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Thread: What differential fluid to use

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    What differential fluid to use

    I have an 01 330ci with 140k I don't think the differential fluid was ever changed I wondering what weight do I need I think I'll get royal purple from my experience with the brand so far

  2. #2
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    75w90
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  3. #3
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    I have used RP 75w140 on BMW without issues. 75w90 or 75w140 will work.
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  4. #4
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    I think 75w140 is used on LSD
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  5. #5
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    The diff is an open diff. Use Redline 75W-90NS.

  6. #6
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    E36 M3, E39 M5, C4S, 8V.
    Redline 75W90

  7. #7
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    2006 330i
    Redline 75W90 is what I use.

  8. #8
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    e46
    +1 on Redline 75w90

  9. #9
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    +1 redline for tranny/diff/& ps
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by E46 Dude View Post
    +1 redline for tranny/diff/& ps
    +1!

  11. #11
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    I would use redline but I don't have the money and I plan to change it more often now keeping my fluids fresh and clean what's your option on Lucas diff fluid?

  12. #12
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    1 or 2 bottles of Red Line Diff fluid wont brake the bank man..
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  13. #13
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    I used half Redline 75W-90 & half Shockproof Heavy last time I changed the diff fluid. Overkill but that's what I had in the garage left over from other projects. Averaging 30 mpg highway, so I know it's not dragging. Will probably never change it again as long as I have the car.

    I have no experience with Lucas, but any synthetic 75W-90 should work fine.
    Last edited by hitbyastick; 07-10-2013 at 04:50 PM.

  14. #14
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    I've been using Mobil 1 75W-90 in both my transmission and differential for the last 14 years and 352,000 miles without incident. I change it every 60k religiously. just my two and a half cents worth...
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  15. #15
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    Quality 75w90 synthetic fluid (LINK) is all the E46 Non M differential requires. RedLine 75w90 and the European BMW diff fluid are two of our most popular options.




  16. #16
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    I just did some searching and redline is not expensive I was looking at the price of a set more than a quart. Oops. It is also the fact that its hard to come by at the stores any idea where I can get some at the store I want to do it now.

  17. #17
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    2004 330Ci
    Quote Originally Posted by ECSTuning View Post
    Quality 75w90 synthetic fluid (LINK) is all the E46 Non M differential requires. RedLine 75w90 and the European BMW diff fluid are two of our most popular options.
    I suggested the BMW oil given it's confirmed service performance according to the OP's mileage. But my suggestion was deleted. So I think the BMW oil is not allowed.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by zepickriller View Post
    I just did some searching and redline is not expensive I was looking at the price of a set more than a quart. Oops. It is also the fact that its hard to come by at the stores any idea where I can get some at the store I want to do it now.
    There are numerous vendors selling Redline on the Internet. Try amazon, OG Racing.

  19. #19
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    Oct 2008
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    325CI manual
    Quote Originally Posted by GoingNuts View Post
    I suggested the BMW oil given it's confirmed service performance according to the OP's mileage. But my suggestion was deleted. So I think the BMW oil is not allowed.
    It's a very average Group IV base stock fluid with an ordinary additive package. Far better performing gear and trans oils available such as the Group V (POE) base stock Redline. NEO, Millers are others worth considering.

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    Have been using Mobil 1 75w90 in my BMW's for a while, no issues ever. Occasionally I'll order some Redline, never noticed a real difference between the two to be honest.

    Just put some Mobil 1 in my E46 330i ZHP, check out my DIY:



    Link: https://youtu.be/VoZOvgP6Pag

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