Delvac 75w90 in bmw differentials?

[Jerrysends]

Would Delvac 75w90 synthetic gear oil be a good differential fluid (F/R) for my 2011 328ix BMW?

I am using this already in my GMC Sierra. It would be great if I could use the same fluid in both applications.

 

[GSCJR]

I would if it were mine.

 

[f355spider]

For the rear that is fine it is not fussy.
The front transfer case takes a very specific fluid. Here is it: After market fluid:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-transfer-case-service-kit-83222409710kt2

Factory BMW fluid:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-transfer-case-service-kit-atc300svckit

Note you do not need to order the drain and fill plugs, you can reuse yours. They have an o-ring seal built into them.
The front transfer case only takes about 3/4 of a liter, so one bottle is sufficient, you may only get 1/2 liter max out.
For the $10 difference, I would use the factory fluid, though it is claimed the S-Tech is the BMW supplier, so they are identical.

Front transfer case procedure:

 

[Jerrysends]

Aren't there 2 differentials (Delvac) and a transfer case (BMW or S-Tech fluid) ?

 

[f355spider]

Aren't there 2 differentials (Delvac) and a transfer case (BMW or S-Tech fluid) ?

Rear diff, front transfer case. And the transmission of course.
I do them all at the same time, around every 50k to 60k...that's just me, as I keep stuff forever.

 

[BMW Dom]

Any synthetic 75w90 gl5 is good for the front and rear differential.

I would recommend a replacement drain and fill plug (3 total) as my rear plug gasket got messed up when trying to reuse it, causing a leak

 

[Jerrysends]

Rear diff, front transfer case. And the transmission of course.
I do them all at the same time, around every 50k to 60k...that's just me, as I keep stuff forever.

So the x drive does not have a front differential?

 

[BMW Dom]

So the x drive does not have a front differential?

of course it has a front diff, it is the reason it has awd, it is bolted to oil pan

 

[f355spider]

So the x drive does not have a front differential?

Here is a link to a diagram of the system. Earlier version but similar: (I apologize for the confusion I caused)

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=29836836&postcount=67

 

[Jerrysends]

Here is a link to a diagram of the system. Earlier version but similar: (I apologize for the confusion I caused)

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=29836836&postcount=67

Thanks, the diagram is very helpful.
Happy Holidays!

 

[barkingspider]

Delvac 75w90 is perfect for your Sierra and will be good in your BMW.

 

[edyvw]

Let’s be clear:

There is front differential!
There is transfer case!
There is rear differential!
I just did this job today!replace plugs. Washer is built inside and it is from soft material.
Delvac 75W90 is exceptional fluid.
In Transfer case, use strictly BMW DTF-1. Transfer case is higher priority than differentials. Don’t forget to reset values after changing fluid in TC!!!

 

[Jerrysends]

Nice lift setup!
Did you also do transmission fluid with it on the lift?
Which of these is most difficult?

 

[edyvw]

Nice lift setup!
Did you also do transmission fluid with it on the lift?
Which of these is most difficult?

Yes. Mine is manual though, super easy!
Transfer Case is the one. But, nothing dramatic. You must remove bracket that holds TC. That is why I had Daytona suppoting TC. FCP has nice video, except on LCI fill plug is on a side.

As always, first loosen fill plug, than drain plug!

 

[f355spider]

 

[edyvw]

His is E90.
I think on F30 front also doesn’t have a drain plug and TC is also just one plug.

 

[BMW Dom]

This makes me happy that I have RWD

 

[burbguy82]

I am using this already in my GMC Sierra

If it is LSD, then you are using the wrong oil. If not LSD, then it is ok.

 

[edyvw]

This makes me happy that I have RWD

AWD adds 30min work on E90 compared to RWD.

 

[f355spider]

If it is LSD, then you are using the wrong oil. If not LSD, then it is ok.

Nope...only M cars and some of the "M lite" cars like the newer M550ix