help...I've searched but still can't find anyone who has done it with the differential still attached to the car. Also what sealent, and what diff oil would you recommend?
    Last edited by OVRST33R; 05-25-2013 at 12:52 AM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    alabama
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    2002 bmw 325
    something tells me you have to remove the diff to reseal it. I would also replace the axle seals while its out. 75-90 syn gear oil will work.
    02 BMW 325
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    GOIN BROKE BUT N STYLE

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2013
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    South Bay
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    My Cars
    2001 325i
    So I got too work on the car today figured out the leak was caused by the diff cover being EXTREMELY loose I mean a baby could have unscrewed the damn thing. So I torqued the bolts down pretty good and applied some RTV black silicone around bottom of the diff for extra security, and the leak has stopped. I also found another leak coming from the drain/fill on the trans (it's a manual) I also changed the trans fluid while I was at it...that slow leak actually ended up being about 1/2 quart missing! I tightened up the bolts applied more RTV around the bolts. I just checked no more leaks runs like a champ.

  4. #4
    hooRAH is offline Certified Ziptie Mechanic
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
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    West Palm Beach
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    2,394
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    01 330Ci 5spd
    I'm glad you got it worked out. I was going to suggest, before you pulled the diff cover, to clean everything and find where the leak was coming from.

    I went through the same thing, and in my case, after cleaning, I realized that the leak was coming from one of the bolts going into the diff cover. Pulled the bolt, covered it in RTV, and stuck in back in. No leaks since then.

    IIRC, the diff cover actually has the rear mount in it, so if you want to remove the diff cover you'll need to support the diff with a jack.
    01 330Ci 5spd / 07 Honda Pilot EX-L
    Will read/reset SRS codes in South Florida for beer money


  5. #5
    nathancarter is offline Stretch Haters Club #1 BMW CCA Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Tampa, FL
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    11,328
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    2002 330i 131k
    Just a little additional information:

    BMW used to use a gasket for the diff housing, but it's been discontinued. If the cover is removed, it is to be resealed with a RTV or other gasket-maker paste. RealOEM calls for Loctite 5970.

    For my 330i, similar for other models:
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...34&hg=33&fg=10

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