RE: <E21> 1982, 320i Differential oil change

[Thi VanAusdal <tvanausdal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Could someone please let me know how to go about changing the
differential
>oil on a 1982 E21 320i with a manual transmission?  I can't seem to
locate
>both the drain and fill plugs.  Only one seems to be evident; not sure
>which one it is though.  Thanks.

> Could someone please let me know how to go about changing the manual
> transmission oil on a 1982 E21 320i.  Also any recommendations on
which
> fluid to use would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

> Peter

Peter,
The differential fill plug is on the back end of the diff, halfway
up the side.  The idea is that you fill until gear oil level is at
the bottom of the hole.  
Let me tell you this:  REMOVE THE FILL PLUG FIRST.  If you cannot remove
the fill plug, you need to know this BEFORE you take the drain plug
out!  Otherwise, you'll have to flip the car over to fill the damned
diff. :)  The plug takes a 10mm Allen Key.  However, due to the age
and size of fastener, you would lose less hair and knuckle skin by
getting a 10mm Allen SOCKET.

The diff drain plug is at the bottom of the differential, either
pointing
down or at the bottom edge, facing parallel to the ground.  Also 10mm
Allen.

The transmission plug setup is similar, with a fill (up to here) plug on
the side of the differential taking a 17mm Allen key or socket.  The
drain plug is at the bottom of the tranny, at the rearward end of the 
unit.  Same rule for tranny: remove fill plug first.

With a 320i, you have a little bit of tunnel space, unlike a 2002, which
is practically a press fit :o , so you might be able to get that big
Allen
key in.  If you can't, then use a 1.5-2" length of 17mm hey key (saw it
off!)
and a 17mm wrench to turn it.  

Been there, done that, dirtied my t-shirt.
 - Thi V.
'68,'68,'72,'75,'76,'72 2002s,
'83,'82,'78,'78,'77 320i's, 
'78 323i
All gone but the '72 now ... and it's for sale ...

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