Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Rear diff fill plug

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cenral PA
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    87 325is,91 318is,R53MCS

    Rear diff fill plug

    Trying to swap diff fluid but the fill plug is facing the fuel tank. I don’t have a tool slim enough to fit between, is there a DIY posted for this? I’ve seen the e34 DIY but it’s clearly a different layout under there.
    Is there other disassembly required to gain access to the fill plug?

    Thanks for any guidance!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Green Bay, WI
    Posts
    1,332
    My Cars
    1992 750il / 1991 560 SE
    Scroll down to the last two pics on this page. Its a good trick to get at it. You might have to buy a couple items, but if it saves you a headache, do it. Shogun maybe has another idea.

    http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/di...OutputSeal.htm
    ______________________________
    1992 750iL

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cenral PA
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    87 325is,91 318is,R53MCS
    That’s interesting, but i don’t have a hex bit or fancy box wrenches lol.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,654
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    I did it the same way as in the link from unity done by Sean750. The box wrench is a standard one, probably you have that, hex bit is cheap.
    Or check in your tool box if you have a hex key wrench Set, use the right size and a pipe as extension for more power.
    Note: before you open the drain plug, first see if you can open/remove the fill plug.

    And here you have some pics of the drain plug https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/33117525064/
    Last edited by shogun; 05-12-2018 at 10:13 PM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Albuquerque, NM
    Posts
    1,206
    My Cars
    way too many
    Some diff fill plugs have a 14mm hex socket indent, which is conveniently close to the 9/16" hex head on a 3/8" bolt. Grip the bolt shank as hard as you can. You may need to file the flats slightly to get it to seat all the way into the socket. If you try this, get at least a Grade 5 bolt (3 hash marks) or better, a Grade 8 (6 hash marks). If yours has a 10mm hex, then I don't recommend this method as the 6mm bolt will surely twist the head off in the socket.

    diffw.jpg

    You might get lucky and find an all-thread coupler nut or 1/4" NPT hex coupler at Home Depot, etc., to use with a box end wrench as per the previous link:

    the-hillman-group-rod-coupling-nuts-45132-64_400_compressed.jpg
    Last edited by TheStigg; 05-12-2018 at 10:21 PM.
    ​"The US Olympics bobsled team has renamed their sled 'Biden' because nothing has taken America downhill faster"

    TheStigg (aka "gale")
    92 735i 5-spd, turbo pending
    89 535i 5-spd (may she rest in pieces)
    94 325ic 5-spd
    87 325is

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,654
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    shoot some pics how you finally did it and which tools you used.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cenral PA
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    87 325is,91 318is,R53MCS
    I have an Allen key set (hex) but only goes up to 10mm. I’ll try to hit Harbor Freight tomorrow and figure something out.

    thanks for the ideas, I’m sure I’ll make one of them work for me.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Lincoln, NE
    Posts
    272
    My Cars
    91 735iL
    I had the same problem. I bought this wrench from BavAuto and it worked well!

    https://www.bavauto.com/bmw-wrench-b8800025

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    264
    My Cars
    325xi; 740i
    I actually ended up ordering a 17mm stubby hex socket from amazon, it fit perfectly in there. If I remember right upon reinstallation I had to thread it in there the first few turns before my socket and ratchet would fit but it did allow the use of a breaker bar to get it loose.
    New Daily:
    2011 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T prestige. 1 of 368

    ----FOR SALE-----
    04 BMW 325xi 143k


    The Fun car:
    94' BMW 740i 308k miles

    Fresh 72k mile engine with all new seals. True E34 Manual Trans Engine Harness. 6spd Transmission Swap, Getrag 420G. RHD LW Single Mass Flywheel. E39 M5 Clutch. E39 M5 Shifter. Factory Car Phone. Factory 6CD Changer. Factory Electric Sunshade. Not So Factory Factory Electric/Heated Rear Seats. E38 Heater Valves. E43 M5 calipers/brakes

    Sold:
    1996 Oldsmobile Aurora; 194k miles but with a bad paint job and dented fender resulting in a payout to buy the 740i

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cenral PA
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    87 325is,91 318is,R53MCS
    I’m feeling dumb now. I never bothered to actually try to match up my Allen key to the plug.
    the plug is not 14mm it’s actually 10mm (Allen key) which i do have.

    So basically all i need now is a pipe to extend off the Allen key, but short enough to clear the floor. (No lift here)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,654
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    How about an angled pipe as enforcer? which E32 do you have, maybe it depends on the size of the final drive? Double check the size of fitting allen key.
    Bentley manual says on page 331-1 and there is no difference between E32 models:
    Use a 14mm allen bit socket to remove the drain plug. Alternatively cut approx 30mm (1.2 in.) from an allen key and use an open wrench on the key stub.
    tightening torque
    oil drain plug 70 Nm 52 ft-lb
    oil fill plug 70 Nm 52 ft-lb

    EDIT: just checked on my spare final drive which comes out of an 11/1993 750iL = large case final drive, the fill plug is not 14mm it’s actually 10mm (Allen key), confirmed to fit.
    The drain plug is with hex head.
    Bentley is wrong here.
    Last edited by shogun; 05-14-2018 at 12:07 AM. Reason: added info
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cenral PA
    Posts
    150
    My Cars
    87 325is,91 318is,R53MCS

    Diff plug

    See photo, both my plugs were 10mm Allen. Removal required a box wrench extension and busted knuckles.

    fresh fluid is in, success!

    thanks all!
    Attached Images Attached Images

Similar Threads

  1. Need advice on unscrewing e36 tranny fill plug
    By GRIDLOCK in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 02-27-2004, 07:15 PM
  2. Differential Drain + Fill Plug?
    By SR20Fastback in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 07-08-2003, 06:30 PM
  3. Differential Drain + Fill Plug?
    By SR20Fastback in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-07-2003, 11:04 PM
  4. What are the rear diff fill plug torque specs?
    By 318 ti in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-13-2003, 03:50 PM
  5. Rear fill Q
    By Kenshiro in forum Car Audio & Electronics sponsored by Bavsound
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 07-27-2001, 11:14 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •