E83 X3 2.5i Diff Swap - Help

[Cuda]

Hey guys, I really could use some help on a rear diff swap for my wifes x3. The current one is grinding really bad and I managed to source a used one for about $350. I understand the process is as below;

1. Jack up car & Remove heat-shields, etc. I plan on using ramps on the rear wheels...thoughts?
2. Disconnect axles - Im not sure about the size of these torx bolts, anyone know?
3. Disconnect driveshaft
4. Remove rear subframe bolts
5. Remove front subframe bolts - top (are these accessible without dropping the subframe?)
6. Reinstall new diff in reverse

If anyone can provide a more detailed process to completing this on the E83, some tips would be welcome. Also any idea how long this could take? I have decent mechanical skills and have diy'd around e36s for some years.

I plan on doing this over the weekend, thanks!!

[vinyldude]

Some initial thoughts.

I don't know if messing with the rear subframe is needed, but if it turns out it needs to be lowered, the car needs to be on jack stands. IMO ramps will not make this kind of job easier typically. You might benefit from the space and visibility anyway when the wheels are out.

Those axle and drive shaft bolts are not torx, but "inverse torx" ones. Make sure you have a set of E-sockets for this. You will also typically need new bolts and cannot use the old ones. The drive shaft and axle bolts are stretch bolts where there is some initial torque and then torque angle in the tightening procedure.

The differential is heavy, and to put it back in place you will need either helping hands or (preferably) a transmission jack or something similar.

You'll want to check or flush the differential fluid after the procedure, and I would also drop the fluid before taking the old differential out.

[Cuda]

Thanks vinyldude for your input!

Definitely good to have more space & light with wheels off, hehe thought I'd save some time if I left the wheels on but would definitely appreciate extra light down there.
I will be getting new bolts and changing the fluid before I put in the replacement, I have read others use Mobil 1 Gear oil...will this be good enough or should I pick up some from the dealer?

[vinyldude]

The spec fluid is SAF-XO, which I believe is not available anymore. I don't know what the dealer supplied fluid is currently, but that would be the safest bet. When I did the front differential recently, I used Castrol Syntrax 75w-90. It is all debatable though what to use.